FRA 16.5%
ESP 16%
ENG 11.5%
POR 9.4%
ARG 8.9%News & analysis
Power rankings, tactical breakdowns, previews and features from across the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup Favourites: France Lead, Spain and Argentina Close Behind
France top both the FIFA rankings and the prediction markets heading into 2026, but reigning Euro champions Spain and world champions Argentina are right behind. How the title race looks at kickoff.
Dark Horses: Five Teams That Could Crash the 2026 Party
Morocco are ranked inside the world's top eight, Colombia and Uruguay are dangerous, and Japan keep improving. The contenders the favourites least want to face.
Group of Death 2026: Is Group I the Toughest Draw?
France, Senegal and Erling Haaland's Norway share Group I, three of the strongest sides in one pool. We break down which 2026 group is the real gauntlet.
Cinderella Stories: The 2026 World Cup Debutants
Curaçao and Cape Verde are the smallest nations ever to qualify, and Uzbekistan and Jordan make their World Cup bows. Meet the newcomers chasing history.
Home Advantage: What to Expect from Hosts USA, Canada and Mexico
Three host nations, three different outlooks. How far can Pochettino's USA, Marsch's Canada and Aguirre's Mexico ride the home crowds?
The Last Dance: Messi and Ronaldo at World Cup 2026
In all likelihood the final World Cup for both icons. What to expect from Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal one last time.