World Cup Contenders Taking Form as Expanded Tournament Approaches in One Year

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America, will see an increase to 48 teams, but this expanded format does not guarantee a broader range of legitimate contenders to take over from Lionel Messi’s Argentina as champions.

Only eight nations have claimed the World Cup title in the 22 tournaments held up to the latest edition in Qatar, where Argentina triumphed over France in a thrilling penalty shootout.

That victory marked Argentina’s third championship, which is surpassed only by Brazil’s impressive five titles, while Germany and Italy have each lifted the trophy four times.

With just a year remaining until the kickoff in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, numerous uncertainties persist, particularly as European qualifying has barely gotten underway.

Out of the eight World Cups previously held in the Americas, South American teams have won seven.

The sole European triumph came in Brazil in 2014, when Germany narrowly defeated Argentina in the final.

As the reigning champions and top-ranked team in FIFA, Argentina will undoubtedly be the team to beat in 2026, even though no nation has defended the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

In addition to their World Cup success, Argentina has also claimed victory in the last two editions of the Copa America, including in the USA last year. They made history in March by becoming the first South American side to qualify for the upcoming tournament.

Most of the squad from 2022 remains intact under coach Lionel Scaloni, with Messi – who will be 39 during the competition – likely to play a significant role.

“He is eager to participate in the World Cup, and everyone is excited to see him play,” Scaloni remarked recently.

Brazil last lifted the World Cup in the United States back in 1994, but they currently find themselves in turmoil, and even Carlo Ancelotti may find revitalising their fortunes a tough task.

“I have a significant challenge ahead of me, and I am hopeful that Brazil will reclaim their title,” Ancelotti stated after being introduced as their coach last month.

“The sole objective is to win the 2026 World Cup.”

Inconsistent qualifying performances led to the dismissal of former coach Dorival Junior, and Ancelotti will rely on Raphinha and Vinicius Junior to rise to the occasion. He began his tenure with a goalless draw against Ecuador on Thursday.

Spain eyeing a second crown

If a European nation is to claim victory, Spain is a leading candidate. They aim to replicate their 2010 achievement of winning the World Cup following a triumph at the European Championship.

Luis de la Fuente’s squad, who will commence their qualification in September, boasts one of the most promising young talents in football, Lamine Yamal, who will celebrate his 19th birthday during the World Cup.

France has reached the finals in the last two tournaments and four of the last seven.

This will mark Didier Deschamps’ final tournament before stepping down after 14 years at the helm, with Kylian Mbappe aspiring for a second World Cup winners’ medal.

England’s longing for their first title since 1966 has led to the recruitment of Thomas Tuchel as their coach.

“I recognise that we are missing some trophies… and, of course, I want to contribute to making it happen,” the German commented.

Having finished as runners-up in the last two UEFA Euro tournaments and as semi-finalists in the 2018 World Cup, England will rely on Jude Bellingham to spearhead their efforts. This could also be Harry Kane’s final opportunity to secure an international trophy, as he will be nearly 33.

Germany has not progressed past the group stage since their victory in 2014, but Julian Nagelsmann’s squad appears to be on the rise, with the synergy between Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala potentially being crucial.

Portuguese possibilities?

Italy, looking to re-establish themselves after missing the last two World Cups, are simply focused on qualifying.

“We must qualify; it is absolutely vital for us,” admitted coach Luciano Spalletti.

If a new champion is to emerge, then the Netherlands, with three runner-up finishes, should not be overlooked, although Portugal may present a stronger chance.

The question remains whether Cristiano Ronaldo, anticipated to participate in a record sixth World Cup at age 41, might hinder the progress of an otherwise exciting squad.

The prospect of a host nation triumph since France’s victory in 1998 seems unlikely.

Mauricio Pochettino is facing challenges in making an impact with the United States, having set a target of winning the competition upon his appointment.

Mexico aspires to reach the quarter-finals, matching their previous best, while for Canada, simply advancing from their group would represent a remarkable achievement.