The Guardian's team of football writers have shared their predictions for the 2026 World Cup, covering everything from the eventual winner to the tournament's breakout stars. The consensus points to a final featuring Spain or France, with several writers backing Spain to lift the trophy.
Who will win the World Cup?
Alexander Abnos predicts Spain will beat Portugal in the final, while Nick Ames sees France defeating Argentina in a rematch. Ella Brockway also favors Spain over Argentina, citing the future manifested in a 2007 photograph. Ben Fisher expects France to beat Portugal, and Bryan Armen Graham believes England will overcome France. Barry Glendenning and David Hytner both back France to beat Argentina, while Paul MacInnes picks Spain over England. Ewan Murray and Osasu Obayiuwana also favor France over Argentina. Jeff Rueter and Jacob Steinberg choose Spain over Portugal and Argentina respectively. Max Rushden, Leander Schaerlaeckens, and Jonathan Wilson all predict France to beat Argentina or Spain.
Golden Boot predictions
Mikel Oyarzabal, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe are the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Oyarzabal is tipped to score heavily against Cape Verde, while Kane's reliability and England's favorable fixtures could see him top the charts. Mbappe, aiming to become the first two-time Golden Boot winner, is a popular choice given France's expected deep run. Other mentions include Ayase Ueda, Erling Haaland, and Brian Brobbey.
Surprise teams
Ecuador is the most frequently mentioned dark horse, praised for their solid defense and midfield general Moises Caicedo. Japan, Norway, Senegal, and Cape Verde are also tipped to exceed expectations. Norway, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, boast a potent attack led by Erling Haaland.
Breakthrough players
Young talents expected to shine include Mexico's Gilberto Mora, Norway's Antonio Nusa, Cote d'Ivoire's Yan Diomande, and Brazil's Rayan. Lamine Yamal, Kenan Yildiz, and Arda Guler are also among the players to watch. Nico Paz of Argentina and Ibrahim Maza of Algeria are other exciting prospects.
Teams and players to watch
Writers are particularly excited to see Iran's resilience, Alexander Isak's potential, Japan's entertaining style, and the farewell tournaments of veterans like Edin Dzeko and Luka Modric. Lamine Yamal is seen as a generational talent, while Erling Haaland's first World Cup is highly anticipated.
How far will England and Scotland go?
Predictions for England range from quarter-finals to semi-finals, with some suggesting a final appearance. Scotland is expected to reach the last 16 or last 32, with a possible clash against England in the round of 32.
Host nations' prospects
The USA, Mexico, and Canada are all expected to advance from the group stage, but most writers see them exiting in the round of 16 or quarter-finals. Mexico's favorable draw could see them reach the quarter-finals, while Canada's tournament may end in the round of 32.
African nations
Morocco, after their historic semi-final run in 2022, are tipped to go furthest among African teams, potentially reaching the semi-finals again.
Beyond the games
Writers look forward to cultural exchanges, American soccer fever, and the unique atmosphere of the World Cup. Some plan to explore local attractions, while others hope for a reduction in global cynicism through high-quality football.
