2026 World Cup Predictions — Who Will Win the World Cup?

2026 World Cup Predictions — The Favorites of the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is shaping up to be the biggest edition in history with 48 teams. Here's our analysis of the favorites.

The Top Favorites

France 🇫🇷 — 2018 World Champions, 2022 finalists. With Mbappé at the top of his game at Real Madrid, Les Bleus are the logical favorites. See the full squad.

Argentina 🇦🇷 — Defending champions. Messi will play his last World Cup at 39. Emotions will be high.

Spain 🇪🇸 — 2024 European Champions with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi. La Roja aims for the Euro + World Cup double.

Brazil 🇧🇷 — Brazil hasn't won since 2002. Vinícius Jr and the new generation want to break the curse.

The Outsiders

England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — Bellingham, Saka, Foden. England hasn't won since 1966.

Portugal 🇵🇹 — Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup. Maximum motivation.

Germany 🇩🇪 — Always dangerous in the World Cup.

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Detailed Analysis of the Favorites

France — Reasons to Believe

Les Bleus arrive at the 2026 World Cup with the most complete squad in the world. Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, is at the peak of his form at 27. Behind him, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and the revelation Warren Zaïre-Emery form the best midfield of the tournament. In defense, the solidity of Saliba and Upamecano is reassuring. Consult our complete analysis of Les Bleus' squad.

Experience also counts: France has been a finalist or champion in 3 of the last 4 major competitions (champion 2018, finalist 2022, Euro 2024 semi-finalist). The France 2026 jersey is already one of the best-selling in the world.

Argentina — The Quest for the Double

Messi at 39 is both a risk and a motivation. Football history teaches us that legends at the end of their careers can transcend a team: Zidane in 2006, Maradona in 1990. The Argentinian squad is united around its captain, and the young generation (Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Garnacho) ensures the succession. See Argentina jerseys.

England — The Eternal Outsider

With Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Rice, and Palmer, England undoubtedly has the best generation since 1966. The problem? England consistently disappoints in the final phases. Euro 2020 final, Euro 2024 final — the Three Lions can't seem to cross the finish line. The 2026 World Cup, on North American soil, could be the opportunity to break the curse. See England jerseys.

Potential Surprises

The expanded 48-team format opens the door to surprises. Here are the teams that could cause a sensation:

• Morocco — Historic semi-finalists in 2022, the Atlas Lions have the potential to repeat. Hakimi, En-Nesyri, and Ziyech are still at their peak.
• Japan — Japanese football progresses with each edition. With players in the biggest European clubs, Japan aims for the quarter-finals.
• United States — As the host country, the USA benefits from home-field advantage. Pulisic (Milan) and McKennie (Juventus) lead an ambitious team. Popular enthusiasm could be a decisive factor.
• Colombia — Copa América 2024 finalists, Colombia is gaining momentum under the direction of Néstor Lorenzo. Luis Díaz and Richard Ríos are world-class players.
• Nigeria — The African Super Eagles have the raw talent to surprise anyone in a direct match. Osimhen and Lookman form one of the most explosive attacks in the tournament.

The 48-Team Format: What Changes

For the first time, the World Cup hosts 48 nations divided into 12 groups of 4. The top two teams from each group and the 8 best third-place teams qualify for the round of sixteen. This format reduces the risk of early elimination for the favorites but significantly extends the tournament.

Specifically, the champion will have to play 7 matches (instead of 7 also in the old format, but with more rest days between each round). Consult the full 2026 World Cup schedule to find out the dates and stadiums.

Get Ready for the World Cup

Whatever team you support, it's time to get your jersey ready. At Game Day, you'll find all jerseys from all national teams with free shipping. Sizes sell out quickly as the tournament approaches — don't delay in ordering.

Also check out our top 10 most beautiful 2026 World Cup jerseys and our guide to personalizing your jersey with your favorite player's flocking.