World Cup 2026 Favourites & Top Contenders to Win

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be unlike any before it. As the first edition featuring 48 teams, hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico and concluding at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, the tournament promises drama on an unprecedented scale. Naturally, attention turns to the World Cup 2026 favourites, the elite nations expected to challenge for football's ultimate prize. In this preview we break down the leading contenders, their strengths, and the questions they must answer to lift the trophy.

Argentina: The Reigning Champions

As holders, Argentina begin as one of the most talked-about contenders. Their 2022 triumph in Qatar, sealed by Lionel Messi's crowning achievement, reignited a proud footballing nation. The squad blends experienced winners with emerging talent, and the winning mentality instilled by their recent success cannot be underestimated.

The key question is squad evolution. With several stars from 2022 ageing, Argentina's ability to refresh while keeping their core spirit will define their campaign. As one of the top sides in the FIFA ranking, they will fancy their chances of becoming the first team in decades to retain the trophy.

France: Depth and Star Power

France are widely viewed as among the strongest squads in world football. Beaten finalists in 2022, Les Bleus boast extraordinary depth across every position and are led by one of the most devastating attackers in the game. Their pool of talent is so deep that they could field two competitive teams.

France's blend of pace, power and tactical flexibility makes them a nightmare for any opponent. If they avoid the internal disruptions that have occasionally undermined past campaigns, they have every tool needed to win a third title and stake a claim among the greats. Track their build-up and squad on our teams page.

Brazil: Chasing a Sixth Star

No preview of the favourites is complete without Brazil. The five-time champions are desperate to end a trophy drought that stretches back to 2002. The Selecao always arrive with an abundance of attacking talent and the weight of a nation expecting nothing less than glory.

Brazil's challenge has often been balancing their natural flair with defensive solidity in the latter stages. If they can find the right blend, their ceiling is as high as anyone's. A deep run would be no surprise, and you can follow their progress through the group stage on our standings page.

England and Spain: European Heavyweights

England have steadily become genuine contenders, reaching the latter stages of recent major tournaments. Blessed with a generation of technically gifted attackers and a settled core, the Three Lions will believe this could finally be their moment to end the long wait since 1966.

Spain are equally compelling. Their possession-based style and a fresh wave of exciting young talent have restored them to the upper tier of world football. Both European giants have the quality to go all the way, and their tactical sophistication makes them dangerous in knockout football.

The Chasing Pack

Beyond the headline names, several nations have the pedigree to upset the order. Portugal and Germany both possess world-class individuals and major-tournament experience. The Netherlands, with their organised, technical approach, are perennial dark contenders. Belgium and a resurgent host nation USA, buoyed by home support across the expanded tournament, could also make noise.

The 48-team format adds a layer of unpredictability. More matches and new group dynamics mean the favourites must stay sharp from the opening whistle. Follow every fixture as it is confirmed on our fixtures page.

What Will Decide the Tournament

History suggests World Cup winners combine star quality with squad depth, defensive resilience and a settled team spirit. The expanded format means more games and potentially more fatigue, placing a premium on rotation and fitness. Climate and travel across three host nations will also test squads physically.

Momentum matters too. Teams that peak at the right moment, rather than those who start as outright favourites, often go furthest. That is what makes the World Cup so captivating: form, luck and nerve all collide on the biggest stage.

Conclusion

Argentina, France, Brazil, England and Spain head the list of 2026 favourites, but the expanded tournament guarantees surprises. As the finals approach, the contenders will sharpen their squads and tactics in pursuit of immortality. Follow all the action live on our live page and stay across every twist on the road to MetLife Stadium.