FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil or Germany or Argentina, who India's top CEOs and celebrities are cheering for

Amitabh Malhotra
Managing director and head global banking, HSBC
Team he supports: Brazil
My favourite team is Brazil, for the brand of football they play, right from the days of the legendary Zico and Sócrates. A lot of their players play across French, Spanish and EPL, which makes them versatile. Football really brings out a combination of individual brilliance and the team sport. It teaches one to work with others, understand their potential and brings out the best from each other. Vinicius Jr, Alisson Becker and Ederson are my favourite players. While I want Brazil to win in Qatar, one should never rule out Germany or Argentina.

Anish Achuthan
Co-founder and CEO, Open
Team he supports: Argentina
It’s always been Argentina ever since the Maradona era. If you notice Argentinian fans, you can clearly see that they are different from the others. A lot of people give up on their teams after a series of lacklustre performances and other reasons. An Argentinian fan has seen magic manifesting in front of their eyes in the form of their football team. It may not have the 11 best players in the world, but when they play together, they are all in for the team and the fans. For me, Argentina is all about the team before self.

Nikhil Kamath
Co-founder, True Beacon and Zerodha
Team he supports: Brazil
Brazil has won the most World Cup titles in the history of FIFA, and they revolutionised the game of football. Brazilian players, such as Neymar, also have a more refined touch, having played futsal, football’s dizzying-paced counterpart. Globally, Brazil has popularised football more than any other country. It may be quixotic, but I find many parallels between India’s enthused spirit and Brazil’s love for football.

Vikram Utamsingh
Country leader and managing director, Alvarez & Marsal
Team he supports: Belgium
Belgium has been witnessing their golden generation over the past 10 years, just as Netherlands did in the 70s and again in the late 1980s. They may almost start out now [at Qatar] as underdogs, and this is their last chance to win a major… their players will be too old next time. I enjoy supporting the underdogs. Kevin De Bruyne is my favourite player. Fingers crossed, they will really do well this time. If not Belgium, Argentina is the team to watch out for and stands a chance to win.

Sunil Vachani
Co-founder and chairman, Dixon Technologies
Team he supports: Germany
At the FIFA World Cup, I’m going to support Germany. What I like about Germany is that they have a solid defence. I feel their style [of playing football] is quite similar to my approach to business. I am quite a conservative entrepreneur, but when needed, I hit the aggression peddle.
I have been an avid football fan for many years now—since the time I was studying in London. I used to be a Manchester United fan up until a few years back. My son is an ardent Chelsea fan, and I went to watch a few matches with him in London. Since then, I’ve also turned into a Chelsea fan.
As far as India goes, it’s great to see many corporates promoting football now. In some regions, it is far more popular than cricket. I do feel that a lot of our youth today is connecting to football in the way that has never happened before. So I do hope that in the coming 10 years, we find a way into the World Cup.

Shreyas Iyer,
Cricketer
Team he supports: Brazil
My favourite international football team is Brazil because of its rich history, the number of World Cups they have won and their amazing team camaraderie. Right from the time of Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Robinho to the current group of players, who are outstanding technically, very skillfull and have some amazing talent such as Neymar, Coutinho, Vinicius Jnr, Thiago Silva... I love their mindset during the games and that’s what made me support them over the years.

Yannick Colaco
Co-founder, FanCode
Team he supports: Brazil
Ever since I fell in love with the game as a child, Brazil has been my favourite team. They have always played with flair, and a sense of joy which exudes from everything they do—from a simple pass to celebrating a goal. I’ve been in awe of their unbelievably skilled superstars over the years from Cafu, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, to my favourite of the current generation, Vinicius Junior. The team’s phenomenal success has been because of its ability in blending supremely talented individuals into playing as a cohesive team. 

Armaan Malik
Singer-songwriter
Team he supports: Germany
I’m an ardent supporter of the German team. I love the German style of playing—their ability to keep possession throughout the game and score goals in key minutes is what separates them from the others. Also, I’m a massive Bayern Munich fan and the German national squad has most of the leading Bayern players. Germans have an eye for detail in everything they do, and football is no different. Their planning and strategy are always on point and I believe they are the strongest contenders for the World Cup.