New York – The draw has been made for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and it now sets the stage for next summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With six places still to be decided in March play‑offs, excitement is already building around which nations are best positioned to lift the trophy in July.
England qualified with a perfect record, winning every match without conceding a goal under new coach Thomas Tuchel. Bookmakers make them second favourites behind Spain, who were similarly impressive with a near-perfect campaign and victory at Euro 2024. France, runners-up in Qatar 2022, are formidable contenders, unbeaten in qualifying and led by Kylian Mbappé in Didier Deschamps’ final major tournament.
Opta’s super‑computer gives Spain a 17% chance of victory, France 14.1%, and England 11.8%. Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Croatia also qualified unbeaten, while Argentina topped South America’s group nine points clear of Ecuador. Brazil struggled in qualifying but remain fourth favourites with bookmakers, buoyed by Carlo Ancelotti’s late appointment.
Japan was the only team from Asia to reach the finals with just one defeat, while in Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia all qualified undefeated. The presence of Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup and Italy, who must qualify via playoffs, further adds intrigue.
The summer schedule of the tournament has also raised concerns regarding extreme heat. Studies from Queen’s University Belfast indicate that 14 of the 16 venues may be at dangerous temperatures. South American and African nations may adapt better, while European sides like England have expressed their desire to have later kick-offs. Past World Cups in the Americas have brought out South American winners, but this streak was broken in 2014 by Germany.
Pundit Views Former England striker Dion Dublin warned of Croatia’s experience and Ghana’s strength in England’s group. Journalist Julien Laurens praised Spain’s consistency under Luis de la Fuente, and pointed out France’s reliance on Mbappé. On Germany, he highlighted uncertainty but potential attacking flair from Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
According to South American expert Tim Vickery, Brazil are satisfied with their draw and evening kick‑offs, while Argentina will be trying to do something that no team have ever done: become the first to defend the World Cup on a foreign continent. With Lionel Messi still likely to take part, Argentina remain one of the favorites.
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