World Cup 2026: England doesn’t expect, beware of Brazil, Mexico could surprise | OneFootball

Fasten your seatbelts, everyone! The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico finally gets underway on Thursday night.

The expanded 48-team line-up means we can revel in the wonder of Germany facing Curacao, an island with a population similar to Blackpool’s.

The tournament also presents England with their latest opportunity to get their hands on major silverware. Spoiler alert – it won’t happen.

France and Spain are more likely winners, while defending champions Argentina are expected to mount a strong bid to retain the trophy.

Brazil, Portugal, Germany and Belgium are also fancied to be competitive in what looks to be a wide-open edition of the prestigious tournament.

We will publish a daily column looking at some of the key talking points from the World Cup. Here are a few random thoughts ahead of the big kick-off.

England will fall short again

While the bookmakers rate England as the third favourites to lift the trophy, most fans are heading into the tournament fearing the worst.

The Three Lions’ only previous World Cup success was on home soil 60 years ago. They have repeatedly failed in major tournaments since then.

Manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection did little to inspire the nation. Jordan Henderson – World Cup winner? Tell us another one.

Even if England win their group – and that’s not guaranteed – their potential route to the final is littered with talented teams. More disappointment awaits.

Ancelotti could guide Brazil to glory

Five-time world champions Brazil have not lifted the trophy since 2002, but they could be an extremely dangerous proposition this summer.

Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has steadied the ship after an underwhelming qualifying campaign. He knows what it takes to win at the top level.

Brazil are solid defensively, have plenty of experience in midfield and an array of talented attackers who can cause opposing teams problems.

Three of their five World Cup successes were achieved when the tournament was staged in the Americas. They will be tough to beat.

Mexico could spring a surprise

Mexico previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. They reached the quarter-finals on each occasion and could match that feat this time around.

Manager Javier Aguirre has assembled a team built on solid foundations and which concedes few goals. They also have several dangerous attackers.

Mexico have been drawn alongside South Africa, South Korea and Czechia in Group A, so progressing to the knockout stage will not be easy.

However, playing on home soil should work to their advantage, and more fancied teams would be well advised not to underestimate the threat they pose.

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Mexico face South Africa in the opening game on Thursday and should kick off their campaign with a victory.

They are unbeaten in their last eight international matches – a run that includes draws against Portugal and Belgium.

South Africa have not qualified for the World Cup since hosting the event in 2010 and could be set for a difficult outing at the Aztec Stadium.