2026 World Cup: How the Favourites Are Shaping Up for North America

With qualification sealed, England’s focus now shifts from reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup to preparing for what could be a defining summer on the global stage. The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises high drama, intense rivalries, and a chance for redemption—or glory.

Here’s a comprehensive look at how the tournament favourites are shaping up as we head into the final months of preparation.

England: Underdogs with High Expectations

England have officially booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first European nation to qualify. The appointment of Thomas Tuchel, one of the game’s most respected tactical minds, signals the FA’s intent to go all-in on this tournament.

Tuchel, whose deal runs only until the end of the World Cup, has played down expectations, calling England “underdogs” due to their long wait for glory since 1966. But with a red-hot Harry Kane scoring 20 goals in 11 matches for club and country, and a squad full of elite talent, this may be their best chance in decades.

Spain: Bookmakers’ Favourites and Euro 2024 Champions

Spain enter the tournament as early favourites, having lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with a deserved win over England in the final. Underpinned by a new generation of talent, including Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, Spain are on a remarkable run of form.

Excluding a penalty shootout loss to Portugal in the Nations League final, they haven’t lost a competitive match since March 2023. While not yet mathematically qualified, they sit comfortably atop their qualifying group.

France: The Consistent Giants Eyeing a Third Straight Final

France continue to set the standard in international football under long-time boss Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament. Having reached the finals in both 2018 (champions) and 2022 (runners-up), Les Bleus aim to make it three in a row.

Kylian Mbappé remains their talisman, with 17 goals in 13 appearances this season for club and country. Despite a recent 2-2 draw with Iceland, they top Group D and remain one of the tournament’s most formidable sides.

Brazil: Ancelotti’s Chance to Restore Glory

Five-time champions Brazil are undergoing a period of transition. After a turbulent qualifying campaign that included six defeats, the Brazilian FA turned to Carlo Ancelotti—marking the first time a foreign manager will lead the Seleção since 1965.

With Ancelotti’s unparalleled success at club level, Brazil will hope he can rekindle their World Cup magic. But their qualification in fifth place raises concerns about consistency and cohesion.

Argentina: Defending Champions with a Point to Prove

Argentina return as reigning World Cup champions and dominated the South American qualifiers, finishing nine points clear at the top. While 38-year-old Lionel Messi has not confirmed his participation, few expect the legendary forward to miss what could be his final World Cup.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has used recent friendlies to experiment with attacking options, giving valuable minutes to Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.

Portugal: A New Chapter with a Familiar Hero

Portugal are cruising through their qualifying campaign and look rejuvenated after a mixed showing at Euro 2024. Though some critics felt Cristiano Ronaldo was holding the team back, the 40-year-old continues to deliver, scoring 13 goals in his last 13 games for the national side.

With a Nations League title already under their belt this year, Portugal are not just qualifying — they are quietly becoming serious contenders.

Germany: Big Names, Big Questions

Since lifting the trophy in 2014, Germany have fallen short on the biggest stages—twice exiting in the group stage and once in the Round of 16. Currently level on points with Slovakia in their qualifying group, their campaign has been anything but smooth.

Germany’s form suggests they need significant improvement if they are to be genuine challengers in North America.

The Netherlands: Quiet Confidence and Deadly Form

The Netherlands have quietly built momentum. Since losing to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, they’ve suffered only one defeat. With 22 goals scored and just three conceded in six qualifying matches, their form is impressive.

Memphis Depay continues to be their most impactful player, becoming the all-time leader in both goals and assists for the national team.

Italy: Reputation Over Reality?

Italy’s reputation as a World Cup powerhouse feels increasingly outdated. Despite winning Euro 2020, they have failed to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup since 2006—and haven’t qualified for the last two editions.

Their current campaign is again in jeopardy, sitting behind Norway in Group I. Another play-off route looms, and another potential absence would be a major blow to the Azzurri’s legacy.

A Tournament of Trends: Will History Repeat?

There’s a notable pattern in World Cup history: seven of the eight tournaments held in the Americas have been won by South American nations. Conversely, 10 of the 11 World Cups staged in Europe have produced European champions.

With the 2026 edition returning to American soil, Argentina and Brazil may sense an edge. But with England, Spain, France, and Portugal all in formidable shape, Europe’s elite may have other plans.

Final Thoughts

The road to North America 2026 is heating up, and with a mix of old powerhouses and emerging forces, this could be one of the most open World Cups in modern memory. Can England finally end their wait? Will Spain complete their resurgence? Can Brazil or Argentina reclaim their dominance on familiar ground?

One thing is certain: football fans around the world are in for a spectacular summer.