THE FAVOURITES

The defending champions arrive in North America carrying both the weight of expectation and the confidence that comes from having conquered the world. Argentina’s triumph in Qatar was not built solely around brilliance but around an extraordinary collective spirit, tactical flexibility, and an unwavering belief that saw them overcome every challenge placed before them.

Even as the era of Lionel Messi nears its conclusion, Argentina remain loaded with elite talent across every line. The likes of Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister have matured into world-class performers, while Lionel Scaloni has established a culture that continues to maximise the squad’s strengths. This is one of the teams to beat.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (Photo: AP)

France

No nation has been more consistently dominant at World Cups over the last decade than France. Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus possess a remarkable blend of tournament experience, physical power and technical excellence that few countries can match.

With Kylian Mbappé entering what should be the peak years of his career, France once again boast the game’s most devastating attacking weapon. Around him sits a squad overflowing with elite talent from top European clubs in every position. Didier Deschamps has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to navigate tournament football, making France perhaps the safest bet to reach the latter stages once again.

France forward Kylian Mbappe.

Spain

Spain arrive as arguably the most complete footballing side on the planet. Their triumph at Euro 2024 confirmed that La Roja have successfully blended their traditional possession-based identity with a more direct and dynamic attacking edge.

Led by a new generation featuring Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Nico Williams, Spain combine youthful fearlessness with tactical sophistication. Their ability to control matches through possession while also creating chances in transition makes them uniquely difficult to contain. If momentum carries over from recent successes, Spain could well emerge as the team everyone is chasing.

THE CHALLENGERS

Brazil

Brazil’s quest for a sixth World Cup enters another chapter, and as always, expectation follows the Seleção wherever they go. While recent tournaments have ended in disappointment, the depth of talent available ensures they remain firmly among the contenders.

The emergence of Vinícius Júnior as one of world football’s most influential players provides Brazil with a genuine match-winner capable of deciding games on his own. If Brazil can find the right balance between their attacking flair and defensive stability, they possess enough quality to beat any team in the competition.

Neymar (Photo: AP)

England

England continue to knock on the door of major tournament success. Semi-finalists in 2018, finalists at Euro 2020 and quarter-finalists in 2022, the Three Lions have developed a consistency that has often eluded previous generations.

Few teams can rival England’s attacking options, with Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka capable of unlocking any defence. The lingering question is whether they can overcome the psychological hurdles that have often surfaced in decisive moments. Should they do so, a first World Cup title since 1966 is entirely possible.

Germany

Germany’s resurgence has been one of the most intriguing stories leading into this tournament. After disappointing exits in 2018 and 2022, the four-time champions appear to have rediscovered both their identity and confidence.

Tournament pedigree remains Germany’s greatest weapon. No matter their form entering a World Cup, they consistently find ways to compete deep into the knockout rounds. With a talented blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, Germany possess the tactical discipline and resilience required to challenge the favourites.

DARK HORSES

Portugal may no longer be defined solely by Cristiano Ronaldo, and that could make them even more dangerous. Their squad is packed with technical quality and depth across every position, allowing them to adapt to a variety of opponents and situations.

Bruno Fernandes remains one of the game’s premier creators, while a new generation continues to emerge around him. If Portugal can translate their individual talent into collective consistency, they have enough quality to make a genuine run at the trophy.

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: AP)

Netherlands

The Netherlands rarely enter a World Cup without attracting attention, and this edition is no different. The Dutch combine tactical intelligence with a growing core of players accustomed to competing at the highest level of European football.

Their defensive structure is traditionally among the strongest in international football, while the current squad possesses greater attacking creativity than some recent Dutch sides. History suggests they are capable of upsetting more fancied opponents, making them a dangerous knockout-round proposition.

Morocco

Morocco’s extraordinary run to the semi-finals in Qatar was no fluke. It was the product of tactical discipline, defensive organisation and a team spirit that inspired not only a nation but an entire continent.

Now they arrive with experience and belief. Many of the players who powered that historic campaign remain central figures, while the squad has continued to develop. If Morocco can reproduce the resilience and efficiency that stunned the football world four years ago, another deep run cannot be ruled out.