World Cup 2026 Preview: Favourites, Dark Horses & More
With the World Cup heading to North America in 2026, there’s more anticipation than ever about which teams might shine on football’s biggest stage. This tournament brings a new format, with 48 teams set to compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, adding fresh complexity to every match.
In this post, you’ll find a closer look at the nations everyone will be watching, from the tried-and-tested powerhouses to those hopeful teams who could surprise us all. We’ll also spotlight young talents who might make a name for themselves and examine how the new structure could shape the path to the final.
Whether you’re curious about why certain squads attract attention or want to see who might rise unexpectedly, there’s plenty to consider. Here’s an honest breakdown of favourites, outside contenders, and more as we look ahead to football’s biggest event.
Who Are The Favourites To Win The World Cup 2026?
Several countries often feature at the top when people talk about likely winners of the World Cup.
For 2026, England is among the names being discussed. The current England squad is packed with young players already making waves in top-flight football, with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka getting plenty of attention. Their recent tournament experience has also helped build a more settled core.
France is another team that tends to attract high expectations. They won in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022, showing a strong track record and a pool of talent in their league system. The depth in key positions, combined with players in their prime, keeps them near the top of most projections.
Brazil and Argentina often sit near the top of most lists. Brazil is known for its attacking style and has collected more World Cup trophies than any other nation. Argentina, led by emerging stars and with a recent win in 2022, will also be watched closely. Their balance between creative forwards and a hard-working midfield has served them well in tight knockout games.
Portugal is also frequently mentioned among the potential contenders for 2026. The national team has developed a strong blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent, giving them balance across the pitch. Players such as Cristiano Ronaldo continue to bring leadership and big-game experience, while midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves provide creativity and control in possession.
Germany is sometimes mentioned as well. Despite a few recent setbacks, they are seen as capable of organising a solid campaign, especially with new players coming through and a focus on quicker transitions in attack.
These squads stand out not only for historical success but also for the depth and talent they bring to international competitions. Of course, tournaments rarely run in straight lines, which is where the dark horses come in.
While these teams may be seen as potential favourites for the World Cup, there is no guarantee that they will win the tournament.
Which Teams Could Be Dark Horses At The World Cup?
At every World Cup, there are sometimes countries that go further than expected, often through clear game plans and resilient defending. For 2026, a few teams may fit this description thanks to progress in recent tournaments and emerging talent in their ranks.
Morocco surprised many by reaching the semi-finals in 2022. They built their run on teamwork and an organised defence, showing they can keep up with the strongest sides. With several key players now experienced at the highest level, they will arrive with belief and structure.
The United States, as one of the host nations, could also be in the mix. Their team is made up of young footballers playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, and playing at home may raise performance levels.
Senegal stands out from Africa with a squad featuring players from the Premier League and other major competitions. If they avoid injuries and keep key players fit, their athletic pressing and set-piece threat could see them progress deep into the tournament.
Other teams sometimes discussed include Switzerland and Croatia. Both have advanced to the latter stages in recent Euros and World Cups through disciplined tactics and collective effort, making them outsiders to keep an eye on. With teams like these in the frame, individual stars can become decisive, which leads neatly to the players most likely to shape the big moments.
While these teams may be seen as potential dark horse for the World Cup, there is no guarantee that they will have a deep run in the tournament.
Ones To Watch: Players That Could Influence The Tournament Outcome
Every World Cup brings several footballers into focus, some established names, others younger talents stepping into the spotlight.
England’s Jude Bellingham is one to keep an eye on. Playing at the highest level in Europe, his range of passing, press resistance, and timing in the box have already drawn praise, and he is tipped to have a big impact on the international stage.
From France, Kylian Mbappé remains a key figure. Well known among football followers, he has played a vital role for his national side with his pace and close control, scoring crucial goals in previous major tournaments.
Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior is another player worth mentioning. Having made his mark at club level in Spain, he is regarded as a tricky winger who can create chances or finish them himself, especially when given space to run at defenders.
In the Argentina team, Julián Álvarez has turned heads with his work rate and goal-scoring, and he is expected to be an important part of their attack going forward, pressing from the front and linking play.
Younger players such as Spain’s Pedri are also seen as rising stars. Pedri has already shown maturity beyond his years in midfield, controlling tempo and finding pockets of space that help his side manage games.
These footballers stand out for what they have achieved and for the potential to shape how matches unfold. And while individuals matter, the route they take through the tournament can be just as decisive.
How Do The Groups Influence Knockout Matchups?
At the World Cup, the tournament begins with a group stage, where teams are divided into groups. Each team plays every other side in their group, and their results decide who advances to the knockout rounds.
The new 2026 format features more groups, with 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight strongest third-placed teams, move on to the round of 32. Standard tiebreakers such as goal difference and goals scored can separate teams that finish level on points, so strong early performances often matter.
Where a team finishes in its group sets up who they will face next. For example, finishing first could mean playing a third-placed team from another group, while coming second may see you up against a group winner. This can make navigating the group stage especially important for sides hoping to have a smoother path in the knockouts.
In some tournaments, so-called “Groups of Death”, where several strong teams are drawn together, can cause upsets. A favourite finishing second, for instance, may meet another top side earlier than expected, leading to high-profile clashes before the final. The groups shape much of the action that follows in the latter stages, which is why potential knockout ties attract so much interest.
What Potential Knockout Matchups Could Happen?
As the World Cup progresses into the knockout rounds, attention often turns to clashes between the teams most likely to lift the trophy. The new 2026 tournament format with 48 teams could set up several high-profile fixtures sooner than usual.
If the group stage produces a few surprises, it is possible to see big names such as Brazil, France, Argentina, or England on a collision course before the final. An early meeting between Europe’s leading sides, such as France facing Germany, or a South American showdown featuring Uruguay and Argentina, could shape who makes it to the last stages.
There is also the chance of hosts like the United States meeting a former champion much earlier than in previous tournaments. These early knockouts often produce drama, especially when underdogs take on the favourites.
Possible quarter-final or semi-final pairings between countries with strong recent records, such as England against Spain or Brazil against France, could be crucial moments in deciding who goes on to be crowned world champions.
While these matches could potentially happen in the knockout rounds, there is no guarantee the teams mentioned will progress that far into the tournament.
Which Underdogs Could Reach The Knockout Stages?
With 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup, there is more opportunity for lesser-known football nations to progress beyond the group phase. Some of these underdogs have shown promise in recent qualifiers and continental tournaments.
Japan has built a reputation for competing well against established footballing nations. Their pace in attack and discipline at the back make them hard to break down, and they have recently gone toe-to-toe with top European sides.
Canada is another team to watch. As co-hosts, they will have home support, and several of their players now feature in Europe’s main leagues. This experience could help them in the earliest matches, especially if they get a favourable draw.
Australia has made the knockouts at previous tournaments. Their squad might not feature many big names, but their organisation and work rate often provide an edge in tight group matches.
Ecuador, from South America, have caused upsets by getting results against bigger teams in past qualifiers. Their young squad and experience of different playing conditions are often factors when they face unfamiliar opposition.
With the expanded tournament format, several other nations from Africa and Asia could also break through, as group dynamics provide fresh opportunities for those seen as outsiders. If you plan to follow the action closely, there is plenty to engage with as the story of the tournament unfolds.
While these teams may be seen as potential underdogs for the knockout rounds, there is no guarantee that they will progress past the group stages.
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