The holds a special place in Kaka's heart.
First and foremost, he was part of the squad that lifted the back at Korea/Japan 2002. Kaka then played in a further two tournaments – in Germany and South Africa – during a glittering career that took the one-time Sao Paulo prospect to the heights of European football with AC Milan and Real Madrid.
However, it was his final stopover, in the United States with MLS side Orlando City, which has made this North America 2026 tournament particularly appealing for Kaka, as he told the FIFA Podcast ahead of Sunday’s final.
“I think [it] exceeded expectation," he said. "There [was] some doubt about the 48 national teams but [in] the end we saw a lot of good games – I don’t remember any game that was not interesting.”
Kaka was speaking from New York, having played in the FIFA Legends Cup at Rockefeller Center. Yet his experience of the current global finals has spanned various venues and “incredible moments”, including supporting Brazil and witnessing up close the passion of fans from his home country as well as those of England and Norway.
“The [Brazil-Morocco] game here in New Jersey – with the Brazilian wave in Times Square – was really good,” he highlighted. “And the Norwegian [rowing] was really nice. I was in Miami for the [] game and at the end ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Hey Jude’ were incredible. These moments, for the fans, were incredible.
“For me to support in Miami was really nice,” added the former Seleção attacking midfielder, who was capped 92 times. “We won that game. I was there with my family, so [it] was a great moment for me.”
Kaka was only 20, and watching from the substitutes’ bench, when Brazil captured the World Cup trophy in Yokohama over two decades ago – the last of their five global titles. “Yeah, I had this great experience in 2002,” he recalls. “When I [held] the trophy it was one of the best moments in my life, for sure. It was amazing – you remember everything that you’ve done to be there, it’s a dream come true.”
He predicts that 2026 finalists and will be facing a similar “rollercoaster of emotions” in the build-up to this weekend's global showpiece fixture, elaborating: “[At] certain moments you are very confident, certain moments you are afraid, certain moments you are anxious. It’s really nice because you get this excitement. It’s a very special moment [to have] this opportunity to play a FIFA World Cup Final.”
And having reached the pinnacle himself, his advice to both sets of players is to “enjoy this great moment” – and for the rest of us, to make the most of “an amazing final”.
The FIFA Podcast takes fans to the heart of FIFA World Cup 2026™ with exclusive access, expert analysis and unforgettable stories from across Canada, Mexico and USA. Hosted by Olivia Buzaglo and Christian Vieri, the show features FIFA legends, current football stars and celebrity guests reflecting on the tournament’s biggest moments. From match reactions and behind-the-scenes insights to unique World Cup memories, each episode offers a fresh perspective on the beautiful game. .
Sources: FIFA Official
