Ahead of the first fixture of the 2026 World Cup, we asked our team for their tournament predictions. As ever, we’re ready to look like complete fools by the summer’s end.
Winner
Harry Diamond: France – Les Bleus have the World Cup know-how after reaching successive finals and a forward line that will take some stopping. Michael Olise has evolved into a genuine superstar to join Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele in the elite bracket. France have a tough start with in Group I, but they look the team to beat.
Ste McGovern: Spain – So long as Lamine Yamal stays fit, the European champions will be difficult to topple.
🚨 SPAIN ARE OFFICIALLY 2026 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS… almost 🏆😉@EASPORTSFC have dropped their latest prediction for the World Cup and are backing Spain to lift the trophy… they’ve got 100% accuracy so far 😳 pic.twitter.com/NcGOtzYeSP
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 6, 2026
Ayoob Rahman: Spain – Coming off brilliant European success, Spain look like the most settled and complete team in the world. Their incredible midfield passing, combined with fast, dangerous wingers, makes them the clear favourites to lift the trophy.
Mohon Chanda: Argentina – Still the best team in the world. I certainly believe South American teams will outplay European nations at this World Cup.
Biggest disappointment
HD: Brazil – A torrid qualification campaign has done little to raise optimism around Brazil, even with world-class talent and genuinely elite coach. The Selecao need to start well with Morocco and Scotland for company in the group stages, or they could be in trouble.
SM: Brazil – I should know better than to discount Carlo Ancelotti in a knockout tournament, but some of his squad selections are puzzling.
AR: Argentina – With one of the oldest squads in the tournament, Argentina might struggle against younger, high-pressing teams in the intense summer heat. Relying too heavily on aging stars could lead to a tactical breakdown and a surprisingly early knockout exit.
MC: France – The France squad is stacked, but I think Les Bleus’ midfield and defence are lack rhythm coming into the World Cup. Didier Deschamps’s side are without a clean sheet in five.
Surprise package
HD: Norway – Erling Haaland and company are back on the big stage for the first time in 28 years. The Norwegians blitzed through qualification, thrashing an admittedly ordinary Italy home and away. Haaland will dominate the headlines, but a side containing Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Jules Ryerson has alternative ways to hurt teams. A tough group, but one they can escape from.
SM: Japan – I just have a good feeling about the Samurai Blue this year. I fancy their chances of topping Group F and causing a shock or two in the knockouts.
AR: DR Congo – DR Congo have a highly energetic, athletic squad that is capable of catching the big football nations completely off guard. Their fast counter-attacking style and lack of fear make them the perfect candidates for a shocking knockout run.
MC: Norway – Norway are not only Haaland, but a team full of exceptional players who are currently doing great for their respective clubs. I think Alexander Sorloth will chip in with his fair share of goals.
Golden Ball
HD: Kylian Mbappe (France) – Based on backing the French for glory, Mbappe looks the likeliest candidate for the Golden Ball. With a dozen World Cup goals to his name already, there’s a real chance he could be the tournament’s all-time top scorer by next month.
SM: Lamine Yamal (Spain) – contingent on Spain making the final at least.
AR: Kylian Mbappé (France) – As the main man for France, the superstar forward has the unique ability to win games completely on his own when it matters most. If France go far in the tournament, his goals and big-game performances could earn him the best player award.
MC: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – If I am choosing Argentina as the winner then it’s wise to choose their talisman as the Golden Ball winner, again. I think Messi will do what does every single time.
Golden Boot
HD: Julian Alvarez (Argentina) – Golden Boot winners tend to net the bulk of their hauls in the group stage, and with Argentina facing Algeria, Austria and Jordan in a rather modest pool, I’ll plump for Alvarez to bag a few.
SM: Erling Haaland (Norway) – The Man City striker may not play for one of the top contenders, but he will fill his boots in the group stages and beyond for Norway.
AR: Erling Haaland (Norway) – Now that Norway have finally made it to the big stage, their star striker will be desperate to show his lethal finishing on the world level. With a creative midfield feeding him chances, he is the safest bet to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
MC: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Haaland and Mbappe are strong contenders, but I don’t see Norway or France going as far as Argentina.
Best Young Player
HD: Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Yamal is a senior player in terms of games played, so it’s easy to forget he’s just 18. He’ll be red-hot favourite for this prize if Spain reach the final four at a minimum.
SM: Nico Paz (Argentina) – The Argentine midfielder is coming off the back of a terrific season for Como and I think he will shine at the World Cup.
AR: Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Despite his young age, the teenage winger is already a world-class talent who can tear any defence apart. His incredible dribbling skills and smart decision-making make him the absolute favourite to win the young player award.
MC: Antonio Nusa (Norway) – Everyone is talking about Haaland, but keep an eye on the Leipzig winger.
One to watch
HD: Donyell Malen (Netherlands) – After an extraordinary impact at Roma following his January move, I’m fascinated to see if Malen can take that form into the World Cup. The Netherlands frontline is the biggest question mark against them.
SM: Endrick (Brazil) – Real Madrid’s forgotten wonderkid has rebuilt his fledging career on loan at Lyon after his ill-fated move to the Bernabeu. The 19-year-old is Brazil’s bright hope in the absence of Estevao.
GOOOOOOOL DO ENDRICK!!!!! 🥶🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/mnbh2jSd3l
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) June 6, 2026
AR: Assan Ouédraogo (Germany) – The young midfielder is a fantastic pick after getting a late call-up to the German squad to replace the injured Lennart Karl. His powerful running and great shooting ability give Germany a brilliant secret weapon to use off the bench.
MC: Jules Ryerson (Norway) – The full-back had a tremendous season at Borussia Dortmund, assisting 15 Bundesliga goals, and will be a chief creator for Norway.
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