CBS Sports analysts divide on 2026 World Cup title contenders as tournament nears

CBS Sports staff have released their expert predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with opinions divided between Brazil, France and Spain as the primary contenders for the tournament title. The analysis covers group winners, runners-up and top individual award recipients ahead of the competition’s commencement.

The tournament features a newly expanded field of 48 teams, resulting in more matches and players than previous editions. Action gets underway in Mexico on Thursday, followed by matches in Canada and the United States on Friday.

The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This edition will feature the first half-time show in a football World Cup final, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and headlined by Madonna, Shakira and K-pop group BTS.

The half-time show aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, targeting $100 million for children worldwide. This marks a departure from previous finals, where performances by Shakira in 2006 and 2014 did not include such a structured entertainment segment.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino first announced the intention to hold a half-time show at a World Cup final in March of the previous year. World Cup tickets went on sale in October of the previous year, though New York and New Jersey authorities have since subpoenaed FIFA regarding ticket sales.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to be hosted across three nations. The 2024 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium already featured a half-time show that exceeded the standard break duration, setting a precedent for the upcoming final.

The specific identities of the staff members making the predictions are not detailed in the source text. The exact distribution of picks among Brazil, France and Spain is not specified, only that opinions are divided. The precise financial outcome of the fundraising effort for the Global Citizen Education Fund is a target, not a guaranteed figure.