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Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup?
This summer, the 2026 World Cup will be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, 48 nations will compete, which is an increase from the traditional 32-team format.
Argentina are the reigning champions, having defeated France on penalties in the 2022 final to lift the trophy for a third time.
With several strong contenders vying for international glory, DAZN News looks at who the favourites are to lift the 23rd edition of the World Cup.
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Spain seeking second World Cup
Spain triumphed at Euro 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the final after a fine run of form across the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were irresistible throughout the competition, with their attacking flair too much for defences to handle.
Lamine Yamal was the breakout star of the Euros and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most exhilarating players to watch in world football.
La Roja are the highest-ranked team in the world and are on an imperious run of form of 26 games without defeat - their last loss being a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024.
Given their form and quality in the final third, Spain head into the competition as the favourites to secure the second World Cup in their history.
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Kylian Mbappe can lead France to World Cup glory
France have been strong contenders for the FIFA World Cup for the last few tournaments, and 2026 will be no different.
Didier Deschamps’ side were edged out on penalties by Argentina in Qatar after a 3-3 draw, which many consider to be the greatest final of all time.
Of all the teams set to play in the Americas, Les Bleus possess the most superstars within their ranks, but can they click this time around?
- Read next | Who will France play at World Cup 2026? Dates, kick-off times and full schedule revealed
Like Spain, France are particularly prolific in attacking areas, with Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembele just three of their standout heavyweights.
In the Euros, Deschamps’ side struggled to gel, and like England, they were unable to deliver the attacking displays their team are capable of.
France’s last loss was to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, and they may be the one team that stands in their way of a second trophy.
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Argentina eyeing back-to-back titles
Despite losing to Saudi Arabia in the opening game, Argentina went on to triumph at the 2022 World Cup, with Lionel Messi finally getting his hands on the trophy.
However, history does not favour the holders, with only two nations retaining the title - Italy (1934 & 1938) and Brazil (1958 & 1962).
Lionel Scaloni’s side enjoyed a prolific qualifying campaign, topping the CONMEBOL standings nine points clear of nearest challengers Ecuador.
- Read next | Who will Argentina play at World Cup 2026? Dates, kick-off times and full schedule revealed
Enzo Fernandez is now delivering the best performances of his career, while Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez can deliver pivotal moments on the grandest stage.
While they may not be everybody’s favourites, it would be foolish to write off South America’s best nation.
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Can England end 60 years of hurt under Thomas Tuchel?
When England head to the Americas, they will be striving to win their first World Cup since defeating Germany in 1966.
Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions reached their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years, as well as two successive Euros finals for the first time in their history.
However, after failing to lead his country to glory, the mantle now rests with Thomas Tuchel.
There is no doubt that England have the quality to reach a final, but question marks remain whether they can beat the likes of Spain or France in the latter stages.
With Harry Kane leading the line, the Three Lions will always have a chance of World Cup success, but Tuchel still has several selection dilemmas to solve ahead of the summer.
Defence will likely be an issue, but if the 1966 World Cup winners can find their groove, then they have every chance of challenging.
Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Who are the outsiders for the 2026 World Cup?
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, but can he lift the trophy with Portugal on his final attempt?
As usual, all of the global attention will be on CR7, who will be desperate to emulate his old rival Messi.
Portugal are one of the best nations in history not to win the famous trophy, with their third-place finish in 1966 their best showing.
Given that Roberto Martinez has Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves as a midfield three, Seleção das Quinas have the quality to reach the final.
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Since lifting the World Cup for a record fifth time in 2002, Brazil have been the major underperformers, failing to make it past the quarter-finals since.
The last couple of years have been tumultuous for A Seleção, with Carlo Ancelotti brought in to fix their glaring issues.
Brazil were woeful for large parts of qualifying and finished fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, level on points with Paraguay, Uruguay and Colombia.
Ancelotti’s primary problem is that he does not possess a world-class number nine, with Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Junior leading the line in their most recent outings.
All signs point towards a European winner, with Spain entering the tournament as the team to beat.
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