World Cup 2026 predictions as England’s fate decided under Tuchel | Football | Sport

It’s over three years since Lionel Messi and Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar following a thrilling final victory over France. Now, the 2026 tournament is fast approaching. 

After last time around’s winter competition, football’s greatest showdown returns to the summer, with the United States, Canada and Mexico playing the role of hosts, and, for the first time, with 48 teams heading to the finals. That means 104 matches across just over five weeks in what is set to be a thrilling feast for fans across the globe.

And as the countdown to kickoff continues, we’ve tasked our chief football writers to make their picks and give their predictions for what is being promoted as the biggest and boldest FIFA World Cup ever.

Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, England

Top Scorer: Julian Alvarez

Best Player: Lamine Yamal

Sorry to be so predictable but I am going to go for the four top seeds into the semi-finals in the new-look tennis style draw. I really like the new set-up as it is exciting to map the nations and their path through the rounds… however, history tells us that it rarely – if ever – goes to plan.

But the top four – Argentina, Spain, France, and England – are the outstanding teams in the tournament, in my view. And I love a heavyweight final after lots of shocks and great stories in the knock-outs and Group matches.

We cannot get away from the fact that America is a very expensive country, and it’s a huge ask for fans to go across three countries with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts. But it is vital that fans are there in big numbers because their noise, colour and love is the making of any tournament.

My experience at the Club World Cup last summer was one of unpredictable weather, scorching heat and also a brilliantly organised tournament. US fans pay more money for their sporting events and concerts and it’s often way more than we are used to here. But, England fans to their eternal credit, always find a way and they will go with genuine hope that Thomas Tuchel can deliver.

I think England are the outsiders in the four because of the heat and also because the squad is just on the turn in some departments. England have a sensational striker in Harry Kane, incredible midfielders with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham and great wide players, including Bukayo Saka. But maybe the defence is not as settled or strong as before. Ezri Konsa is a Tuchel favourite and Marc Guehi is his main man. Reece James, too. Top players but a big ask.

I think Spain are the best team, they have a player who can own the stage in Lamine Yamal and they are the best of the final four.

Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany

Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe

Best Player: Lamine Yamal

This will be a World Cup like few others. Searing temperatures, different time zones and thousands of miles travelling make it a challenging one for all those nations taking part, not to mention supporters planning to go. Throw in the fact US president Donald Trump will seize the perfect opportunity to feed his obsession with narcissism, and anything could happen.

This will be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, and he will be desperate to go back-to-back to cap a truly astonishing career. He’s so good that it would take a foolish person to bet against him going out in a blaze of glory.

And can Lamine Yamal follow up his exploits at Euro 2024 and shine on the biggest stage of all? He has been hailed as Messi’s heir apparent, and this is a wonderful chance for him to prove it. It’s difficult to pick a winner, but World Cups are generally won by one of the strongest nations, so it’s impossible to look past the likes of Argentina, France and Spain.

Final Four: Spain, France, Argentina, England

Best Player: Lautaro Martinez

Only two teams in World Cup history have won back-to-back tournaments – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina are one of three teams that have subsequently gone close to retaining a title, suffering a narrow and slightly controversial loss to Germany in 1990 after the Diego Maradona-inspired triumph in 1986.

In 2026, they have every chance of doubling up. Conditions will not be an issue, they have a great blend of experience and prime-age talent and even though he turns 39 during the tournament, you can be sure Lionel Messi will produce special moments.

Lautaro Martinez is still relatively underrated when it comes to judging elite strikers and, in Lionel Scaloni, they have a hugely impressive international manager with one World Cup and two Copa Americas on his record. He has lost only nine of his 92 games in charge of La Albiceleste.

I’m staying in South America for my dark horses. Ecuador – with a midfield anchored by Moises Caicedo – will be fiendishly difficult to beat, even though they don’t look overly potent upfront. A lot of matches at this World Cup could be low-scoring, tight affairs and Ecuador could sneak a fair way into the draw.

England will plot their way to the last four and if Harry Kane stays in current club form, he might well collect another Golden Boot. But Thomas Tuchel’s side are likely to find an opponent just a bit too good for them in the semi-finals and Spain and France – who have beaten England at the last two major tournaments – are more realistic European hopes.

Final Four: France, Spain, England, Argentina

Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe

Best Player: Kylian Mbappe

These are probably boring predictions but I think Spain’s technical quality and possession-based style will tire opponents in scorching temperatures. I would love nothing more than England to go the distance, I truly believe they can because of the depth and quality within their squad. However, my only concern is the extra knockout round and it’s just another physical and mental hurdle you have to clear on the long-winding road to glory.

France are always dangerous and I also wouldn’t be shocked if they were to win the tournament, as Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise have the quality to hurt any side. Senegal are my dark horses but I also believe the USA will do very well, particularly after seeing them drawn into a favourable group.

My biggest takeaway is that I expect the players to be exhausted at the end of a long season and my concern is the football – also because of the hot weather – will lack quality and be more about set-pieces and organisation. Subs are going to be more important than ever and that should suit England.