More than three years have passed since Lionel Messi and Argentina hoisted the World Cup trophy in Qatar after that electrifying final triumph against France. Now, the 2026 tournament draws ever closer.
Following the previous winter competition, football’s ultimate spectacle returns to the traditional summer slot, with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as joint hosts, and for the first time ever, 48 nations will compete in the finals. That translates to 104 matches spanning just over five weeks in what promises to be an absolutely captivating treat for supporters worldwide.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, we’ve asked our leading football correspondents to share their selections and offer their forecasts for what’s being billed as the most expansive and ambitious FIFA World Cup in history.
John Cross
Winner: Spain.
Final four: Argentina, Spain, France, England.
Dark horse: Ecuador.
Top scorer: Julian Alvarez.
Best player: Lamine Yamal.
Apologies for being so conventional, but I’m backing the four top nations to reach the semi-finals in this fresh tennis-style format. I’m genuinely fond of this new structure as it’s thrilling to chart the nations and their journey through each stage… though history shows us it seldom – if ever – unfolds as expected.
However, the leading quartet – Argentina, Spain, France, and England – represent the standout sides in the competition, in my opinion. And I’m partial to a blockbuster final following plenty of surprises and compelling narratives in the knockout rounds and group stages.
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We can’t escape the reality that America comes with a hefty price tag, and it’s a massive demand on supporters to trek across three nations with Canada and Mexico sharing hosting duties. However, fans must turn out in droves because their passion, spectacle and devotion are what truly make any tournament special.
My stint at the Club World Cup last summer brought unpredictable conditions, blistering temperatures and a superbly run competition. American supporters fork out considerably more for their sporting spectacles and concerts than we’re accustomed to on this side of the pond.
Yet England’s travelling army, to their everlasting credit, always manage to make it happen and they’ll journey with genuine belief that Thomas Tuchel can deliver the goods.
I reckon England are the underdogs amongst the quartet due to the sweltering conditions and because the squad is experiencing a transitional phase in certain areas. England boast a phenomenal frontman in Harry Kane, exceptional midfield talent in Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, plus outstanding wide operators like Bukayo Saka.
Perhaps the backline isn’t quite as solid or established as it once was. Ezri Konsa remains a Tuchel darling whilst Marc Guehi is his go-to defender, alongside Reece James. Quality operators all, but it’s a tall order.
Spain strike me as the strongest outfit – they possess a player capable of stealing the spotlight in Lamine Yamal, and they’re the pick of the final quartet.
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Jeremy Cross
Winner: Argentina.
Final four: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany.
Dark horse: Morocco.
Top scorer: Kylian Mbappe.
Best player: Lamine Yamal
This will be a World Cup unlike any other. Scorching heat, varying time zones and extensive travel will create hurdles for every competing nation, not to mention the supporters planning their journeys.
Add in the likelihood that U.S. President Donald Trump will grab this golden chance to indulge his ego-driven tendencies, and virtually anything is possible.
This tournament represents Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance, and he’ll be determined to secure consecutive titles to crown an extraordinary career. His talent is so exceptional that only a reckless punter would wager against him departing spectacularly.
Meanwhile, can Lamine Yamal build on his Euro 2024 heroics and dazzle on football’s grandest platform?
The youngster has been touted as Messi’s successor, making this the perfect opportunity to validate those claims.
Predicting a champion proves tricky, but World Cups typically fall to the most formidable sides, making it hard to overlook contenders like Argentina, France and Spain.
Andy Dunn
Winner: Argentina.
Final four: Spain, France, Argentina, England.
Dark horse: Ecuador.
Top scorer: Harry Kane.
Best player: Lautaro Martinez.
Just two nations in World Cup folklore have claimed successive tournaments – Italy in 1934 and 1938, plus Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina rank amongst the three sides who’ve since come tantalisingly close to defending their crown, enduring a tight and somewhat disputed defeat to Germany in 1990 following their Diego Maradona-inspired glory in 1986. Come 2026, they possess every opportunity to achieve the double.
The weather won’t be a problem, and with a perfect mix of seasoned pros and players in their prime, expect Lionel Messi to deliver some magic, even as he approaches his 39th birthday during the tournament.
Lautaro Martinez remains somewhat underappreciated among top-tier strikers. In Lionel Scaloni, Argentina boasts an international manager with an impressive record, including one World Cup and two Copa Americas.
He’s only tasted defeat nine times in his 92 matches at the helm of La Albiceleste. My dark horse pick stays within South America: Ecuador. With Moises Caicedo anchoring their midfield, they’ll prove a tough nut to crack, despite lacking firepower upfront.
Given that many matches at this World Cup could be low-scoring, tight affairs, Ecuador might just surprise us all.
England should navigate their way to the semi-finals, and if Harry Kane maintains his current form, another Golden Boot could be on the cards. However, Thomas Tuchel’s lads may find themselves outmatched in the semis, with Spain and France – both of whom have bested England in recent major tournaments – being more realistic European contenders.
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Ryan Taylor
Winner: Spain.
Final four: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Dark horse: Senegal.
Top scorer: Kylian Mbappe.
Best player: Kylian Mbappe.
These predictions might seem… predictable, but I believe Spain’s technical prowess and possession-focused style will wear down opponents in the blistering heat.
I would be over the moon if England could go all the way, and I genuinely believe they have the potential, given the depth and quality of their squad. However, my only worry is the additional knockout round, which presents another physical and mental challenge on the winding road to victory.
France are always a formidable opponent, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they clinched the tournament, with players like Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise capable of causing trouble for any team. Senegal are my dark horses, but I also think the USA will perform exceptionally well, especially considering their favourable group draw.
My main observation is that I anticipate the players will be worn out after a long season, and I worry that the football – exacerbated by the hot weather – will lack finesse and become more about set-pieces and organisation. Substitutes will play a crucial role, and this should work in England’s favour.