Lakers star Luka Doncic reveals his favorite teams to watch at the 2026 World Cup

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Lakers star Luka Doncic reveals his favorite teams to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Ishaan Bhattacharya

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 ·

3 min read

Luka Doncic World Cup picks start with Brazil and Spain

Speaking in Slovenian, Doncic said he has been following the tournament closely, even if he cannot attend games in person despite serving as a World Cup ambassador in Los Angeles.

"Yes, I watch that of course. But unfortunately I won't be able to go there to watch it live even though I'm ambassador. But on TV I watch it all the time yes… Not really, maybe I root for some Brazil, Spain. But I don't have a favorite. I'm rooting for good games."

The answer fits Doncic. He grew up as an elite basketball prodigy inside Real Madrid, joining the club as a teenager and becoming a EuroLeague MVP before he reached the NBA.

That connection never faded. Doncic has repeatedly shown public love for Real Madrid's football team, reacted to Champions League wins, watched matches during NBA windows and returned to Madrid whenever his schedule or rehab allowed.

Slovenia did not give him a national-team option at this World Cup. They finished third in UEFA qualifying Group B behind Switzerland and Kosovo, ending with four points and missing the playoff route.

Doncic is free to watch as a neutral, or close to one, even if Brazil and Spain clearly pull at different parts of his football taste.

Photo by Jesus Orihuela/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Luka Doncic's interest in Brazil and Spain makes perfect sense

Brazil is already alive in Group C after drawing 1-1 with Morocco, then beating Haiti 3-0 through a Matheus Cunha brace and a Vinicius Junior goal. They face Scotland next, with first place still the expected finish but not yet locked because Morocco remains close.

Spain's path has started with more tension. Their 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde put pressure on the Saudi Arabia and Uruguay games, but they remain favorites to recover and push for the top of Group H.

Doncic being drawn to Brazil is easy to understand. Their best teams are built on rhythm, improvisation, and flair, the same qualities that make his own game so watchable.

Spain is the more personal pull. Doncic's Real Madrid history makes La Roja a natural team to monitor, especially with so many familiar cultural ties around Spanish football.

Still, his final answer may be the most honest. Doncic is watching for good games first, which is exactly how a true sports fan should watch a World Cup.

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