ESPN experts tip Spain and France for 2026 World Cup triumph
European powerhouses dominate forecasts as host nations face scrutiny over performance expectations and logistical challenges.
ESPN has released the final predictions from 19 experts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain and France emerging as the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy. The tournament commences on Thursday with the opening match between host nation Mexico and South Africa, setting the stage for a 104-game competition that spans several weeks.
Spain and France secured 16 of the 19 votes for the title, with Spain being the only nation selected by every expert on the panel. While seven writers anticipate Argentina will make a deep run following their 2022 victory, none selected them to retain the crown. Argentina’s campaign begins on Tuesday against Algeria.
Individual awards are also heavily forecast, with France’s Kylian Mbappé the top pick for the Golden Boot, named by seven experts. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is expected to win the Golden Ball and Best Young Player awards, with 13 experts selecting him for the youth honour and five predicting he will take home the best player prize.
Among the host nations, Mexico is the most frequently predicted to advance the furthest. However, the United States faces significant scrutiny, with several experts predicting an early exit in the group stage or round of 16. Concerns have been raised regarding the US team’s preparation under Mauricio Pochettino and the pressure of hosting.
Other notable predictions include Japan and Ecuador as surprise packages, with Japan praised for their attacking style and Ecuador for their defensive talent. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, and Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, are also highlighted as strong contenders. The panel also noted potential challenges for teams like the Netherlands and Uruguay, citing group difficulties and managerial questions.
