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Who Are The Top Contenders For The 2026 FIFA World Cup? One Year Countdown Begins
The 2026 World Cup in North America will be the first to feature 48 teams.
However, expanding the tournament doesn’t necessarily lead to more genuine contenders for the title.
Only eight countries have won the World Cup in 22 editions up to the most recent tournament in Qatar, when Argentina defeated France on penalties in an epic final.
That was their third title, a tally only Brazil has surpassed with five. Germany and Italy each have four World Cup titles.
With a year to go before the tournament begins in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many uncertainties remain, particularly as European qualifying has only just started.
Of the eight previous World Cups held on the American continent, seven have been won by a South American team.
Argentina Qualified For The World Cup
There was a European winner in Brazil in 2014, when Germany edged Argentina in the final.
However, Argentina, who top the FIFA Argentina, currently at the top of the FIFA world rankings, will be the team to watch in 2026, even though no nation has defended the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
They are not only reigning champions but also have won the last two Copa America tournaments, including the one held last year in the USA.
In March, Argentina became the first South American team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Most of the 2022 team remains under coach Lionel Scaloni, and it looks like Messi, who will turn 39 during the competition, will have a role to play.
”He is keen to play at the World Cup and everyone is keen to see him play,” Scaloni said recently.
Brazil won the last World Cup in the United States in 1994, but they are mired in crisis, and even Carlo Ancelotti may struggle to revive their fortunes.
”I have a big job ahead of me and have great hope that Brazil will become champions again,” Ancelotti said after being presented as coach last month.
”The only goal is to win the 2026 World Cup.”
Their inconsistent qualifying performance cost former coach Dorival Junior his job, and Ancelotti now needs Raphinha and Vinicius Junior to improve. He began his tenure with a goalless draw in Ecuador on Thursday.
Spain chase second title
If there is to be a European winner, then Spain is the obvious candidate.
They will be striving to replicate their 2010 achievement when they secured the World Cup after winning the European Championship.
Luis de la Fuente’s team, starting qualifying in September, includes the talented teenager Lamine Yamal, who will turn 19 during the tournament.
France has reached the last two finals and has appeared in four of the last seven World Cups.
This will be the last tournament for Didier Deschamps before he steps down after 14 years in charge, and Kylian Mbappe will be gunning for a second World Cup winner’s medal.
England’s desperation to win a first title since 1966 led to the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as coach.
”I know that some trophies are missing… and, of course, I want to help make it happen,” the German said.
England, runners-up at the last two Euros and semi-finalists in the 2018 World Cup, are counting on Jude Bellingham to lead their team.
Harry Kane, almost 33, may have his last chance to secure an international trophy. The team aims to go further and achieve success on the world stage.
Germany has not gone beyond the group stage since winning in 2014, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side appears to be on the up, and the key could be getting Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to work together.
Other prospects?
Italy looks limited and just wants to be there, having missed the last two World Cups.
”We need to qualify because it’s absolutely crucial for us,” admitted coach Luciano Spalletti.
If there is to be a first-time winner, the Netherlands, which has been runners-up three times, should not be overlooked.
However, Portugal might have a slightly better chance of securing the title this time. A key story will be whether Cristiano Ronaldo, set to compete in his sixth World Cup at age 41, can still inspire Portugal or possibly hinder their team dynamics.
The tournament promises exciting battles and surprising outcomes.
The prospect of a first triumph for a host since France in 1998 seems non-existent.
Mauricio Pochettino is currently facing challenges in making his mark with the United States, having initially set the goal of winning the tournament.
Mexico aims to reach the quarter-finals, which would equal their best performance to date.
For Canada, simply advancing beyond the group stage would be a significant achievement.