As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, many fans have their own predictions of who will walk away with football’s biggest prize. Defending champions, former winners and emerging contenders are all dreaming of lifting the trophy. As the action starts on Thursday, Times Sport looks at the favourites, challengers and dark horses. ALSO READ: What to know about the high tech ball to be used at World Cup 2026 Favourites: Argentina The reigning world champions remain the benchmark heading into 2026. Argentina arrive as defending champions after their triumph in Qatar in 2022, and continue to demonstrate remarkable consistency in international competitions. They are currently ranked first in the FIFA rankings and have lost very few competitive matches since lifting the World Cup. France France have reached two of the last three World Cup finals. No team possesses greater squad depth than France. Finalists in 2022, Les Bleus have world class options in every position and a proven track record of reaching the latter stages of major tournaments. Their blend of youth, experience and tournament know-how makes them a favourite once again. Spain Spain have re-established themselves among football's elite thanks to a talented young generation and a clear footballing identity. Their success at recent international tournaments has demonstrated that they have both the quality and maturity to challenge for the World Cup. Brazil Despite recent disappointments, Brazil remain Brazil. The five-time world champions are always among the favourites. Coached by the experienced Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil possess exceptional attacking talent and a good technical bench. Brazil always enters every World Cup carrying the expectation of competing for the title. Challengers: Portugal Portugal arrive as one of the most complete teams in the competition. Ranked fifth in the world, Portugal may not be among the top favourites, but they have one of the most complete squads and best midfielders in world football like Vitinha and Joao Neves. With world class players across the pitch and experience gained from recent tournaments, the Portuguese have the tools to challenge any opponent. England England enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest teams in international football. The Three Lions qualified impressively, becoming the first European nation to secure their place at the tournament after winning their first six qualifying matches without conceding a goal. With stars such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, the team seems ready to face any opponent. Germany Germany's recent World Cup record has been disappointing, but the four-time champions appear to be rebuilding. Ranked tenth in the world, they head into the tournament on the back of encouraging performances and remain one of football's most dangerous tournament teams. ALSO READ: Top young players to watch at 2026 World Cup Dark Horses: Norway Norway are perhaps the tournament's most intriguing outsider. While their FIFA ranking remains outside the top 20, they possess great attacking talents, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Morocco Morocco are no longer outsiders after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. However, they still operate outside the circle of traditional favourites. Their organisation, discipline and experience make them one of the dangerous teams in the competition. United States Playing at home could give the Americans a significant advantage. Backed by passionate crowds and a talented young squad, they could enjoy their best World Cup run in decades.
