It has now been more than three years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar following a breathtaking final victory over France. The footballing world's attention is firmly shifting towards the next edition of the global showpiece, with the 2026 tournament drawing ever closer on the horizon.
A Tournament of Firsts and Challenges
After the unique winter scheduling in Qatar, the World Cup returns to its traditional summer slot, hosted jointly for the first time by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic event will also be the first to feature an expanded format of 48 competing nations, resulting in a mammoth 104 matches crammed into just over five weeks of intense football action.
The logistical scale promises an exhilarating spectacle for fans worldwide, though it also presents significant challenges. Supporters face considerable travel demands and high costs navigating three host countries, while players must contend with scorching summer temperatures, varying time zones, and extensive travel distances between venues.
Expert Predictions for the Biggest World Cup Ever
As the countdown to kick-off continues, our panel of chief football writers has been challenged to share their selections and forecasts for what is being billed as the biggest and boldest FIFA World Cup in history. The central question lingers: can England finally end sixty years of hurt since their 1966 triumph?
John Cross makes his predictions:
- Winner: Spain
- Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, England
- Dark Horse: Ecuador
- Top Scorer: Julian Alvarez
- Best Player: Lamine Yamal
"Apologies for being predictable," Cross admits, "but I'm backing the four top seeds to reach the semi-finals in the revamped tennis-style draw. I genuinely appreciate the fresh format as it's thrilling to chart the nations' journeys through the rounds... nevertheless, history shows us it seldom unfolds as expected."
He identifies Argentina, Spain, France, and England as the tournament's standout sides, anticipating a heavyweight final following what he expects to be plenty of surprises in the knockout stages. Cross highlights the financial burden on travelling supporters but emphasises that fan presence is essential for tournament atmosphere.
Regarding England's prospects, Cross notes: "England fans will travel with genuine hope that Thomas Tuchel can deliver. I believe England are the outsiders in the final four because of the heat and because the squad is transitioning in certain areas. They have a sensational striker in Harry Kane, incredible midfielders with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, and great wide players including Bukayo Saka. However, perhaps the defence is not as settled or strong as before."
He concludes: "I believe Spain are the best team. They have a player who can own the stage in Lamine Yamal and they are the best of the final four."
Contrasting Views from the Panel
Jeremy Cross forecasts:
- Winner: Argentina
- Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany
- Dark Horse: Morocco
- Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe
- Best Player: Lamine Yamal
Jeremy Cross describes this as "a World Cup like few others," citing scorching temperatures, different time zones, and extensive travel as major challenges. He also references the potential political dimension with US involvement.
"This will be Lionel Messi's final World Cup," he observes, "and he will be desperate to go back-to-back to cap a truly extraordinary career. He's so brilliant that it would take a foolish person to bet against him going out in a blaze of glory."
Andy Dunn predicts:
- Winner: Argentina
- Final Four: Spain, France, Argentina, England
- Dark Horse: Ecuador
- Top Scorer: Harry Kane
- Best Player: Lautaro Martinez
Dunn notes that only Italy and Brazil have achieved back-to-back World Cup victories historically, but believes Argentina have every chance of joining them. "Weather conditions won't pose problems for them," he argues. "They possess an excellent mix of seasoned professionals and players in their peak years, and despite celebrating his 39th birthday during the competition, you can count on Lionel Messi delivering magical performances."
He remains in South America for his surprise package, suggesting Ecuador - with a midfield built around Moises Caicedo - will prove incredibly tough to overcome despite apparent limitations in attacking firepower.
Regarding England, Dunn suggests: "England will navigate their path to the final four, and if Harry Kane maintains his current club form, he could very well claim another Golden Boot. However, Thomas Tuchel's team are likely to encounter opposition slightly superior to them in the semi-finals."
Ryan Taylor projects:
- Winner: Spain
- Final Four: France, Spain, England, Argentina
- Dark Horse: Senegal
- Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe
- Best Player: Kylian Mbappe
"These are probably uninspiring predictions," Taylor admits, "but I believe Spain's technical excellence and possession-focused approach will exhaust rivals in sweltering conditions. I'd love nothing more than England to go all the way, and I genuinely reckon they can because of the depth and talent in their squad."
He expresses concern about the additional knockout stage creating "another physical and mental obstacle you've got to overcome on the lengthy journey to triumph." Taylor also anticipates that substitutes will matter more than ever in challenging conditions, which he believes should favour England's squad depth.
The Stage is Set
As preparations intensify for the 2026 tournament, consensus among experts points toward the traditional footballing powerhouses dominating proceedings, with Spain and Argentina emerging as favourites alongside consistent challengers France. England's prospects generate cautious optimism, tempered by concerns about defensive solidity and climatic adaptation.
The expanded format, unprecedented tri-nation hosting, and challenging environmental conditions promise to make this a uniquely demanding World Cup. Whether it produces football of the highest quality or becomes a war of attrition remains to be seen, but the predictions suggest we can expect drama, surprises, and potentially historic achievements as the world's best players converge across North America in pursuit of football's ultimate prize.
