France, Spain, Argentina, England, Portugal are among favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. The WC organizers devised a schedule where the likely leaders won’t meet until later rounds.
Heading the list are France, known for attacking depth, led by Kylian Mbappe (12 goals in last two WCs), Ousmane Dembele. They were winners in 2018 and runnerup in 2022 under manager Didier Deschamps who retires after the WC. They take on Iraq, Norway (led by super scorer Erling Haaland), Senegal in Group I.
Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabel, Yeremy Pino power Spain. Luis de la Fuente debuts as manager along with super star Lamine Yamal on the wing when he returns after injury. Spain lost in the WC 22 final and won Euro 24. They play Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia in Group I.
For England expectations are always high. They are led by the scoring of Harry Kane, Declan Rice. They were second in Euro 24, overwhelming in WC qualifying 8-0, 22 goals scored, no goals allowed, Three Lions are playing more exciting soccer under new manager Thomas Tuchel. They face Croatia, Ghana, Panama in Group L.
Defending WC and 2024 Copa America champ Argentina remains in the mix due to superstar Lionel Messi (sixth WC) and nine returning starters. Only two teams have ever repeated (Italy and Brazil) with World Cup championships. Polished passers and a stingy defense are their hallmarks, They meet Algeria, Austria, Jordan in Group J.
Led by the scoring of Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Robert Martinez, Portugal is a strong challenger. The supporting cast of Jao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes gives the club a high ceiling for Rinaldo’s finale. They play possession soccer and face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia in Group K.
J.B.