The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already giving fans plenty to talk about. Bigger tournament, more teams, more drama — what more could we ask for?
Some teams will arrive as favourites, carrying history and pressure. Others will come in as underdogs, hoping to surprise everyone. So, who should you keep an eye on?
Top contenders
Argentina
Argentina arrive as defending champions and one of the teams everyone will want to beat. They have the winning mentality, big-match experience and star quality to go far again. Fans will naturally expect Lionel Messi to deliver more magic, while players like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández will be key to keeping Argentina dangerous. Can they defend their crown?
Top stars: Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 3 titles — 1978, 1986 and 2022.
- Copa América: 16 titles.
France
France look dangerous in almost every position. With pace, power, experience and serious squad depth, they are one of the teams nobody will want to face. Fans will expect Kylian Mbappé to lead from the front and deliver the big moments, just like he has done before.
Top stars: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mike Maignan.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 2 titles — 1998 and 2018
- runners-up in 2006 and 2022.
- UEFA European Championship: 2 titles — 1984 and 2000.
- UEFA Nations League: 1 title — 2021.
Spain
Spain are stylish, technical and full of exciting young talent. They can control games through midfield, but this generation also has pace and direct attacking energy. Fans will expect Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri to lead the way as Spain try to build a new golden era.
Top stars: Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 1 title — 2010.
- UEFA European Championship: 4 titles — 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024.
- UEFA Nations League: 1 title — 2023.
England
England have the talent to go all the way, but the pressure is always part of the story. With Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashfotd, this squad has goals, creativity and star power. Fans expect this generation to finally turn promise into a trophy.
Top stars: Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 1 title — 1966.
- Semi-finalists in 1990 and 2018.
- UEFA European Championship: Runners-up in 2020 and 2024.
Portugal
Portugal have one of the most talented squads in the tournament. They have creativity, experience, attacking quality and a strong defence. Cristiano Ronaldo will be a major storyline, but fans will also expect Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão to make the difference.
Top stars: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, Rúben Dias.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Best finish was third place in 1966.
- UEFA European Championship: 1 title — 2016.
- UEFA Nations League: 2 titlea — 2019 and 2025.
Brazil
Brazil’s presence at the World Cup always feels special. The history, the yellow shirt, the flair, all come with huge expectations. Fans will look to Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Endrick to bring back the attacking magic as Brazil chase a long-awaited sixth title.
Top stars: Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick, Bruno Guimarães, Alisson.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 5 titles — 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
- Copa América: 9 titles.
Germany
Germany can never be ruled out. Their recent tournaments have been disappointing by their standards, but their history makes them a serious threat. With Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz leading a new creative generation, fans will expect Germany to look like a dangerous tournament team again.
Top stars: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: 4 titles — 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.
- UEFA European Championship: 3 titles — 1972, 1980 and 1996.
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 1 title — 2017.
Netherlands
The Netherlands always arrive with history, quality and expectation. They have reached three FIFA World Cup finals, finishing as runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, and fans will hope this generation can finally go one step further. With Virgil van Dijk leading from the back, Frenkie de Jong controlling the midfield, and Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo adding quality in attack, the Dutch have the experience, strength and organisation to be a serious threat in 2026.
Top Stars: Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo
Accomplishments:
FIFA World Cup: Runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
UEFA European Championship: 1 title - 1988.
Underdogs
Morocco
Morocco are not just a surprise package anymore. After reaching the semi-finals in 2022, they have earned respect. Their organisation, confidence and defensive strength make them difficult to beat, and fans will expect Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou and Sofyan Amrabat to lead another strong run.
Top stars: Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Díaz
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Fourth place in 2022
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2 titles — 1976 and 2025.
Mexico
Mexico will have home advantage in 2026, and that makes them very interesting. The support will be huge, but so will the pressure. Fans will expect Santiago Giménez, Edson Álvarez and Hirving Lozano to help Mexico finally push beyond their usual World Cup barrier.
Top stars: Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Quarterfinals in1986
- Concacaf Gold Cup: 10 titles.
Senegal
Senegal are strong, fast and difficult to play against. They have experience, physicality and enough attacking quality to trouble bigger teams. Fans will expect Sadio Mané to lead the attack, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Édouard Mendy bring leadership and experience.
Top stars: Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Quarter-finals in 2002
- Africa Cup of Nations: 1 title — 2021
Japan
Japan are one of the most exciting underdogs because they are organised, quick and technically sharp. They have already shown they can trouble big teams, but now fans will want to see them take the next step. Could this be the tournament where Japan finally make a deeper run?
Top stars: Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022.
- AFC Asian Cup: 4 titles — 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011.
Ecuador
Ecuador may not be one of the biggest names, but they are energetic, athletic and fearless. That makes them a tricky opponent for anyone. Fans will expect Moisés Caicedo to lead the midfield, while young talents like Kendry Páez could bring something special.
Top stars: Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Pervis Estupiñán, Enner Valencia, Kendry Páez.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 in 2006.
- Copa América: Fourth place in 1993.
Norway
Norway are exciting because of two names: Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. That alone makes them worth watching. They may not have the World Cup history of the bigger nations, but if their stars click, they could cause real problems.
Top stars: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa.
Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 in 1998.
- UEFA European Championship: Group stage in 1998.
The favourites come with history, stars and pressure. The underdogs arrive with hunger, freedom and nothing to lose.
Argentina, Spain, France, England, Portugal, Brazil and Germany all believe they can win it. But Morocco, Mexico, Senegal, Japan, Ecuador and Norway will not be there just to make up the numbers.
And honestly, no one would really be shocked if one of them caused a major upset
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