Brazil striker Igor targets World Cup glory

Brazil striker Igor targets World Cup glory

Xinhua
04 Jun 2026, 12:15 GMT+

NEW JERSEY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Brazil striker Igor Thiago said Wednesday he is eager to make history as the South American team bids for its sixth World Cup title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 24-year-old described the June 11-July 19 tournament as a "unique chance" that he doesn't intend to waste.

"I'm very happy to be one of the players called up and to be able to be around these guys," he told a news conference.

"Having the chance to put our names in history is one of those special opportunities we get in life. I hope that when all of this is over, we can achieve our goal."

Igor has become one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers since joining Brentford from Club Brugge in 2024, scoring 22 goals in 46 top-flight appearances.

He earned his first Brazil call-up in March and has already scored two goals in three international appearances.

"It's the greatest achievement of my personal and professional life," he said of the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup.

"I always dreamed of playing for my country, but when you actually live this moment and arrive here, the feeling goes far beyond anything you imagined or dreamed of. I'm very grateful for everything."

Igor is the only traditional center forward in Brazil's squad, with wingers or second strikers making up the remainder of the attacking options.

He said he would be ready to perform if called upon by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"When you wear the national team shirt, I think you have to be prepared and ready for whatever comes," he said. "The pressure to always play our best football pushes us to bring out the best in ourselves. There is healthy competition for places and that's important for the national team."

Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13 before meeting Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

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