Darke tips Brazil as 2026 World Cup favourites amid first 48-team tournament
With the inaugural 48-team tournament set to begin on June 11, Darke outlines eight potential winners and highlights the structural and environmental factors that may influence the outcome.
Football commentator Ian Darke has released a preview of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, identifying eight potential winners and several surprise contenders. Darke tips Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, to win the tournament, citing their blend of experience and new talent. Other favourites include Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, and Portugal. Darke also highlights Senegal, Morocco, Belgium, Ecuador, Colombia, Japan, Norway, Türkiye, the United States, Mexico, and Canada as teams capable of causing upsets. The tournament begins on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with 104 matches to be played. Co-hosts are Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, has promised a crackdown on time-wasting and other tactics, supported by advanced technology including AI-enabled 3D avatars. Only eight nations have won the World Cup previously: Brazil, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, England, France, and Uruguay. The Netherlands have lost three finals without winning. Previous World Cup winners have retained the title only twice: Brazil (1958, 1962) and Italy (1934, 1938). The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featuring a historic half-time show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Darke’s list of eight potential winners includes Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Portugal, Brazil, and Senegal. Darke identifies Morocco, Belgium, Ecuador, Colombia, Japan, Norway, Türkiye, the United States, Mexico, and Canada as teams capable of causing upsets. Specific player concerns raised include Lionel Messi’s age (turning 39 during the tournament), Rodri’s form post-injury for Spain, and Harry Maguire’s absence from England’s squad. Darke cites the potential impact of heat on the tournament as a factor leaning towards a South American winner.
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. Shakira performed at the World Cup finals in 2006 and 2014, and created the anthem "Waka Waka" in 2010. In 2024, Shakira performed at the Copa America final in Miami, and the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium featured a half-time show exceeding the standard break duration. The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa. The World Cup final takes place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featuring a historic half-time show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, are tipped to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup according to Ian Darke. The tournament features 48 teams. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the World Cup final half-time show. The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The tournament is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The opening match fixture is between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
