World Cup 2026 predicted as winners, dark horse and England's fate mapped

It's been over three years since Lionel Messi and Argentina claimed the World Cup trophy in Qatar after a spectacular final triumph against France. Now, the 2026 tournament is rapidly approaching.

After a winter tournament last time, football's ultimate spectacle returns to the traditional summer months, with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts, and, for the first time, featuring 48 nations at the finals. That translates to 104 matches spanning just over five weeks in what promises to be an exhilarating treat for supporters worldwide.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, we've challenged our chief football writers to share their selections and offer their predictions for what is being billed as the biggest and boldest FIFA World Cup ever. Can England finally end 60 years of hurt?

John Cross

Winner: Spain

Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, England

Dark Horse: Ecuador

Top Scorer: Julian Alvarez

Best Player: Lamine Yamal

Apologies for being so predictable, but I'm backing the four top seeds to reach the semi-finals in the revamped tennis-style draw. I genuinely appreciate the fresh format as it's thrilling to chart the nations and their journey through the rounds... nevertheless, history shows us it seldom - if ever - unfolds as expected.

Yet the top four - Argentina, Spain, France, and England - represent the standout sides in the tournament, in my opinion. And I fancy a heavyweight final following plenty of surprises and compelling narratives in the knock-out stages and group fixtures.

We cannot escape the reality that America is an extremely costly destination, and it's an enormous demand for supporters to travel across three nations with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts. However, it is essential that fans turn out in substantial numbers because their atmosphere, vibrancy and passion is what makes any tournament special.

My experience at the Club World Cup last summer was one of unpredictable weather, blistering heat and also a superbly organised tournament. American supporters pay higher prices for their sporting events and concerts and it's frequently far more than we are accustomed to here.

Yet, England fans to their eternal credit, always find a way and they will travel with genuine hope that Thomas Tuchel can deliver. I believe England are the outsiders in the final four because of the heat and also because the squad is just transitioning in certain areas.

England have a sensational striker in Harry Kane, incredible midfielders with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham and great wide players, including Bukayo Saka. However, perhaps 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 believe 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.

WATCH: Check out episode one of our World Cup podcast Make Football Great Again

Jeremy Cross

Winner: Argentina

Final Four: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany

Dark Horse: Morocco

Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe

Best Player: Lamine Yamal

This will be a World Cup like few others. Scorching temperatures, different time zones and thousands of miles travelling make it a demanding 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 final World Cup, and he will be desperate to go back-to-back to cap a truly extraordinary career. He's so brilliant 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.

Who will win the World Cup? Have your say below!

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Andy Dunn

Winner: Argentina

Final Four: Spain, France, Argentina, England

Dark Horse: Ecuador

Top Scorer: Harry Kane

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.

Weather conditions won't pose problems; they possess an excellent mix of seasoned professionals and players in their peak years, and despite celebrating his 39th birthday during the competition, you can count on Lionel Messi delivering magical performances.

Lautaro Martinez remains somewhat underappreciated when discussing world-class forwards, and in Lionel Scaloni, they boast a remarkably accomplished international boss with one World Cup and two Copa Americas to his name. He has suffered defeat in just nine of his 92 matches at the helm of La Albiceleste.

I'm remaining in South America for my surprise package. Ecuador - with a midfield built around Moises Caicedo - will prove incredibly tough to overcome, despite appearing somewhat lacking in attacking firepower.

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World Cup 2026

Numerous fixtures at this World Cup could turn into low-scoring, closely-fought encounters, and Ecuador might quietly progress deep into the knockout stages.

England will navigate their path to the final four, and if Harry Kane maintains his current club form, he could very well claim another Golden Boot. However, Thomas Tuchel's team are likely to encounter opposition slightly superior to them in the semi-finals, with Spain and France - who have defeated England at the previous two major tournaments - representing more credible European contenders.

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Ryan Taylor

Winner: Spain

Final Four: France, Spain, England, Argentina

Dark Horse: Senegal

Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappe

Best Player: Kylian Mbappe

These are probably uninspiring predictions, but I believe Spain's technical excellence and possession-focused approach will exhaust rivals in sweltering conditions. I'd love nothing more than England to go all the way, and I genuinely reckon they can because of the depth and talent in their squad.

Yet my only worry is the additional knockout stage and it's simply another physical and mental obstacle you've got to overcome on the lengthy journey to triumph.

France are always a threat and I wouldn't be surprised if they lifted the trophy, as Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise possess the ability to damage any team. Senegal are my outsiders but I also reckon the USA will perform brilliantly, especially after seeing them land in a kind group.

My main observation is that I anticipate the players will be shattered at the conclusion of a gruelling season and my worry is the football - partly due to the sweltering conditions - will be short on quality and focus more on dead balls and structure. Substitutes are going to matter more than ever and that should favour England.

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