The Favorites: Who Arrives Strongest in 2026

It is almost impossible to talk about favoritism without placing the French National Team at the top of the list. The core of the team that won in 2018 and was runner-up in 2022 is still very young. Led by a Kylian Mbappé in his physical and technical prime (he will turn 27 during the Cup), France has an impressive "production line" of talent.

With stars filling the main Champions League squads in all positions (Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Saliba, Upamecano), the French squad is not affected by the physical wear of a Cup with 8 matches. If the internal environment is controlled (the historical Achilles' heel of "Les Bleus"), they will be the team to beat.

By 2026, Brazil will complete the painful milestone of 24 years without lifting the trophy — the same waiting time as the dramatic drought from 1970 to 1994. The reformulation started after Tite's departure comes with the weight of rescuing the offensive protagonism of the five-time champion.

The great Brazilian asset is the meteoric rise of stars like Vini Jr, Rodrygo, and the hope generated by Endrick. However, Brazil still needs to consolidate a solid midfield identity against European powers. Historically, playing on the American continent brings an emotional advantage to Brazil, which was champion in Mexico (1970) and the US (1994). Will lightning strike a third time in North America?

The defending champions will arrive in the United States with a huge question mark: how far does Lionel Messi's influence go? The genius of the number 10 led the team in Qatar, but the structure built by Lionel Scaloni has revealed formidable talents like Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Mac Allister, all perfectly capable of carrying the weight of the albiceleste without their greatest idol on the field all the time. Their favoritism is clear due to defensive consistency and a recently restored Cup-winning DNA.

If France is a talent factory, England is finally reaping the rewards of its own youth system. Names like Jude Bellingham (frequently pointed as a future best in the world), Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice make up an enviable midfield.

The Three Lions have consistently hit the post (semi-final in 2018, Euro 2020 final, tight elimination in 2022). In 2026, England's squad will not just be "promising," but a team composed of stabilized world superstars. All that remains is to overcome the psychological barrier of big decisions and manage the immense pressure from the British media.

Both teams are going through distinct processes of renewal. Spain focuses on a generation of young players of rare ball possession ability (Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal), but still seeks a central striker with a ruthless eye for goal.

Germany, on the other hand, carries the trauma of two consecutive group stage eliminations. But never doubt the German shirt. With the rise of vital stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, the Mannschaft is restructuring tactically to terrorize opponents once again.