Favorites, Dark Horses & Who's Going All the Way
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in football history, featuring 48 nations competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the expanded format opening the door to more upsets and more stories, this edition promises to be truly unforgettable. The traditional European powers - Portugal, Spain, France, and England - arrive in strong form and carry the weight of expectation, but world football has never been more competitive. Meanwhile, a handful of under-the-radar teams are quietly building the momentum to shock the world and prove that no trophy run is truly impossible.
The Favorites
Teams expected to go deep
With Bruno Fernandes pulling strings and Joao Neves in midfield, Portugal's squad depth is at an all-time high. Cristiano Ronaldo adds experience and firepower. This could finally be their year.
Statistically the tournament favorite, Spain won in 16% of Opta's 25,000 simulations. 18-year-old Lamine Yamal is a generational talent and their tiki-taka style is perfect for knockout football.
Kylian Mbappe leads one of the deepest attacking squads in world football. France won it in 2018 and reached the final in 2022. With Dembele, Olise, and Doue supporting, no team wants to face them.
England have reached back-to-back major finals and are hungry to end a 60-year wait for silverware. Their squad is packed with Premier League quality and they have a huge psychological edge.
Dark Horses
The teams nobody sees coming
Norway were unbeaten in UEFA qualifying, scoring 37 goals in just 8 matches. Erling Haaland is the most dangerous striker in world football right now, and Martin Odegaard provides world-class creativity. No one expects them to go all the way - but they absolutely could.
Sadio Mane leads a Senegal side stacked with Premier League talent and tournament experience. Well-organized defensively and deadly on the counter, Senegal can beat anyone on their day.
Iran are Asia's most experienced World Cup side. Known for their defensive discipline and the ability to stay compact and hit on the break, they are capable of frustrating any opposition. Don't sleep on them.
Match Schedule
Spain - Norway - England Group Stage 2026
| Date | Match | Stadium | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Spain vs Cape Verde | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 0-0 |
| June 16 | Norway vs Iraq | Gillette Stadium, Boston | 4-1 Win |
| June 17 | England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX | 4-2 Win |
| June 21 | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 4-0 Win |
| June 22 | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | TBD |
| June 23 | England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Boston | TBD |
| June 26 | Spain vs Uruguay | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | TBD |
| June 26 | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium, Boston | TBD |
| June 27 | England vs Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | TBD |
Websites I Like
Great resources for World Cup coverage
Watch & Learn
Top World Cup 2026 Highlights