With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only days away from kicking off on the 11 th of June, clear rankings have emerged at the very top of international football. Bookmakers suggests that Spain and France are joint favorites for football's greatest prize to lift it at the New York New Jersey Stadium on the 19 th of July. This is due to their exceptional depth and experience in previous major tournaments that both European nations have experienced.
The Barcelona core to La Roja
Spain goes into this tournament with the wind at their backs after an impressive unbeaten run in regulation time since October 2023. Having just lifted the Euro 2024 tournament where they topped the goalscoring charts with a total of 15 goals, Luis de la Fuente's side is largely dominated with Barcelona players.
The presence of Lamine Yamal provides Spain with a real tactical advantage. At just 18 years old he offers world class directness and unpredictable dribbling down the right flank. The midfield combination of Pedri and Gavi offer control of the game and tempo, and are the perfect combination to drive Spain forward from midfield.
Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia will surerly look to prove their worth after coming off an excellent season with the Blaugrana. The ever dependable Dani Olmo has been class for Spain, and he will look to continue his form in the World Cup.
France and their superstars
The immense depth within the French side means they are also joint favorites with Spain. Led by the world-class Kylian Mbappe, the finalists in the 2022 World Cup and winner of the 2018 World Cup possess a physically dominant squad. France comes into the World Cup with arguably the strongest squad possible in World football.
Their front four of Mbappe, Dembele, Olise and Desire Doue will be a force to reckon with. Barcelona's Jules Kounde provides a reliable backbone for the defense to build from, providing essential support against transitional attacks against teams. However, we've seen again and again that superstars don't win you silverwares, teamwork does. Everyone will be excited to see how Didier Deschamps' boys handle the tournament.
Portugal's world class midfield reality
Portugal can boast arguably the best midfield in the world. Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes make up a midfield that offer Portugal, ball retention, intensity with the press, and creativity. Any opposition in the world cannot match the intensity of this Portuguese midfield, nor do they offer the quality needed to deal with the players that make up the midfield trio.
However, tactical friction persists; even with a seemingly flawless midfield combination, Cristiano Ronaldo has proven to hold back the entire side. He is determined to start and this dictates the tactics as Martinez has had to compromise his pressing game to accommodate a static target man.
The midfield dynamic has a world class engine behind it, but with a static striker it loses the quick transitional plays it creates.
England: WC finally coming home?
It's easy to count England out, given their history with the tournament. But, with Thomas Tuchel completely revamping the English side with big names like Cole Palmer, Trent and Phil Foden being left at home, Tuchel has to get the results right. Harry Kane is at the form of his life and will look to bring the World Cup to England and cement his place in the history.
The chasing pack: South America.
Messi's last dance
Backing up France are Brazil and Argentina who sit below them as second tier favorites. Argentina are current holders of the World Cup and with Lionel Messi's last dance, they will be determined to defend the World Cup at any cost. Analysts question whether Messi is past his best or will defy logic and time once again. Argentina still retain most of their World Cup winning squad, and with their mentality and passion, Argentina cannot be counted out.
Brazil's time?
Brazil possess issues with an incredible individual skill set thanks to Vinicius Junior and Barcelona winger Raphinha, but lack a stable structure which was evident in the qualification matches. Carlo Ancelloti has tried to revamp the Brazil side, with Neymar surely playing his last games for his country. Only time will tell, whether the greatest football nation deliver on the grandest stage or remain a shadow of their former self.
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