Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup predictions 2026 are taking shape before Mexico face South Africa in the tournament opener, with France, Argentina, Spain and England all named among the leading title contenders.

The expanded FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, 104 matches, three host countries and 39 days of football, giving fans a wider tournament than ever before.

For more World Cup player analysis, read Nico O'Reilly England Rise Gives Thomas Tuchel A World Cup Left-Back Wildcard.

France Remain The Team To Beat

France have drawn strong backing from several analysts, with Kylian Mbappe again central to their hopes after his final hat-trick against Argentina in 2022.

Steven Goff pointed to France’s squad depth as a key reason they remain near the top of the global order, while Sean Leahy also backed Didier Deschamps’ side to return stronger after losing the last final.

Paul Carr also chose France to beat England in the final, noting their ability to win with attacking talent or a tighter defensive plan.

Official tournament fixtures and news can be followed through the FIFA World Cup website.

Argentina And Messi Chase One More Run

Argentina remain a serious threat as Lionel Messi prepares for another World Cup campaign after lifting the trophy in Qatar.

Leahy noted that Argentina’s chances may depend on keeping Messi fit, with the holders trying to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

The emotional pull is clear, but the football case is also strong, with Argentina still carrying the belief built from their 2022 triumph.

Spain Backed Behind Lamine Yamal

Spain have also been tipped for a deep run, with Lamine Yamal viewed as one of the tournament’s most exciting young players.

Jay Busbee predicted Spain to beat Argentina in the final, with Yamal leading a new generation into the spotlight.

Carr also picked Yamal as the likely young star of the tournament, while warning that his fitness could be the biggest concern.

Golden Boot And USMNT Pressure

Harry Kane is being discussed as a leading Golden Boot candidate after scoring 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich across all competitions.

Mikel Oyarzabal was another scoring pick after sharing Spain’s qualifying lead with six goals and taking two of the team’s three penalties.

For the United States Men’s National Team, Nick Bromberg argued that simply reaching the knockout rounds will not be enough on home soil.

He said matching the 2002 quarter-final run should be the target, especially with 32 teams now reaching the elimination stage.

Brazil And Spain Named As Possible Risks

Brazil remain a major name, but Carr raised doubts over a midfield likely to lean on Casemiro and Fabinho in difficult conditions.

Spain were also mentioned as a possible disappointment if Yamal’s injury concerns limit his impact.

Still, the tournament’s size and format leave room for surprises, with recent runs by Croatia and Morocco showing that a team outside the usual finalists can push deep.