With the draw for the 2026 World Cup completed, attention now shifts to next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a competition expected to deliver breakout stars, major shocks and the drama that comes with a 48-team format. While six places remain undecided pending March's play-offs, early indicators from bookmakers, form guides, and analytics firms suggest a familiar set of frontrunners. Europe dominates the favourites list According to bookmakers and Opta's super-computer, Spain, France and England enter the tournament as the strongest contenders. Spain, reigning European champions, have lost only once in a competitive match since March 2023 and boast one of the world's brightest young stars in 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. Opta gives Spain a 17% chance of lifting the trophy. England, perfect in qualifying and unbeaten defensively, are viewed as genuine challengers under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. They sit close behind Spain in bookmakers' rankings and are given an 11.8% chance by Opta. France, runners-up in Qatar 2022, went undefeated in European qualifying and remain one of the world's most complete squads. Opta places them at 14.1%. Germany, resurgent after early qualifying setbacks, also feature strongly in predictive models, while Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway and Croatia all qualified without losing a match. South American contenders: Argentina strong, Brazil uncertain Defending champions Argentina topped South American qualifying by a significant margin and continue to perform at elite level, with or without Lionel Messi. With Messi likely playing his final World Cup, Argentina enter among the global favourites. Brazil, by contrast, endured one of their weakest qualifying campaigns in decades, losing six of 18 matches. Still, bookmakers rank them fourth overall, while Opta places them seventh. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Seleção are improving and could be dangerous if their attacking quartet finds rhythm. Leading challengers from Africa and Asia Japan stood out in Asian qualifying and will arrive as one of the continent's strongest teams. From Africa, Morocco, surprise semi-finalists in Qatar, won all eight of their qualifiers. Egypt, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia also advanced unbeaten, though many will juggle the World Cup with a demanding AFCON cycle. Conditions could play a critical role With matches scheduled in peak summer temperatures across the U.S., some nations may find the conditions challenging. A study by Queen's University Belfast found that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums could reach dangerous levels. European nations have already raised concerns, with England requesting later kick-off times. Historically, World Cups in the Americas favour South American teams. Before Germany's win in Brazil 2014, every tournament hosted in the region had been won by a South American side. Geographical spread may also complicate travel schedules, as teams face long distances between matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Pundits weigh in Experts have identified potential dark horses and vulnerabilities: * Croatia remain dangerous, with strong experience. * Ghana may cause major upsets, says former England striker Dion Dublin. * Germany's unpredictability continues, though Musiala and Wirtz could transform their attack. * Brazil are buoyant about an evening-heavy match schedule, favourable venues and Ancelotti's impact. * Argentina, according to analysts, may be even stronger than their 2022-winning side. 2026 World Cup groups involving major teams Saudi Arabia were drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde, setting up a high-profile and challenging group stage. Full draw includes: * Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland * Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay * Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama * Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan (Play-off teams to be confirmed in March.)
