World Cup 2026 Favourites and Predictions — Who Will Win the Tournament?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most open tournament in years. Argentina arrive as defending champions but France, Brazil, England and Spain all have genuine claims. With 48 teams and a longer tournament than ever before upsets are inevitable. Here is a breakdown of the contenders and who is most likely to lift the trophy on July 19.
| Country | Manager | Key Player | Assessment | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Didier Deschamps | Kylian Mbappe | Outright favourites with the most complete squad | Top Favourite |
| Argentina | Lionel Scaloni | Lionel Messi | Defending champions with Messi desperate for a final win | Top Favourite |
| Spain | Luis de la Fuente | Lamine Yamal | Euro 2024 winners with technically gifted squad | Top Favourite |
| England | Thomas Tuchel | Jude Bellingham | Strongest England squad in a generation | Contender |
| Brazil | Dorival Junior | Vinicius Jr | Five-time winners but inconsistent recently | Contender |
| Germany | Julian Nagelsmann | Kai Havertz | Always dangerous at major tournaments | Contender |
| Portugal | Roberto Martinez | Cristiano Ronaldo | Deep squad dependent on an ageing Ronaldo | Dark Horse |
| Netherlands | Ronald Koeman | Virgil van Dijk | Dark horses with genuine quality throughout | Dark Horse |
Dark Horses
- →Norway — Haaland at his first World Cup
- →Colombia — exciting young squad
- →Morocco — reached semis in 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the favourites to win World Cup 2026?
France are widely regarded as favourites with Kylian Mbappe leading their attack. Argentina as defending champions and Spain as Euro 2024 winners are also top contenders.
Can England win World Cup 2026?
England have one of the strongest squads in the tournament with Bellingham, Saka and Foden. Under Thomas Tuchel they are genuine contenders.
Will Argentina win World Cup 2026?
Argentina are among the favourites as defending champions. Messi is expected to play his final World Cup and his teammates will be desperate to win it for him.
Who won the last World Cup?
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup defeating France on penalties in one of the greatest finals ever played.
Are Brazil favourites for World Cup 2026?
Brazil are contenders but not outright favourites. They have been inconsistent in recent tournaments.
Who is the dark horse at World Cup 2026?
Norway are the standout dark horse. Erling Haaland is playing his first ever World Cup and Norway have a strong squad capable of causing upsets.
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