Who Will Win the World Cup 2026? Analysing the Top Contenders and Their Chances

With the first 48-team edition of the FIFA World Cup around the corner, excitement is building worldwide as nations prepare to compete on an expanded global stage.

Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Germany head into the tournament as the favourites to progress from the group stage, backed by recent success at major competitions and squads overflowing with talent.

Spain arrive as the reigning European champions, while Argentina are chasing a historic back-to-back world title after Lionel Messi inspired them to a long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Germany, despite failing to make it out of the group stage at the last two World Cups, remain a perennial contender with four trophies to their name.

And then there is Brazil – the most successful nation in tournament history, boasting a record five titles and now coached by the legendary European manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

Last but not least, Cristiano Ronaldo will grace the North American pitches in pursuit of his final peak, bidding to lead Portugal to their maiden World Cup title and cap off his unparalleled career.

World Cup 2026 tickets are at a premium given the massive global interest in the tournament, so fans looking to attend the tournament next summer should get busy sourcing tickets and making travel plans now.

Without further ado, let’s look at the top six candidates to win the first North American-held tournament since 1994.

#6 Germany

Julian Nagelsmann’s side produced some dazzling performances at last summer’s European Championship, only to be denied by Spain in a nerve-wracking quarter-final.

Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz ran the show, yet Nagelsmann had Toni Kroos pulling all the strings in the midfield, alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Joshua Kimmich.

It’ll be exciting to see how Germany will perform without the iconic Real Madrid playmaker in their first appearance at a major tournament since his retirement.

Die Mannschaft are famously excelling when the stakes are high. This time, they head into the finals as outsiders at around 14/1, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their transition into a post-Kroos era.

#5 Portugal

It’s likely to be Ronaldo’s last major international tournament, and no one will be more motivated to ascend the throne than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Surprise package Morocco halted Portugal’s run in the 2022 quarter-finals.

This time, though, the 40-year-old superstar will have an elite roster around him, with the Selecao boasting a well-balanced, talent-rich squad capable of challenging any opponent.

From Bruno Fernandes to Rafael Leao, this Portugal team looks formidable on paper, yet the bookies remain skeptical about their chances of overshadowing Argentina and Spain.

As such, they enter the tournament as outside contenders at around 12/1, a price that reflects their potential and the lingering doubts over whether this star-studded squad can finally translate promise into global glory.

#4 Brazil

Brazil’s dramatic fall from grace has been unfathomable, as a once-feared superpower has struggled to maintain consistency and authority on the international stage in recent years.

However, it takes a brave man to write them off before the kick-off, especially now that Ancelotti is at the helm, seeking a career-defining success in the international waters.

Despite enduring their worst qualifying campaign in the 21st century, the Brazilians remain one of the hottest favourites to take home the most prestigious trophy in international football.

Priced at 8/1, the Selecao should pose a serious threat at the 2026 World Cup.

#3 Argentina

Messi achieved what many had doubted he would in 2022, leading Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since the glory days of Diego Maradona, cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.

Going back-to-back would likely end the conversation about who the greatest of all time is, solidifying La Pulga’s place at the very top of football history.

Following a dominant qualifying cycle, La Albiceleste seemingly have what it takes to add to their glittering trophy cabinet under Lionel Scaloni.

#2 England

‘Smoke but not cigar’ has been a recurring theme for one of the most well-knit squads in international football.

A heartbreaking defeat in the Euro 2024 final marked the end of Gareth Southgate’s long-term tenure as England prepare for their first major tournament under Thomas Tuchel.

With Harry Kane leading the line and the likes of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden orchestrating play from midfield, England are probably the most feared team in Europe.

Despite their strength in depth, the Three Lions must overcome a psychological barrier to lift a major trophy, entering the tournament as one of the favourites at 5/1.

#1 Spain

Led by Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, Spain cruised to their fourth Euro title last summer, displaying slick, fluid football and an attacking prowess that few teams could match.

It’s been 16 years since La Roja’s last World Cup victory, but this feels like their tournament to lose, with the bookies pricing them at 4/1 to dethrone Argentina.

With a fascinating mix of emerging stars and seasoned campaigners, the Spaniards seem like the most genuine candidates to bring home the coveted prize. 

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