Introduction
48 teams are competing, but realistically, the World Cup will be won by one of six or seven nations. Here’s a plain-English guide to the main contenders — who they are, what makes them dangerous, and what could stop them.
Spain — The Favourites
Spain are the number one favourites to win the World Cup. They won Euro 2024 playing some of the most beautiful, technically brilliant football seen at an international tournament in years. Their young squad — led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (though his fitness is a concern after a muscular problem at the end of the club season) — is possibly the most talented in the world right now.
Spain have won the World Cup once (2010) and the Euros four times. They play with a philosophy called tiki-taka — short, rapid passing that keeps the ball and suffocates opponents. Manager Luis de la Fuente has kept the core of the Euro 2024 squad together.
France — Co-Favourites
France are the other team most people expect to challenge for the trophy. Led by Kylian Mbappe — arguably the best player in the world — France have extraordinary depth and quality in every position. They won the World Cup in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022 (they lost on penalties to Argentina in one of the greatest finals ever played).
France’s challenge is pressure. They are always expected to win, and consistently underperform relative to their talent.
England — The Dream
England are fourth or fifth in the betting depending on the bookmaker, but the mood around the squad is different to any England tournament in recent memory. A perfect qualifying campaign, a clear tactical identity under Tuchel, and genuine world-class talent throughout the team makes this the best England side since 1966.
England’s weakness has historically been penalty shootouts — they have lost many crucial games this way. Tuchel has specifically worked on penalty preparation. The question is whether this is finally England’s time.
Brazil — The Sleeping Giant
Brazil are five-time world champions and the most successful nation in the history of the tournament. They enter this World Cup with unusually low expectations after a disappointing few years, but that might actually help — no pressure, play free. Under manager Carlo Ancelotti (who took the job from Real Madrid), Brazil have attacking talent that can destroy any team on a good day.
Argentina — The Defending Champions
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in what many consider the greatest final ever played. They are led by Lionel Messi — widely regarded as the greatest footballer who ever lived, now 38 years old. This World Cup is almost certainly Messi’s last. Argentina carry enormous heart and unity, but physically Messi is not the explosive player he once was. What he brings in experience, leadership and brilliance cannot be measured.
Germany — The Dark Horses
Germany have won the World Cup four times and are never to be underestimated. After a miserable 2022 World Cup (they were knocked out in the group stage), they showed much better form at Euro 2024 on home soil and will be dangerous. Playing in front of North American fans — many of German heritage — could inspire them.
Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo's Last Chance
Portugal are always mentioned as potential dark horses, largely because of Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, this is almost certainly Ronaldo’s final World Cup. He has won everything in club football but never the World Cup. Portugal have quality throughout, but everything revolves around the question: can Ronaldo finally do it on the biggest stage?
