From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, 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, in his prime). Olivier Giroud (already 40? retired in 2024). But there are new stars: Warren Zaire-Emeri, Mats Thieler. Depth of squad, experience of winning. Problem: some leaders (Griezmann, Kanté) are aging. Coach Didier Deschamps, he may leave after the tournament. But the chances of winning are high.

Brazil: Eternal Favorites

After the failure in Qatar (quarterfinal exit) Brazil has been rebooted. Vinicius Junior (26 years old) — the best player in the world in 2026. Rodrigo (25), Antony (26), some are over 30. New coach (after Tite) — Carlo Ancelotti? They were said to be in 2023 but it didn't work out. In 2026, at the helm is Fernando Diniz? Unknown. Important: the Brazilians are approaching the tournament in excellent form. However, psychological pressure ("penta" is not easy) can 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 are world champions already. Coach Lionel Scaloni remains. The chances of defending the title are not high (as the champion changes). But Argentina can 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 is 33, he may not be in the top. Coach Gareth Southgate left after Euro-2024, the new coach is Graham Potter? England is stable, but lacks "champion spirit".

Hosts: United States, Canada, Mexico

United States: football is progressing. Christian Pulisic (28 years old), Giovanni Reyna (24), Weston McKennie. They can go far (quarterfinal). Canada: Alphonso Davis (26), Jonathan David. They are hosting the World Cup for the first time, but the chances of winning are minimal. Mexico: strong fan support, but the team is aging. Hosts usually play better, but far from the title.

Dark Horses

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, he may not be playing anymore (he is 41). But new stars have emerged (Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias). They may take off. Morocco: after the semifinal of 2022, they believed in themselves. Netherlands: Cody Gakpo, Frankie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt. Always dangerous. Germany: after the embarrassment at the last World Cups (group stage) — redemption. Young players: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz. Spain: Pedri, Gavi, Fermín. But there is no certainty.

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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