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

France: World Champions Again? No, they are not 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 Thiell. Depth of the squad, experience of winning. Problem: some leaders (Griezmann, Kanté) have aged. Coach Didier Deschamps may leave after the tournament. But the chances of winning are high.

Brazil: Eternal Favorites

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), some over 30. New coach (after Tite) — Carlo Ancelotti? They were said to be in 2023, but it didn't work out. In 2026, will it be Fernando Diniz? Unknown. Important: the Brazilians are approaching the tournament in excellent form. However, psychological pressure ("penta" is not easy) may break them.

Argentina: Defense of the Title

Argentina is the current 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 already world champions. Coach Lionel Scaloni remains. The chances of defending the title are low (as the champion changes). But Argentina may reach the semi-finals.

England: Finally?

England has always "promised" 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 not be in the top. Coach Gareth Southgate left after Euro-2024, the new one is 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 (quarterfinal). Canada: Alphonso Davis (26), Jonathan David. They are taking part in 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 may not be playing anymore (he is 41). But new stars have emerged (Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias). They may take off. Morocco: after the semi-final-2022, they believed in themselves. Netherlands: Cody Gakpo, Frank de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt. Always dangerous. Germany: after the disgrace at the previous World Cups (group) — redemption. Young players: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz. Spain: Pedri, Gavi, Fermin. But there is no certainty.

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

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