It’s been more than three years since Lionel Messi and Argentina won the World Cup trophy in Qatar with a spectacular victory over France in the final. Now, the 2026 tournament is just around the corner.
After the last winter tournament, soccer’s ultimate spectacle will return to the traditional summer months, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting, and the finals featuring 48 countries for the first time. This equates to 104 matches over just over five weeks and promises to be exhilarating fun for supporters around the world.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, we asked our chief soccer writers to share their picks and offer their predictions for what’s billed as the biggest and boldest FIFA World Cup in history. Can England finally put an end to 60 years of hurt?
john cross
Winner: Spain
Final 4: Argentina, Spain, France, England
Dark Horse: Ecuador
Top scorer: Julian Alvarez
Best player: Lamine Yamal
Sorry to be so predictable, but I support the top four seeds advancing to the semi-finals with a modified tennis-style draw. I really appreciate this fresh format, as charting the itineraries of nations and their rounds is thrilling…yet, history shows us that things rarely, if ever, play out as expected.
Still, I think the top four, Argentina, Spain, France, and England, represent the outstanding teams in this tournament. And I’m hoping for a heavyweight final with plenty of surprises and compelling stories in the knockout stages and team fights.
There is no escaping the reality that America is very expensive and traveling across three countries with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts is a huge demand for supporters. However, it is essential that there be a large number of fans, as the atmosphere, energy and passion of the fans is what makes the tournament special.
My experience at last summer’s Club World Cup was one of unpredictable weather, brutal heat, and a brilliantly organized competition. American supporters pay high prices for sporting events and concerts, often at much higher prices than we are used to here.
The European champion is Spain (Image: (Photo by ANP via Getty Images))
But to their eternal credit, England fans will always find a way and travel with genuine hope that Thomas Tuchel will deliver. I think England are outsiders to make it to the last four because of the heat and because the team is just in transition in certain areas.
England have a sensational striker in Harry Kane, great midfielders in Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, and great wide players including Bukayo Saka. But perhaps the defense isn’t as stable or strong as it used to be. Ezri Konsa is Tuchel’s favorite and Marc Gehi is his main player.
Reece James too. He’s a top player, but that’s a big question. I believe Spain is the best team. They have players who can dominate the Lamine Yamal stage and are the best team in the top four.
WATCH: Check out episode 1 of our World Cup podcast ‘Make Football Great Again’
Jeremy Cross
Winner: Argentina
Final 4th place: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany
Dark Horse: Morocco
Top scorer: Kylian Mbappe
Best player: Lamine Yamal
Argentina are World Cup holders (Image: (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
This will be a World Cup like most other World Cups. Scorching temperatures, different time zones and thousands of miles of travel make it a tough tournament for all the countries taking part, as well as for supporters planning to attend.
There is no telling what will happen, given the fact that US President Donald Trump will seize the perfect opportunity to feed his obsession with narcissism. This will be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup and he will be looking to win back-to-back titles to cap a truly extraordinary career. He is so good that even a fool need not bet that he will shine in glory.
And can Lamine Yamal continue his exploits at Euro 2024 and shine on the biggest stage? He is seen as Messi’s successor and this is a great chance for him to prove it.
It is difficult to choose a winner, but the World Cup is usually won by one of the strongest countries, so it is impossible to ignore the likes of Argentina, France and Spain.
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Andy Dunn
Winner: Argentina
Final 4th place: Spain, France, Argentina, England
Dark Horse: Ecuador
Top scorer: Harry Kane
Best player: Lautaro Martinez
Harry Kane’s form will be crucial as England aim to qualify for the World Cup (Image: Getty)
In the history of the World Cup, only two teams have won the tournament back-to-back. Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina were one of three teams to come close to retaining the title after a Diego Maradona-inspired victory in 1986, followed by a somewhat controversial narrow loss to Germany in 1990. In 2026, they have every chance to double.
Weather conditions are not an issue. They have a great mix of seasoned professionals and players in their prime, and we can expect a magical performance from Lionel Messi, despite celebrating his 39th birthday during the tournament.
Lautaro Martínez remains somewhat underrated when discussing world-class forwards, but Lionel Scaloni boasts a very good international manager, with one World Cup and two Copa America titles under his belt. In his 92 games as La Albiceleste manager, he has only lost nine.
Remains in South America for surprise package. Ecuador, with a midfield built around Moises Caicedo, will prove incredibly difficult to overcome, despite appearing to be somewhat lacking in attacking power.
Many of the matches at this World Cup could be close and low-scoring, and Ecuador could quietly clinch a place in the knockout stages.
England will be on their way to the top four, but if Harry Kane maintains his current form at the club, there is a good chance they will win the Golden Boot again. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side are likely to encounter slightly better opponents in the semi-finals, with Spain and France, who have beaten England in the last two major competitions, representing the more credible European contenders.
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ryan taylor
Winner: Spain
Final 4th place: France, Spain, England, Argentina
Dark horse: Senegal
Top scorer: Kylian Mbappe
Best player: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé and France lost to 2022 finalists (Image: Getty)
Perhaps these are uninspiring predictions, but I believe Spain’s superior technique and possession-oriented approach will tire their rivals in sweltering conditions. I really hope England go all the way and I really think they can do that because of the depth and talent in the team.
But my only worry is the additional knockout stage, which is simply another physical and mental obstacle to overcome on the long journey to victory.
France are always a threat and Kylian Mbappé and Michael Oliseh have the ability to damage any team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they lift the trophy. Senegal is an outsider to me, but I think the Americans will perform well as well, especially after seeing them land in a friendly group.
My main observation is that I expect the players to be devastated at the end of a tough season, and my worry is that the football (due in part to the sweltering weather) will lack quality and focus on dead balls and structure. Substitutes will be more important than ever and that should work in England’s favor.
