Washington – 09.06.2026: The 2026 FIFA World Cup casts its shadow ahead. From June 11 to July 19, 48 countries will compete in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the coveted title. Who are the favorites and which teams can surprise in this expanded field of participants? An overview of the main countries and their chances.
Spain: The undisputed favorites
Spain is seen as one of the top favorites after winning the 2024 European Championship and an impressive streak of 31 unbeaten official matches. With a title chance of about 16.12 percent, players like Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri take on the challenge of confirming their success.
France: Vice world champion with a star ensemble
France, the 2022 vice world champion, follows with a chance of about 12.67 percent. The “Équipe Tricolore” still has strong attackers such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, who are capable of deciding matches.
England: Hunting for the first title since 1966
England is attributed an 11.3 percent chance of winning the title. The “Three Lions” want to celebrate their first World Cup victory since 1966. Key players like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are central to this and could make the difference.
Brazil and Argentina: South American giants
Brazil and Argentina are each considered with about a ten percent chance as the main challengers from South America. Argentina, the 2022 title defender, aims with captain Lionel Messi to win the trophy again.
Portugal: Experience and young talents
Portugal, with roughly a 9.5 percent chance of the title, relies on the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo combined with promising young players like João Félix. The team wants to extend recent successes.
Germany: Seeking the fifth star
Germany, with an estimated title chance of eight percent, wants to win its fifth world championship title. With players like Joshua Kimmich and Kai Havertz, the “Mannschaft” must again be among the favorites.
Outsiders with potential
Besides the favorites, teams like the Netherlands (6 percent), Norway (4 percent), and Belgium (3 percent) can create surprises. Especially Norway, led by Erling Haaland, is considered a potential sensation.
Outlook
The football World Cup 2026 promises exciting matches and surprising twists. Favorites like Spain, France, and England are in the spotlight, but South American rivals and ambitious outsiders also add extra appeal to the expanded tournament with 48 teams. On July 19, it will be revealed which team succeeds in lifting the trophy in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.