SBT officially launched its World Cup coverage team on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which kicks off on June 11. Galvão Bueno, joined by Alexandre Pato, Juninho Paulista, Mauro Beting, and Tiago Leifert, will be the lead narrator for his 14th World Cup.
The 75-year-old commentator missed the launch event due to a back issue, as he revealed in a video shown before the press conference. Despite growing skepticism among Brazilian fans, Bueno expressed optimism about the national team and avoided diving into questions about Neymar’s potential call-up.
“I love that no one is believing in Brazil right now. When we were underdogs in 1994 and 2002, we won the World Cup. This team needs to grow. If they get past Morocco and then beat Scotland, they’ll build momentum. The jersey commands respect. Let’s go after them. It’s not over yet,” he said.
“Let’s wait for the squad announcement. Live on Monday. I think fans should know all the players on the preliminary list—it’s their right. Everyone asks me: ‘Will Neymar be called up?’ I have no idea,” he joked.
The São Paulo-based broadcaster has high expectations for its World Cup coverage, produced in partnership with N Sports. The promise is a tournament with the network’s identity, made “for the people,” blending information and entertainment while leveraging other areas of the channel.
“We’ve brought together the best possible team for a World Cup. It’s an important mix for SBT: information, lightness, fun, entertainment, always made for the Brazilian people,” said Tiago Galassi, SBT’s sports director.
The lineup also includes “Balanço da Copa,” a show hosted by Carol Barcellos (formerly of Globo) and Wallace Neguerê, who will provide daily updates on the tournament. Both will be based in São Paulo, not in the United States. “Everyone is very excited about this project. Galvão brings the weight of memories from past World Cups,” Carol commented.
Other members of SBT’s World Cup coverage team include Mauro Naves, Isabela Labate, André Galvão, Mano, Gabi Martins, André Hernan, Flávio Winicki, Renata Saporito, Nadine Bastos, and Nina Galiotte.
