🌏 The 5️⃣ favourites to win the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The World Cup is now finally upon us in the biggest edition yet.

For the first time ever, 48 teams will descend on the competition hoping to lift that famous little golden trophy.

But who will come out on top?

Users in Australia can bet on their picks with Ladbrokes here.

We take a look at the top contenders for the crown.

Argentina

The holders come into the tournament ranked as fifth likeliest to become the first team since Brazil in the early '60s to successfully defend their crown.

That alone should suggest that history is not on their side but the Albiceleste are a side packed with talent - no more so than their inspirational captain and leader Lionel Messi who can come into this summer carefree with the World Cup monkey off his back.

On paper, their group is favourable and should not pose too many problems and as was witnessed with Lionel Scaloni's squad in Qatar, it is in the knockout stages where they will come alive.

The main concerns with Argentina are in relation to their squad depth and although their starting XI is as good as any in North America, it could be the lack of similar quality in reserve which may prove their undoing.

Brazil

Ranked with a similar chance of taking the trophy back to South America as Argentina are their old rivals Brazil, who haven't tasted success since 2002.

That is almost viewed as a travesty for the nation seeking their sixth star and who view football as so much more than just a game: it truly is a national obsession.

Qualification was unimpressive from the Seleçao, who floundered their way to a fifth place finish but they have undisputed game-changers in attack like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, Casemiro has played himself back into form at the perfect time and Arsenal defender Gabriel is as good a centre-back as any in world football right now.

They are all led by Carlo Ancelotti who takes charge of an international side for the first time and with his star-studded CV at club level, instantly commands the respect of everyone. Is he the man to end the long wait?

England

Is it coming 'home'? No pressure on Thomas Tuchel and co. but the Three Lions are regarded as being among the top three contenders to finally end years of torment and taunts.

Qualification was a breeze under the German coach as England booked their ticket with a perfect record and didn't even concede a goal along the way, although their performances and results in friendly fixtures since then have given cause for concern.

Additionally, Tuchel's puzzling picks for his final squad have raised further eyebrows with several star names left at home and has already left him on the back foot and defensive before a ball has been kicked.

Back-to-back continental final appearances under Gareth Southgate have proven they can now compete at the sharp end of tournaments but getting over the line continues to elude them.

France

Finalists in each of the last two World Cups, it would take a brave person to bet against Les Bleus making it three-in-a-row in Didier Deschamps' last dance.

After well over a decade at the helm, the France boss has already announced that he will stand down at the end of this tournament, regardless of the result and that will surely give his players extra motivation to send him off happy.

Few will need much introduction to the star power packed into their squad: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise... the list goes on.

On paper, they not only have arguably the strongest starting line-up of any side this summer but also have the most strength in depth too. You only have to look at who didn't make it onto the plane to see how ridiculously stacked they are.

Spain

The current favourites to take the trophy this summer are the defending European champions, who are out to add the world crown for just the second time in their storied history.

It isn't hard to see why. Another side who are almost flawless if they get their favoured XI onto the park and with quality like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri and more, their credentials are clear.

Concerns have been voiced about the lack of a proper centre-forward but do you really need one when Mikel Oyarzabal has such a penchant for big game goals? Games don't come bigger than those at the World Cup.

When honours are handed out in New Jersey in mid-July, La Roja will not be far away.

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors