World Cup 2026: Top 🔟 contenders for the title | OneFootball

With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, excitement is already building around the biggest sporting occasion on earth.

Recent form, squad depth, tournament pedigree and world-class stars all play a major role in deciding who the favourites are - but who exactly are those favourites? 

Let's find out!

Spain

Spain enter the tournament as many experts’ favourites after winning Euro 2024 and maintaining an outstanding unbeaten run through qualification. Their midfield remains the envy of world football, led by Rodri and Pedri, while teenage superstar Lamine Yamal has developed into one of the game’s most dangerous attackers. Spain’s tactical control and squad depth make them incredibly difficult to beat. Having won the World Cup in 2010, La Roja look capable of returning to the summit once again.

France

France have reached the last two World Cup finals and continue to produce elite talent at an astonishing rate. Kylian Mbappé remains the headline star and is supported by players such as Ousmane Dembélé, William Saliba and Michael Olise. Didier Deschamps’ side possess pace, power and experience, while their unbeaten qualifying campaign showed their remarkable consistency. Les Bleus won the tournament in 1998 and 2018 and are well-set to add a third star to the famous shirt this time around.

England

England’s new 'golden generation' may finally be ready to end the country’s long wait for major silverware. The Three Lions were runners-up at Euro 2024 and have been dominant in qualification, winning matches comfortably and conceding a grand total of zero goals. Harry Kane remains their leader, while Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers provide creativity and flair. England’s only World Cup triumph came in 1966, but belief around this squad is stronger than ever.

Argentina

The defending champions still possess the mentality and quality that carried them to glory in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi may be nearing the end of his international career, but Argentina’s squad is still as deep as ever, with Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis MacAllister all playing key roles. Winning back-to-back World Cups is incredibly rare with Brazil in 1962 the last team to achieve such a feat, yet Argentina’s winning mentality and recent Copa América success make them genuine contenders once again.

Brazil

📸 Ricardo Moreira - 2026 Getty Images

Brazil are always among the favourites whenever a World Cup arrives. The five-time champions have rebuilt under Carlo Ancelotti and look far more organised defensively. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha provide world-class attacking threat, while Neymar could still play an inspirational role if fully fit. Although Brazil have not won the trophy since 2002, their history, talent and quality going forward make them impossible to ignore.

Portugal

Portugal possess one of the strongest midfields in international football, featuring Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha whilst in Cristiano Ronaldo they have a figurehead going into what's almost certainly his last tournament. Portugal also arrive with confidence after a strong Nations League showing and brilliant qualification victories. Despite never having won a World Cup, their balance of experience and technical quality makes them extremely dangerous.

Germany

From reputation alone, Germany command respect going into this World Cup. The four-time champions have struggled in recent tournaments, but a talented new generation is emerging. Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz give Germany creativity and attacking unpredictability. Their shaky defence could be an issue heading into the summer but the return of veteran Manuel Neuer in goal will surely quell some of those worries.

Netherlands

The Netherlands continue to produce technically gifted players and have looked strong in recent international competitions. Virgil van Dijk provides leadership at the back, while players such as Donyell Malen and Tijjani Reijnders bring energy and creativity. Despite reaching three World Cup finals, the Dutch have never won the tournament, making 2026 another opportunity to finally break their curse.

Norway

Norway are emerging as the tournament’s potential dark horses. Erling Haaland is one of the world’s best strikers, while Martin Ødegaard controls games from midfield. After years away from major tournaments, Norway finally possess enough quality to challenge the elite nations. Their attacking power will trouble any defence in the competition whilst in Ståle Solbakken they have an experienced coach who was in the squad the last time the Scandinavian side reached the finals in 1998.

Belgium

📸 DIRK WAEM - Belgaimage

Belgium’s golden generation may be fading, but they still possess experienced stars and plenty of attacking quality. Jeremy Doku’s pace and creativity offer a new dimension, while players like Kevin De Bruyne continue to influence matches at the highest level. Belgium reached the semi-finals in 2018 and remain capable of surprising stronger teams on their day.

📸 Alex Grimm - 2025 Getty Images