The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday, June 11, will be the largest edition in history. For the first time there will be 48 national teams at the start The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host a tournament destined to rewrite the numbers and statistics of international soccer. It's a very long tournament, which will only conclude on July 19th, but it already has a clear group of favorites. According to the main international betting agencies, the role of team to beat is shared by Spain and France, followed by England, Brazil, Argentina and Portugal.
France and Spain are the two favourites of the tournament for everyone
France boasts one of the most complete squads of the tournament. The Blues can count on an extraordinary generation that combines international experience with young talents already established at the highest level: Mbappé but also Doué, Olise, Upamecano, just to name a fewThe odds place them firmly among the top two favorites and the impression is that the national team coached by Didier Deschamps, already world champion in 2018, has everything it takes to at least reach the semi-finals.
Winning the European Championship confirmed Spain's return to the top of world football. The Red Furies have built a young, technical, and spectacular squad, capable of dominating possession but also devastating transitions. The enthusiasm generated by the new talents and the quality of their midfield make Spain one of the most feared teams. Many analysts even consider them the leading contender for the title, counting on the phenomenon Yamal, as well as Oyarzabal, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and others. For the first time in history, there is no Real Madrid player, at least in the first list released by Luis De La Fuente.
Next in the predictions are defending champions Argentina and England
After the triumph in Qatar, Argentina continues to be one of the major players on the international scene. Despite the inevitable generational change, the Albiceleste maintains a strong identity and a winning mentality. The South Americans want to honor the title they won in 2022 and, if possible, defend it. Leo Messi will still be there, but this time it will truly be the last.
For years England They have one of the richest squads on the planet. Their offensive quality is impressive, and their number of players playing in the major European leagues is greater than that of almost all their rivals. The problem remains the same: turning potential into victories. In recent international tournaments, the English have often come close to success without managing to take the final step. This time They are counting on striker Harry Kane, who in the event of a cup win would be in the running for the Ballon d'Or.
Don't underestimate Cr7's Portugal and Ancelotti's Brazil
Il Portugal is FIRSTonline's surprise candidate, as she presents herself with a team full of technique, imagination and international experience. The Portuguese national team probably has one of the best midfields in the entire competition and can count on players accustomed to playing the most important matches: apart from the usual Cristiano Ronaldo, also at the last dance like Messi, it is worth mentioning Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester City and then the PSG block, champion of Europe: Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Joao Mendes.
When it comes to the World Cup, the Brazil He can never be considered an outsider: the Brazilian national team is the only one to have played in all of them and has won five, more than anyone else. However, the sixth title has been awaited for far too long, 24 years, and so to achieve this feat, the Federation has chosen one of the most successful coaches in history, who only needs to lift the World Cup: Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach is also the highest paid in the competition: 10 million euros per year. There is no shortage of talent, from Vinicius Jr to Raphinha.
