As World Cup 2026 dey approach for United States, Mexico and Canada, all eyes dey on France. Dem get attack wey be like fire, with Kylian Mbappé wey fit become first player to score for three World Cup finals. Michael Olise and Désiré Doué don establish themselves since Qatar, and Ousmane Dembélé don revitalise. Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram dey in mix. Good luck keeping dem out.
England, under Thomas Tuchel, get new structure and positional play. Harry Kane be top scorer for European football and Ballon d’Or contender. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers dey provide options. Tuchel get great cup record, and addition of Elliot Anderson to midfield be new string for England bow. But history show say England fit struggle for tournaments wey dey hot.
Brazil get Vinícius Júnior wey still stand out among high-calibre players. Ancelotti be light-touch coach, wey allow elite footballers autonomy. Brazil hope say Ancelotti fit strike balance between rigid European approach and individual attacking brilliance. Neymar don get late call-up, at expense of Chelsea’s João Pedro.
Argentina dey rely on Lionel Messi for his swansong tournament, but Julián Alvarez fit be key. Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández dey try to pull strings for midfield. Argentina finish nine points clear for South American qualifying. Defensive depth be concern, especially as Cristian Romero dey race to be fit.
Germany get Jamal Musiala fit again after breaking leg. Florian Wirtz fit run am close. Nagelsmann be one of most inventive tactical minds for tournament. Germany don get 4-0, 5-0, 6-0 and 7-0 competitive wins since Euros, but defensive instability don rear head.
Spain get 18-year-old Lamine Yamal wey still stand out. Yamal get extravagant individual skill, vision and weight of pass. Spain want monopolise possession but Yamal, Nico Williams, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal offer directness.
Portugal get Bruno Fernandes for prime years. Vitinha and João Neves dey pull strings for deeper midfield. Portugal go pass and pass some more. But Brazil, France and England get better forwards.
Morocco add Brahim Díaz to ranks. Díaz be top goalscorer for Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco get enough quality across team to progress beyond group stage. Dem fit finish as best-performing African team for second successive World Cup.
Uruguay get Federico Valverde wey be one of outstanding central midfielders. Darwin Núñez offer chaotic threat. Bielsa stick to flat back four. Uruguay be dogged and very competitive.
Netherlands get Frenkie de Jong back to pull strings for midfield. Memphis Depay be all-time top goalscorer. Koeman generally favour playing two central midfielders. Netherlands get enough centre-backs to pick half a dozen high-class pairings.
Belgium go look to Jérémy Doku for attacking inspiration. Thibaut Courtois remain one of best goalkeepers. Belgium get plenty attacking talent but no defenders to match Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld or Jan Vertonghen.
Senegal get Sadio Mané wey be star draw despite age. Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr don excel for Premier League. Senegal get quality to progress through at least a round or two of knockout stages.
Japan dey expected to progress to knockout rounds again. Dem beat Brazil and Ghana for recent friendlies. Japan get swift pass-and-move football and aggressive high press.
South Korea get Son Heung-min wey dey adored for home country. Kim Min-Jae be stalwart at back. South Korea get core of players for top European leagues.
Switzerland dey expect to reach knockout stages regularly. Dem be well-drilled and stable but lack true blue-chip quality for attacking areas.
Mexico dey worry about lack of attacking cohesion. Home advantage go help for kind group. Mexico fit reach last 16.
United States get Christian Pulisic wey dey troubled by hip issues. Folarin Balogun fit steal show. Hosting tournament mean group dey kind, dem fit get through one or two knockout rounds.
Canada get Alphonso Davies wey dey fit enough to include after ACL injury. Jonathan David dey rely for goals. Canada lose all three games for Qatar 2022 but dey pepper Belgium goal for long periods.
Australia be limited side with no Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka or Tim Cahill. Group stage likely.
