By Charlie Gardner
Thursday marks the beginning of the 2026 World Cup where the tournament kicks off with one of the host nations Mexico taking on a South Africa side.
Amongst the discourse of eccentric Presidents and eye-watering ticket prices as well as, endless online discourse over whether the stadia are accessible on-foot. Here’s everything big and small to discuss ahead of the most anticipated event in sports.
The Favourites
Heading into the tournament there’s stars in each team and nations with heritage that can surely be expected to back themselves this tournament but who are the bookies’ favourites this year?
- Spain
The Spaniards will make their first appearance against Cape Verde this year and are the comfortable favourites for the tournament.
Boasting names as big as Rodri, Pedri and Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, they enter the competition with an effusively-won Euros trophy in their last outing. Combine that with a thrillingly talented squad, and it’s easy to see why they’re topping the odds.
- France
Last tournament’s runners-up are likely to be back in the late stages this year, that’s clear. Kylian Mbappé isn’t the breakthrough youngster he once was, but still a talented star despite Real Madrid’s domestic struggles of late. Combine him with the latest Ballon D’Or and Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele, rejuvenated in his recent years, and the French attack is expected to be the most dangerous in the tournament.
They will kick off their campaign against Senegal and as a team who fell short on penalties in Qatar, they will be looking to return again and finish the job.
- England
The Three Lions are back ahead of another year attempting to bring the cup “home”. Talisman and legend Harry Kane enters the tournament as arguably the most prolific striker in the world after a fantastic third season with German juggernauts Bayern Munich.
They also enter the tournament under the management of Thomas Tuchel, a controversial appointment who has stirred the tabloids with an equally controversial squad selection that emits some usual stalwarts in recent years.
England will once again look to put an end to their now 60-years of hurt but will it end in disappointment again? The bookies have them as the third favourites.
Dark Horses
As ever, there are plenty of teams expected to surprise punters this year. Last tournament Morocco narrowly missed out on third-place after losing their playoff game to Croatia, who usually seem touted to surprise each year. This year, there are two other names that are worth looking at.
Japan head into it without their strongest player Mitoma, but over recent years have found ways to rise to the quality of otherwise superior opponents. They beat England at Wembley not long ago, albeit with a goal from Mitoma, but also managed to exceed expectations as a side back in Qatar.
Another potentially rogue shout is main host nation, the mighty “U.S. of A” – a country not necessarily revered for their success in “soccer”, but one known to produce athletes in other sports, a nation that has become increasingly stronger in the sport as it has grown in popularity over the past few years.
They will have players used to the climate and the cities, as well as the backing of an entire nation at their doorstep. Christian Pulisic is a fan favourite, but other players like Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson have also been representing the stars and stripes with class in the Premier League.
Personal Thoughts
For me, I would imagine the fortune of playing on home turf will stand the USA in good stead to surprise the world as they head into the World Cup and so could be seen as the safe take for dark horses this year.
England always do feel like they have the capacity to do well but the team selection is uninspiring and falling short is now the norm. I would imagine that they will follow their recent (well, six decades) form into this tournament and fall short again.
Spain will head into North America with confidence from their European win a couple years ago and of course will be fantastic to watch, but France enter with fire in their bellies and a brilliant side that I would imagine can get them far into the knockouts again this year.
