BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Image Courtesy: BBC Sports
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its final stages, football legends and leading pundits have shared their predictions on who they believe will lift the prestigious trophy at the end of the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and will conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium near New York City on 19 July.
The expanded tournament will feature 48 nations competing across 104 matches in three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico – with defending champions Argentina aiming to retain their crown.
Among the experts, France has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to win the tournament.
Former England captain Alan Shearer believes France possess the strongest squad but warned that internal dressing-room harmony could determine whether they go all the way.
“With the attacking quality they have, several world-class players will be left out every game. Their success depends on how they manage those situations,” Shearer explained.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy also backed France, pointing to the squad’s remarkable depth in attack and their ability to introduce fresh game changers during difficult matches played in demanding weather conditions.
French football legend Olivier Giroud identified France and Spain as the two strongest teams in the competition but admitted he hopes his home nation will emerge victorious if the two sides cross paths.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney took a different view, predicting an England versus Spain final while expressing hope that England would finally end their long wait for World Cup glory.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank included France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, England and Portugal among the major contenders but ultimately tipped England to go all the way, despite acknowledging Spain’s impressive tactical identity.
Former England defender Micah Richards believes climate conditions, particularly humidity, could play a decisive role during the tournament and give South American nations an advantage. However, he still expects Spain’s possession-based style to prove decisive while also backing Argentina to make a deep run with Lionel Messi leading the charge.
Former England captain Steph Houghton also highlighted France’s exceptional quality throughout the squad, especially in attacking positions, although she admitted she would love to see England lift the trophy.
Former France international Gael Clichy echoed the sentiments of many observers by naming France, Spain and England as his top three contenders, ultimately backing Les Bleus to become world champions once again.
With football experts divided over several leading contenders but largely united in their admiration for France’s squad depth, fans around the world now eagerly await five weeks of thrilling action to discover who will be crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions.
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