These are the ten nations that have the best chance of lifting the trophy in this thrilling competition across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and this year’s edition is the biggest ever, with 48 teams set to feature. In what is a wide open, a chance can be given to a wide range of nations – in fact up to 10.
The expanded competition stretches across an entire continent, with countries vying for glory in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Big guns like France, Spain, and defending champions Argentina are usually at the forefront of conversations about the World Cup, while former champions Brazil and Germany should not be ignored.
Mzansiwins have run the rule over the leading contenders and picked out 10 potential World Cup winners.
Spain are the reigning European champions and reached the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League in 2025. Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has moved away from the possession-based game to a more direct, lethal attacking style.
They are blessed with exciting players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams, while the experience of Rodri in midfield could also be vital. Their technical superiority and recent experience winning Euro 2024 and breezing through qualifiers make them the team to beat.
It would be foolhardy to examine the favourites for the 2026 World Cup without considering the defending champions. They have not slowed down since winning the title in 2022, winning the Copa America in 2024 and breezing through the CONMEBOL qualifiers, beating Brazil home and away.
Lionel Messi remains the x-factor for the Argentines, with the legendary forward still as influential as ever in the team. There is strong chemistry in the team under Lionel Scaloni, and with quality from the likes of Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Albiceleste could achieve the rare feat of successfully defending their title.
France reached the final of the last two World Cups, winning in 2018 and 2022, which means they come into this year’s edition with vast experience. They have one of the deepest squads heading to the tournament, with manager Didier Deschamps boasting quality cover for every position.
Kylian Mbappe is the x-factor, having featured at the last two tournaments, and remains one of the most feared attacking players in the world. Their pedigree is unmatched, and with a forward line that includes Mbappe, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Ousmane Dembele, they certainly have the quality to go all the way.
England head to North America looking to end a 60-year wait for the World Cup, and there is optimism among the fans that their time has finally come. They have a squad of players in the prime of their game, playing pivotal roles in elite clubs across Europe.
Harry Kane’s goals will be vital for the Three Lions, and the striker will have support from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, and many others. They often reach the latter stages, and Thomas Tuchel’s tactical ability could go a long way to taking them all the way.
Germany appear to be in a rebuilding process at the moment, but a four-time World Cup winner cannot be ignored. Die Mannschaft have built a reputation as a tournament team over the years and often reach the latter stages of major competitions.
While things have been on the downside in recent years, the positive for Germany is that their signature clinical efficiency has returned under Julian Nagelsmann. Always a team for the big occasions, the Germans could be one to watch in the summer with top quality players like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz in the team
Brazil are in the same situation as Germany, World Cup royalty, who have been in the doldrums in recent years. They head to North America seeking their first world title since 2002 and have enlisted the experience of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti to take charge of the team.
They have a solid attack, with Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, but Vinicius Junior is now the undisputed leader of the team. There is undoubted quality in the squad, and if they can find some stability in the backline, a sleeping giant could come alive in the summer.
Portugal have found regional success in the last decade, winning the European Championship in 2016 and have since won two UEFA Nations League titles, with the latest coming in 2025. However, World Cup success remains elusive, and they only reached the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022.
While Cristiano Ronaldo remains an influential part of the team, Portugal have built a powerhouse squad with elite players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao. They are managed by Roberto Martinez and are closer than ever to ending their World Cup drought.
Given the quality of teams on this list, Norway could be said to have an outside chance at best of winning the World Cup. However, the ease of their qualification for the tournament means they could be worth paying attention to.
Driven by the goals of Erling Haaland, who scored 16 times during the qualifiers, Norway can also count on top players like Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa. Having last played at the World Cup in 1998, their lack of tournament experience could be an issue, but they certainly present an intriguing prospect this summer.
Over the years, Netherlands have gained a reputation as the “nearly team” of world football, having regularly fallen at the final hurdle in major tournaments. While all this is true, they remain one of the wildcards at this year’s World Cup and an exciting prospect.
Built on an elite defensive core with Virgil Van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Jurrien Timber, and Micky van de Ven, they also boast exciting attacking prospects like Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo. If the Oranje can get it together under Ronald Koeman this summer, they may finally get to cross that threshold.
Widely regarded as Africa’s big hope, Morocco have played themselves into global reckoning in the last five years. A semi-final berth at Qatar 2022 is the furthest an African team has gone at the World Cup, while they also reached the final of the AFCON earlier in the year.
Brahim Diaz brings elite-level creativity, while the experience of Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Yassine Bounou cannot be overlooked. Despite switching managers, with Mohamed Ouahbi as the new man at the helm, the Atlas Lions boast the best-organized team outside of Europe and South America and could easily repeat a deep run.