With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just days away, the question on every football fan's mind is the same: who will lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19? The expanded 48-team format brings more unpredictability, but the traditional powerhouses remain the bookmakers' favourites. Here's our breakdown of the top 5 contenders.
1. Argentina — Defending Champions
Argentina arrive in North America as the defending champions after their triumph in Qatar 2022. Drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, they have a manageable path out of the group stage. The squad boasts a blend of experience from the 2022 campaign and hungry young talent eager to make their mark.
Argentina's midfield creativity and depth across all positions make them difficult to beat in knockout football. Their tournament pedigree — two of the last three finals — speaks for itself. The big question is whether their ageing core can sustain peak form across a gruelling 39-day tournament in North American summer conditions.
2. France — The Perennial Threat
France are always in the conversation. Placed in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, they should cruise through to the knockout rounds. Les Bleus' squad is arguably the deepest in the tournament, with world-class options in every position and a bench that most nations would envy.
France have reached two of the last three World Cup finals (winning in 2018) and have the mentality for tournament football. Their combination of pace, power, and technical ability makes them a nightmare for any opponent. Watch for their young attackers to announce themselves on the biggest stage.
3. Brazil — Hungry for Redemption
Brazil's drought without a World Cup trophy stretches back to 2002, and the pressure to end it in 2026 is immense. Group C pits them against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland — a group they'll be expected to top comfortably. Brazil's attacking talent is staggering, with a new generation of forwards combining pace, skill, and goalscoring instinct.
The Selecao's question mark has always been defensive organization at the highest level. If they can tighten up at the back and avoid the collapses that cost them in recent tournaments, they have the individual quality to beat anyone. Playing in the Americas also means significant travelling support — expect a carnival atmosphere.
4. England — Knocking on the Door
England have been the nearly-men of recent tournaments — semi-finalists in 2018, finalists at Euro 2020, and quarter-finalists in 2022. Drawn in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, they face a familiar foe in Croatia but should qualify. The squad is packed with Premier League talent and tournament experience.
England's strength lies in their squad depth and set-piece threat. They've become masters of tournament football under recent management, grinding out results in knockout games. The question is whether they can finally convert their consistency into a first World Cup trophy since 1966. North American conditions and time zones may actually suit them.
5. Spain — The Style Masters
Spain's Euro 2024 triumph proved their new golden generation is the real deal. In Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, they face a tricky opponent in Uruguay but should emerge on top. Spain's possession-based football remains the benchmark, and their young squad combines technical excellence with physical intensity that previous Spanish teams lacked.
Their midfield control is suffocating, and their wide players provide devastating pace on the counter. Spain may well be the most complete team in the tournament when all 11 are clicking. If they can handle the physicality of knockout football — their one traditional weakness — they have the quality to go all the way.
Dark Horses to Watch
- Germany — Host nation neighbours often perform well, and Germany's new generation is exciting
- Portugal — A squad in transition but still brimming with talent across all positions
- Netherlands — Tactically astute and with a history of World Cup over-performance
- USA — Home advantage is massive, and this is the strongest US squad in decades
The beauty of the World Cup is that form goes out the window once the tournament starts. Any of these teams can win it — that's what makes it the greatest sporting event on earth.