THis tournament could be the “last dance” of the World Cup for several players, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper does not believe either side can be champions this time.
Former USMNT goalkeeper Casey Keller does not consider Argentina or Portugal to be favorites, suggesting other teams could take home the prestigious trophy. In his opinion, the next champion will come from Europe.
Neither Messi nor CR7 are Keller’s favorites.
Casey played in four World Cups (1990, 1998, 2002, 2006) and was a key figure in the historic quarter-final match between Japan and Korea in 2002.
With 65 days left until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many fans, analysts and players have a favorite candidate to lift the trophy, and Keller is no exception. However, he left out two football icons.
In an interview with Jackpot City Casino (via Tribal Football), the former goalkeeper doesn’t think Argentina will defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022, saying there are some teams better than Cristiano’s Portugal.
“Can Ronaldo win the World Cup this summer? I don’t think Portugal will win the World Cup. I think they’re good. We’re looking at a few teams. We’re keeping an eye on the French team, but if they get together we’ll be careful. Obviously Spain are very strong. I really like the England team. They have to be one of the favorites,” Keller said.
“I don’t think Argentina will be able to repeat their success. Will Brazil, who haven’t always played well, be able to step up in the absence of expectations?” he added. “I’m personally keeping an eye on Spain, France and England. I just hope all this hype doesn’t go too far. I know the English fans will get a little excited if they start to have a little bit of success,” he warned.
Spain, France and England are popular teams among many soccer fans, but Keller’s analysis is also shaped by generational background. Messi and Ronaldo will be 38 and 41 years old respectively when the World Cup begins. In fact, Leo will turn 39 on June 24th during the tournament.
However, there is no denying the expectations that Argentina and Portugal are generating. La Albiceleste defeated France in the final on penalties in the final in Qatar to win their third World Cup and arrive in the United States, Mexico and Canada as defending champions. Portugal, on the other hand, have never won a World Cup and have full faith in Cristiano’s last attempt to lift the prestigious trophy.
While CR7 has confirmed that he will take part in this year’s World Cup and that it will be his last, Messi has yet to confirm his participation and his decision remains in great doubt.
Meanwhile, Argentina, who lead Group J, will play their opening game against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16th at the Kansas City Stadium. They will then face Austria on Monday, June 22nd at Dallas Stadium, and Jordan on Saturday, June 27th.
Portugal are in Group K and will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their first match on Wednesday, June 17th. They will play against Uzbekistan on June 23rd (Tuesday) and Colombia on the 27th.
