Argentina Leads 2026 World Cup Contenders Ahead of Qualifiers

With a year remaining before the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, Argentina enters as the clear team to beat following its triumph in Qatar and dominant recent form.

The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams, but experts suggest the list of true title contenders remains narrow despite the wider field.

Argentina, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, secured its third World Cup title in 2022 and became the first South American nation to qualify for the 2026 edition after back-to-back Copa America wins, including the 2024 tournament in the U.S.

“He is keen to play at the World Cup and everyone is keen to see him play,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said, referring to Lionel Messi, who could feature at age 39.

Despite no country retaining the trophy since Brazil in 1962, Argentina’s continuity under Scaloni and strong core from 2022 suggest a formidable campaign lies ahead.

Brazil, which last won the World Cup in 2002 and lifted the trophy in the U.S. in 1994, faces rebuilding under new coach Carlo Ancelotti after an erratic qualifying run that cost Dorival Junior his job.

“I have a big job ahead of me and have great hope that Brazil will become champions again,” Ancelotti said during his introduction last month.

Brazil began Ancelotti’s tenure with a goalless draw against Ecuador, and will look to stars like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha to lead a turnaround.

Among European sides, Spain emerges as a strong favorite, hoping to replicate its 2010 title campaign with a young core led by Lamine Yamal, who will be 19 by the time of the tournament.

France, runners-up in 2022 and champions in 2018, also remain serious contenders as Kylian Mbappe seeks a second title and manager Didier Deschamps prepares for his final tournament after 14 years at the helm.

England enters with high expectations after appointing German coach Thomas Tuchel to pursue a first World Cup win since 1966, relying on Jude Bellingham and a final tournament push from veteran striker Harry Kane.

“I know that there are some trophies missing… and, of course, I want to help to make it happen,” Tuchel said of the challenge ahead.

Germany, aiming to rebound from early exits in 2018 and 2022, is banking on its youth-led attack under Julian Nagelsmann, particularly the synergy between Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Italy faces a tougher road as it attempts to qualify after missing the last two World Cups, with coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledging the pressure: “We need to qualify because it’s absolutely crucial for us.”

The Netherlands and Portugal both present outside chances, with Portugal’s prospects hinging on how Cristiano Ronaldo—potentially appearing in his sixth World Cup at age 41—fits alongside emerging stars.

“If there is to be a first-time winner, the Netherlands and Portugal are near the top of that list,” football analysts suggest, noting their recent youth development and strong qualifying performances.

As for the host nations, expectations are tempered.

The U.S. under Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to show cohesion, Mexico eyes a historic quarter-final run, and Canada would consider advancing from the group stage a major achievement.

Of the eight World Cups previously held in the Americas, South American teams have won seven, suggesting regional climate and conditions could again play a role in 2026.

The tournament will begin in June 2026, with full groupings and qualification outcomes to be finalized by mid-2025.