World Cup 2026 Preview: Hosts, Favorites, and Predictions

Published on January 1, 2025 • 6 min read

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest international football tournament ever, with an expanded format, more matches, and more countries competing for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.

This will be the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations, making it a truly global tournament across an entire continent.

Host Nations: USA, Canada, and Mexico

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time the tournament will be shared between three countries, dramatically expanding both the geographic footprint and the number of host cities.

The United States will host the majority of matches, including most of the knockout-stage games. Mexico makes history by becoming the first nation to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments, while Canada will host World Cup matches for the first time ever.

Tournament Favorites

As with every World Cup, several teams are already being discussed as favorites based on their recent performances, squad depth, and international pedigree.

England

England enters the tournament with a talented core of players who have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years. With a strong blend of youth and experience, they are viewed by many as serious contenders to go all the way.

France

France remains one of the most complete teams in international football, combining technical quality, athleticism, and tournament experience. Their depth across every position makes them one of the most dangerous sides in knockout football.

Argentina

Argentina will enter the competition as one of the teams everyone wants to watch. Known for their tactical discipline and history of producing world-class attackers, they will once again be considered capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

Spain

Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the most technically gifted teams in the world. Known for their possession-based style of play and emphasis on controlling the tempo of matches, Spain consistently develops players who are comfortable on the ball in high-pressure situations.

With a strong pipeline of young talent mixed with experienced international players, Spain has the balance and cohesion to challenge any opponent. Many expect them to be serious contenders, especially if they find their rhythm early in the tournament.

No matter which teams you back, the unpredictable nature of the World Cup always creates surprises and unforgettable moments.

Create Your Bracket and Make Predictions

The best way to enjoy the World Cup is to put your knowledge to the test by submitting your own prediction bracket. Our app lets you pick group-stage standings, predict every knockout match, and track how your predictions perform as the tournament unfolds.

Once your bracket is complete, you can share it with friends, create private leagues, and compete to see who really knows the most about football.

Click here to start your 2026 World Cup bracket →