Di 2026 FIFA World Cup don finally start! After Argentina beat France for Qatar four years ago, di latest edition of di world biggest sporting event kick off with Mexico vs. South Africa. E get 104 games for di next several weeks, and ESPN writers from around di globe don make their picks on everything from silverware to most entertaining teams.
For di most important question of who go lift di trophy on July 19, Spain and France be di clear favorites. Di European powerhouses earn 16 out of 19 votes for winner, and Spain na di only country wey appear on every ballot. Interestingly, though seven writers expect Argentina to follow up their 2022 World Cup victory with another deep run, not a single one pick dem to actually repeat. Lionel Messi and company begin their bid to go back-to-back on Tuesday against Algeria.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal be di overwhelming pick for best young player, with 13 out of 19 writers selecting di Barcelona star. Five even expect am to go home with di Golden Ball for best player. For di Golden Boot, France’s Kylian Mbappé emerge on top with seven selections.
WhoScored analysis also highlight some dark horses fit make unexpected run. Ecuador, wey get defence featuring two Champions League finalists and a 19-game unbeaten streak, fini second for South American qualifying and concede only five goals for 18 matches. Japan, wey hold di record for most World Cup matches played without reaching quarter-finals (25), be getting closer after beating Germany and Spain for di last World Cup. Norway, headlined by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, storm through qualifying with a perfect record, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five.
According to AI simulation wey Sportradar run 100,000 times, Spain and France each win di tournament 16% of di time. Brazil, England, and Argentina also feature prominently. Portugal win for 8,000 simulations, di highest for any team without a title. Kylian Mbappé win di Golden Boot for over 13,000 simulations, and di expected number of goals to win di award be eight.
