The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one of the most anticipated tournaments in sports history. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it is the first world cup ever to feature 48 countries. While every country around the world dreams of themselves lifting the World Cup trophy on the stage, only a handful of teams have a genuine possibility to actually make the dream come true. Even though surprises can happen as it is a single-elimination tournament, only few countries are the contenders of the World Cup.
Again 2010, can the new Invincible Armada bring back the trophy to Spain?
As the World Cup is right around the corner, Spain enters the tournament as the top favorites according to many fans and experts. Spain’s national team has the most balanced squad in the whole World Cup. One of Spain’s greatest strengths is its midfield. For decades, Spain has been famous with a strong midfield controlling possession, and the current generation continues that tactic. Followed by Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’or winner, Pedri, Gavi, and Fabian Ruiz provide creativity and intelligence.
Spain also has one of the most promising football stars in the world: Lamine Yamal. This 18 year old genius attacker has already proved that he is a game-changing winger, who creates change, beats defenders, and scores crucial goals. Alongside a support with Nico Williams, Spain has one of the most fastest and dangerous attacking trio in the World Cup.
As this proves, Spain won the UEFA Euro 2024, which is the most highly regarded football competition among European national teams. Also, Spain finished as a runner-up in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
France: The Most Talented Team in the World
If Spain is regarded as the most balanced team in this competition, France is the
most talented team in the World Cup. For nearly a decade, France has consistently shown significant performance in the international football competition. And again, after winning the 2018 World Cup and finishing as a runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, Les Bleus is targeting another World Cup final.
The cornerstone of this legacy is Kylian Mbappe. Football’s one of the most famous stars currently. scored brilliant goals in the two World Cup finals. Even though Mbappe is getting a lot of criticism for the slump of his club, Mbappe’s elite speed, finishing ability, and big-game experience will be a rich asset for France.
Also, the French national team is known for its flexibility to win the game. Unlike other teams that have a one representative way to lead them to victory, France has numerous ways to unravel the game. They can dominate possession, attack through counterattacks via fast wingers like Mbappe or Olise, or rely on individual performance. In other words, France has a lot of weapons that opponents need to be aware of, which gives tactical pressure.
Messi’s Epic Poem completed! Can they win another one?
If someone were to ask about the greatest World Cup in history, a lot of football fans will arguably pick the 2022 World Cup. Even though there were a lot of stories in the 2022 World Cup, the main reason is Argentina’s run. Until 2022 even with the greatest football player of all time Lionel Messi, Argentina was not the champion of football since 1986. However, with unity of players to present their idol Messi with an ultimate dream, Argentina was able to win the World Cup after 36 years. Still, Argentina keeps showing elite performance in international football, and a lot of experts are expecting Argentina to win another one.
Argentina’s biggest strength is its team chemistry. The players understand their each role, trust each other, and demonstrate a strong dedication to their team. This was a key factor for Argentina to win the World Cup and two consecutive Copa America.
Another major strength of Argentina is tactical flexibility. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scalini showed tactical brilliance, making different formations and tactics in every single 7 games. The coach proved he is capable of adapting its tactic depending on the opponent. As a coach it is the most influential position in the battle of football, this gives a significance to Argentina.
Last Dance of football heroes: Can Ronaldo, Neymar, or Kane win their last chance?
Beside Spain, France, and Argentina, Portugal, Brazil, and England are regarded as the top contenders to win the World Cup. The 2026 World Cup is not just another opportunity, it is a last chance to complete the legacy.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest goal scorers in history, still has no World Cup championship unlike his rival Lionel Messi. As Ronaldo is 41 years old, it is his last chance for him and Portugal to complete the story. With a strong support from midfield, players such as Bruno Fernanadez, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, and Vitinha, Portugal aims to win their first World Cup ever. Also, Neymar Junior, once a brilliant genius to one of the tragic heroes, also aims to win his first major international trophy. Even though Neymar and his Brazil team seems to have a weaker squad than before, Brazil is still a legitimate contender. England, known to have the best domestic league in the world, has not won a World Cup since 1966. The England squad is full of talent. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and others provide quality throughout the game. As the 2026 World Cup can be a last-dance to their one of the greatest striker Harry Kane, the England national team needs to get the job done this time.
Alongside these teams, powerhouse Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium, Van Dijk’s Netherlands and strong underdogs Morocco, Norway, and Japan tended to have an anticipation.
The 2026 World Cup is here, after 4 years of anticipation, which country will smile at the end?
By. Seunghu Chi