Noureldein GhanemWashington, DC — The world's biggest sporting event begins on June 11, with 48 teams competing to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the key question is whether Europe's current golden generation or South America's historic heavyweights will lift the trophy.
Here is an overview of the teams with the strongest prospects of winning the World Cup:
Spain
Since their triumph in 2010, the Spanish team have failed to progress far in the tournament and have been trying to rebuild their squad.
In the 2026 games, Spain will come with many reliable names, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's Pedri (Pedro Gonzalez Lopez) and Manchester City's Rodri (Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante).
Spain are ranked second in the FIFA World Ranking, with many pundits tipping them as favourites to win the tournament.
France
One of the long-running ideas in the world of football is something called "the curse of the champions", where the defending champions not only fail to retain a title, but often get knocked out early.
Four consecutive defending champions suffered this fate: France (2002), Italy (2010), Spain (2014), and Germany (2018).
France broke the "defending champions' curse" by reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, which they lost to Argentina, after winning the title in 2018.
This time around the French squad is jam-packed with many talents, including Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Manchester City's Rayan Cherki and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
The team is ranked first in the FIFA World Ranking and have a very strong prospect of progressing far in the tournament.
England
England have always been an anomaly when it comes to the national team.
They have consistently produced talented generations of players over the years. Furthermore, they host what is widely regarded as the world's top league — The English Premier League.
Yet, aside from their World Cup triumph in 1966, the team never achieved anything else.
In this edition, the Three Lions have a good depth in their squad, especially in the midfield and the forward lines.
Ranked fourth, some of their notable names include recent Premier League winner Declan Rice of Arsenal, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.
Brazil
Brazil are football's most successful national team, with a record of five World Cup titles.
The Selecao also hold another record unmatched by any other team — they have qualified for every World Cup.
However, Brazil's last World Cup triumph was in 2002, and the furthest they have progressed since then was reaching the semi-finals in 2014, which ended in a 7-1 defeat by Germany.
Ranked sixth, the team currently features star players such as Barcelona's Raphinha and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Furthermore, they are led by world-class head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who recently replaced Dorival Junior.
Argentina
While Argentina do not have the same prospects as in 2022 when they won the World Cup, their squad is battle-tested and experienced enough to pose a significant challenge in the tournament.
Some of their notable names include Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, Liverpool's Alexis Mac-Allister, Manchester City's Julian Alvarez and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi.
Argentina are currently ranked third in FIFA ranking, and aren't meant to be taken lightly.
The Netherlands
The Oranje are often dubbed the best team never to have won the World Cup. The Netherlands reached the World Cup final three times, in 1974, 1978 and 2010, and lost all of them.
The team may not have names like previous squads, including the likes of Van Persie, Robben or Van Nistelrooy. But experience and potential could carry them far in the tournament.
Some of their notable names include Liverpool's veteran defender Virgil van Dijk, Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij, Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders and Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch.
The Netherlands are currently ranked seventh in the FIFA ranking.
Germany
Another football powerhouse are Germany.
Die Mannschaft won their last World Cup in 2014. Now, with a young squad and high potential, it would be a mistake to brush them off.
The German squad include Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala and Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka.
Germany are currently ranked tenth in the FIFA ranking.
Portugal
With excellent squad depth in every position and a mixture of veteran and young talent, Portugal are considered strong contenders.
They will come in the tournament with talents, including PSG's Nuno Mendes, PSG's Vitinha, Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, and Al Nassr's veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal are currently ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings and will be aiming to win their first-ever World Cup title.
