Beyond Spain: the leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup appears wide open, with several contenders beyond Spain eyeing the 19 July final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports Luis de la Fuente views it as perhaps the most open yet.

Holders Argentina still revolve around Leo Messi, 38, with doubts around the supporting cast. Ángel Di María has gone and Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis MacAllister have not kicked on. Only Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 retained the crown.

France bring star power in Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, the current Ballon d’Or, plus Michael Olise, who delivered 22 goals and 31 assists. Chance creation still nags and a group with Norway and Senegal is unforgiving. This is Didier Deschamps’ last mission before Zinedine Zidane takes over.

Portugal, built around 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, are fancied by many. Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League season record with 21 assists, behind a midfield featuring Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bernardo Silva. Depth in defence and in goal looks strong.

Brazil chase a sixth star after 24 years under Carlo Ancelotti, who named Neymar Jr but leans on Vinícius Jr and Raphinha. Injuries to Éder Militao and Rodrygo Goes hurt. Full-backs are thin and a pure finisher is missing.

England, Euro finalists twice, enter under Thomas Tuchel with bold omissions, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Harry Kane captains and Barça’s latest signing Anthony Gordon features.

Germany have suffered two group-stage exits since lifting the 2014 title, and only reached the quarters at the last two Euros. Manuel Neuer, 40, returns to Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, alongside Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Morocco, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, followed fourth in Qatar 2022 by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal and Sadio Mané beat them on the pitch. Belgium, Croatia, Norway and the Netherlands, who lack decisive forwards, face limits, yet World Cups still spring surprises.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo