The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, and all 48 teams are finalising their preparations for the global spectacle. 

The biggest World Cup in the history of the tournament will see some new teams arriving to stake their claim for the coveted trophy, however, there will be a few who have already tasted the glory and will want to win the World Cup again. 

Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, and they’ve only gotten better. Messi will also be eager for one last hurrah in the famous Albiceleste shirt. 

Last edition’s finalists, France, will be hungry to go all the distance this time around, with their talisman forward Kylian Mbappe in red-hot form. England have incredible depth in their squad, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal boasts arguably the best midfield trio in the world in Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes.

Let’s take a look at the top contenders who can win the FIFA World Cup 2026:

5. England

Leading England’s World Cup charge is Thomas Tuchel, who took over the role from Gareth Southgate, the second most successful manager statistically since Sir Alf Ramsey. The Three Lions’ loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final brought about a change in the dugout, and it’s been a mixed bag since Tuchel took charge. 

They became the first European nation to ever win all of their World Cup qualification matches without conceding a single goal. Impressive, but in typical England fashion, they failed to win their friendlies in March. Blessed with depth in multiple positions that few teams have the luxury of, a few lingering issues threaten to mar their World Cup campaign. How Tuchel gets the best out of Jude Bellingham is a puzzle he needs to crack, but in Harry Kane, they have the most in-form striker in the world. 

4. Portugal

Can Cristiano Ronaldo finally get his hands on the trophy that’s missing from his glittering cabinet? Portugal have been completely transformed under Roberto Martinez, from a team with talented individuals to a cohesive unit. 

The winners of the 2016 European Championships and two-time Nations League champions are brimming with talent in every position. Ronaldo remains motivated as ever; how much role he will play in games remains down to the coach. 

They have proven performers like Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes, among others, to build a competitive side which can give CR7 all the push he needs. Group stage should be a cakewalk with the Selecao paired against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, but knockouts are where they need to up their game and bury the ghosts of the past.  

3. France

Runners-up in Euro 2016, champions of the world in 2018. Runners-up in 2022 again, France are hoping they can win their third World Cup crown this summer. Didier Deschamps took charge in 2012 and has since made Les Bleus one of the most consistent teams on the planet. 

France reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Nations League, and they have one of the most fearsome attacking trio in the world, featuring the talismanic Kylian Mbappe, current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. As if that wasn’t scary enough, Deschamps can call upon Desire Doue from the bench. 

Deschamps actually is well-placed to finish his tenure with another trophy, but his team will face Africa’s best in Senegal, Erling Haaland’s Norway and Iraq in the group stage itself. It’s a trial by fire, but if France can come out of the group stage unscathed, they will be ready for the biggest tests that lie ahead. 

2. Argentina

Lionel Messi is back for one last hurrah, and Argentina will have the advantage of being the most supported side from neutrals, given it would be the last time the great man will play in the World Cup. 

The Albiceleste are certainly stronger than the team they were four years ago, and they have plenty of in-form personnel like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to choose from up front.

How much they will rely on Messi is a question only Lionel Scaloni can answer. They have also been paired in a relatively easier group, and should they go on to win another World Cup, boy, what a fairytale ending it would be, a script for the ages. 

The wild-card pick: Brazil

Brazil have not won a World Cup since 2002, and their best finish since then was the 2014 fourth place, which came after the 7-1 loss to Germany. The most decorated team in World Cup history is hoping to rise from the ashes with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. 

The Selecao have had their moments under the Italian, and they are still a team in progress. They have been paired in a tricky group with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are likely to carry the goal-scoring burden, while Neymar is likely to watch from the sidelines. 

In Alisson, they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Marquinhos is an ever-reliable defender, and they have a star-studded midfield featuring the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro. However, the lack of a recognised striker might come back to haunt them. 

1. Spain 

Spain dominated from 2008 to 2012, and after a few years in the wilderness, La Roja are back as favourites again. Fresh after their Euro 2026 heroics, Luis de la Fuente has arguably the most balanced squad among all 48 teams. He can count on the flair of Lamine Yamal, Rodri will marshal the midfield, while Pedri and Fermin Lopez are likely to bring the magic. 

The only thing Spain have lacked (for a while now) is a recognised number 9 up front, but that hasn’t stopped them from scoring goals for fun. Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal have chipped in with six goals each during qualifying. With experienced players like Dani Carvajal and Unai Simón there to guide the young brigade, Spain will definitely start the tournament as the team to beat.