Thomas Muller has shared his thoughts on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that he is the clear favorite to lift football’s most prestigious trophy. Known for his intelligence and experience on the biggest stage, the former Germany international did not hold back when discussing which national team he believes is best suited to win it all.
Muller, who played a key role in Germany’s victory at the 2014 World Cup, knows exactly what separates champions from contenders.
That experience lends added weight to his opinion, especially at a time when fans and analysts have already begun debating who will win the 2026 tournament.
According to Muller, Spain stands out from other teams due to a combination of team depth, tactical organization and individual quality.
Thomas Muller stops to hug Nicaraguan fan after seeing photo with brother
While Muller acknowledged that some teams are capable of making deep runs, he cited consistency and balance as key factors that will ultimately define the team that wins the World Cup.
Instead of backing Die Mannschaft, the Vancouver Whitecaps forward believes Spain has everything to go all the way in North America.
Speaking at the Magenta event in Munich, Muller said: “The usual contenders are always among the favorites to win. If I had to pick one team, my instinct would be Spain, because as a team they always seem to have managed to organize their individual talents into a very fluid and harmonious unit.”
“They have the same game plan. You can see everything meshing perfectly.”
The timing of his comments is noteworthy as international football continues to evolve rapidly.
Teams have become more dynamic, players have gained experience in Europe’s top leagues, and the overall level of competition has increased.
Spain beat England to win Euro 2024 with many talented technicians from Lamine Yamal to Pedri.
In that context, Muller’s assessment reflects not only current form but also long-term developments.
Fans were quick to react to Muller’s predictions, with many agreeing, while others suggested alternative favorites.
These types of arguments are common in the run-up to the World Cup, where opinions often differ based on recent performances, player form, and historical success.
Experience and balance may decide the winner
For Muller, experience remains one of the most important factors for success at the World Cup.
Teams with players who have already competed in high-pressure environments tend to have an advantage, especially in the knockout stages, where results can be decided by the slimmest of margins.
At the same time, Muller also emphasized the importance of balance within the team. Having world-class attackers is not enough. The team must also be solid defensively and be able to control the tempo of the match.
This holistic approach is what separates the strong teams from the real title contenders, and Spain has it. This team has elite talent all over the field, with a proven defense, great playmakers, and a deadly offense.
Another factor that Muller emphasizes is adaptability. Modern tournaments require teams to quickly adapt to different opponents and situations. Whether changing tactics mid-match or responding to unexpected challenges, flexibility has become a hallmark of successful sides.
Many would expect Germany to be one of the teams competing for the highest prize in international football, along with France, Argentina, England and Portugal. However, it is clear that Spain has the upper hand as a symbol of Bayern Munich.
Add more games and teams to the mix
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup will feature more teams and matches, adding even more complexity.
Muller’s chosen favorites look well-equipped to deal with these demands thanks to their depth and ability to rotate players without significantly reducing quality.
In terms of depth, there are few teams in the world that can match what Spain offers.
Still, Muller was cautiously aware of the tournament’s unpredictable nature. Injuries, refereeing decisions and individual moments of brilliance can all affect the outcome.
Even the strongest team is not immune to surprises. That’s one of the things that makes the World Cup so fascinating.
As expectations rise for 2026, all eyes will be on the team that will try to prove whether he is right or wrong.
