The FIFA World Cup has always been an unpredictable tournament with plenty of upsets and any team can dominate the big sides on a given day. This element of uncertainty is what builds the excitement for the biggest tournament in world football. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we saw Argentina losing against Saudi Arabia in Matchday 1, and even the likes of Morocco finishing at the fourth place in the tournament.
In the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup as well, we have some star studded sides to look at and their form is as threatening as ever. From the unreal squad depth of France to the highly underrated squad of Portugal, this tournament has all the potential to be an absolute belter.
Top 7 favourite teams to win the FIFA World Cup 2026
Here are the top 7 favourites of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America:
1)France
The French side has been the most successful side in the World Cup in the last two editions as they won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finished as the runners-up in Qatar. This time, they are boasting some exceptional squad depth in their attacking area with plenty of backups. Kylian Mbappe will not be the lone warrior of the side with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise to support him. The backline and the midfield is well equipped as well and they could possibly go all the way in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2)Argentina
The defending champions will be hoping to repeat the same feat in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Lionel Messi will be heading their frontline of attack. The Argentinian star will be playing his last World Cup and to win two in two would be a dream for the man from Rosario. Argentina boasts high quality players in both defense and midfield as well. There are some changes from the previous tournament but Lionel Scaloni will be hoping to defend their crown in North America.
3)Spain
The kings of Europe will now head into the greatest stage of international football in search of another trophy. The world witnessed the new face of the Spanish side in the 2024 Euro Cup when Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal spearheaded their lethal attack. Spain’s possession game will be a tactical deadlock that the oppositions will struggle to break. The European champions will set out for another quest in world football and they have a strong unit to challenge for the title.
4)Portugal
The Portuguese side has undergone a massive transition in the last few years and the kind of squad they have built is a very strong one. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution for the national side has been incredible and he will be looking to conquer the last accolade absent from his trophy cabinet.
Bruno Fernandes has been coming off a spectacular run of form in the Premier League and his partnership along with Vitinha and Joao Neves would be the best midfield in the tournament. Portugal will be looking to make amends to their disappointment in the previous edition and they could finish well in the tournament.
5)Germany
Germany has been one of those sides that have been underperforming in the last couple of World Cups and since their triumph in 2014, they haven’t really found their form. They haven’t even made it past the group stage in the last two editions and this time, they will be looking to break the curse.
Germany’s key to success in the attacking front would be the pairing of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. If their backline can hold a strong defensive line, Germany could be in for a long tournament and could possibly finish near their desired mark in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
6)Brazil
The Brazilian side didn’t have the most comfortable of qualifications into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Brazil are one of those sides that you simply cannot write off. Neymar will be their key attacker up front and a lot will be dependent on his contribution for the side. Matheus Cunha was in great touch with Manchester United and he could prove to be the X factor of the side. Vinicius Jr and Endrick could be another set of youngsters that could help Brazil in achieving their long awaited glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
7)England
The Three Lions have been another one of the sides that have always gone into the tournament with some exceptional names on paper, but their composure has been lacking. This time, Thomas Tuchel has picked a squad based on current form and he has excluded some of their top players. Their attacking options could be lethal with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
Jude Bellingham will be looking to take care of the midfield duties and the defensive highline will be their area of tactical strength. England can possibly make a strong case for themselves in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with some good quality performances.
