The planet is set for the biggest-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup in history, with the global showpiece now only months away. It’s the first time since 1994 that a North American nation is hosting the Mundial. And this time, not one, but three countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico — will play host to a record-setting 104 matches. 

With the group stage draws now completed and only a few slots left to play for, all attention for now has turned to World Cup predictions. Football lovers are endlessly engaged in debates on who will win the 2026 World Cup and are putting their money where their mouths are. 

Fans across the globe can make sure mega jackpots predictions this weekend and beyond on major bookmakers. These bookmakers on the review site MightyTips analyse upcoming games and allow you to make easy picks on not just national team games, but also the top five European leagues. 

That said, our leading football predictions expert and World Cup correspondent Kate Richardson lists her top eight favorites to lift the most coveted trophy in international football below.   

Spain

Luis de la Fuente’s men find themselves in a fairly easy group at the World Cup, facing Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in their first two matches at the competition. La Roja last won the tournament in 2010 on South African soil, but are fresh off winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA Euro 2024. Bolstered in their ranks by young attacking talent like Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams, the Spanish team is one of the top World Cup favorites. 

France

Runners-up in Qatar and semi-finalists at the 2024 Euros, France had put up a fine international display since becoming World Cup champions in 2018. The team is also super-stacked with Ballon d’Or and UEFA Champions League winner, Ousmane Dembele, alongside his PSG teammate Desire Doue and Real Madrid talisman, Kylian Mbappe. 

Didier Deschamps, the French gaffer once said, “For a player or coach, there is nothing better than the World Cup.” 

However, it is very unlikely that this French team will find it easy as they will face off against Senegal and Norway in the group stages of the competition. 

Portugal

The number of talents in this Portuguese team is just extraordinary, which will be headed by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo who will be 41 at the beginning of the tournament. Fresh too after winning the 2025 Nations League final against a powerful Spanish side, it is no wonder Portugal is found in all predictions of 2026 world cup winner. Will the final World Cup of Cristiano make him a champion and put the GOAT debate going again? It remains yet to be seen.

Argentina

The incumbent Argentina are, naturally, another world cup favourite. The team will have as its center the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, who will likely play in his final international tournament with La Albiceleste. Club world cup champion, Enzo Fernandez, premier league champion, Alexis Mac Allister may also find a place among other prominent players such as Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez in the power squad of Argentina.

England

We have to strike the right amount in the team and it is an opportunity and it is a dream coming true to be involved in a World Cup and to play, hopefully, a prominent role is nothing less than a dream.

This is what the England coach, Thomas Tuchel, said in reference to the significance of a combination of social skills and talent in the world cup. The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager took over as the manager of The Three Lions on January 1, 2025 and is projected to bring the young team to the first international cup win in England in 60 years.

Tuchel will be able to choose among a vast array of talent, Harry Kane, Reece James, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, all of which have excelled in their respective teams in the present season.

Brazil

Selecao are the only five-star team and yet they have not performed well at international competitions in the recent past, and they will strive to do so during the world cup. Under the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, the club is set to bring the Brazilian flair in North America with established talents such as Vinicius Junior and Raphina. Oddly enough, they will begin fighting Morocco, which was semi-finals at the previous world cup and has the chance of competing in this one too.

Germany

Last but not the least is Germany. The current team is nowhere near the caliber of the team that won the world cup in 2024, but they still have great chances of appearing champions. The team will play Curacao in their debut match after crashing out in the group stage last time around, they will play Ivory Coast and then Ecuador in the other matches.

Summary: World Cup 2026: Who Will Win?

This is not an easy task of selecting the favourites of the world cup every four years since each national team makes their best feet forward to compete in the biggest tour in football. This is no exception and in addition to the top end rivals such as Spain, France and Argentina, one should also be on the lookout of the dark horses such as Norway and Japan who may spring a surprise.

Preparation is now powered up into the front gear and now it is time to experience the best of international football on North American soil as well as the winner of the world champions.