The South Americans last won the crown in 2002, while they were humiliated on home soil two years ago in an embarrassing 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany.
But finally winning Olympic football gold has given Brazil a boost, as have decent performances that see them sit second in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Costa feels that under coach Tite, appointed in June, his team can be successful in Russia.
"I'm world champion with Brazil [in 2018]," he told Abendzeitung.
