From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. 48 teams, 104 matches. Who are the favorites? Brazil? France? Argentina? Maybe the hosts? We tell you about the main contenders, dark horses, and who to watch out for.

France: Defending World Champions? No, they are no longer champions in 2026 (Argentina won in Qatar-2022). But France remains one of the strongest teams. Kylian Mbappé (27 years old, at the peak of his powers). Olivier Giroud (already 40? retired in 2024). But there are new stars: Warren Zaire-Emeri, Matheus Tel. Depth of the squad, experience of winning. Problem: some leaders (Giroud, Kanté) have aged. Coach Didier Deschamps, he may leave after the tournament. But the chances of winning are high.

Brazil: Eternal Favourites

After the failure in Qatar (quarterfinal exit) Brazil has rebooted. Vinicius Junior (26 years old) — the best player in the world in 2026. Rodrigo (25), Antony (26), someone over 30. New coach (after Tite) — Carlo Ancelotti? In 2023 they talked, but it didn't work out. In 2026, will it be Fernando Diniz? Unknown. Important: the Brazilians are approaching the tournament in great shape. However, psychological pressure ("penta" is not easy) may break them.

Argentina: Defending the Title

Argentina is the defending champion (Qatar-2022). But Lionel Messi left the national team in 2024 (he is 39). Angel Di Maria has retired. Loss of leaders. But there are young players: Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister. They have already won the World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni remains. The chances of defending the title are not high (since the champion changes). But Argentina may reach the semifinals.

England: Finally?

England has been promising, but has not won since 1966. In 2026, the team is strong: Jude Bellingham (22 years old) — a superstar. Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Declan Rice. Harry Kane? In 2026, he will be 33, he may already not be in the top. Coach Gareth Southgate left after Euro-2024, the new one — Graham Potter? England is stable, but lacks "champion spirit".

Hosts: USA, Canada, Mexico

USA: football is progressing. Christian Pulisic (28 years old), Giovanni Reyna (24), Weston McKennie. They may go far (quarterfinals). Canada: Alphonso Davis (26), Jonathan David. First time hosting the World Cup, but the chances of winning are minimal. Mexico: strong home support, but the team is aging. The hosts usually play better, but far from the title.

Dark Horses

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo may not play anymore (he is 41). But new ones have grown up (Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias). They may take off. Morocco: after the semi-final of 2022, they believed in themselves. The Netherlands: Cody Gakpo, Frank de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt. Always dangerous. Germany: after the disgrace at the last World Cups (group) — redemption. Young: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz. Spain: Pedri, Gavi, Fermín. But no confidence.

Who will win? Bookmakers are betting on Brazil and France. But football is unpredictable. We wait for June 11. Let the strongest win.

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