The four-year wait for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over and fans in the U.S. and around the world are growing excited to watch their favorite nations compete in a country synonymous with competition. While many fans enjoy the buildup and preparation leading up to kickoff, others have already put together their power rankings and predicted which team will lift the trophy. With a new 48-team bracket being laid out for 2026, the competition and journey to the final have become even harder, yet fans are confident in their new and improved squads. “To me, and I feel like anyone who has played a sport, the main thing about sports is winning.” Said Teresa Calvo Martinez, World Languages Faculty.
Listed below are the top three teams entering the tournaments, along with key players and comments from Poly students and faculty:
Ranked #1: Spain.
Spain has built their name internationally with their combination of youth in the front three and experience at the back. The young talent from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and countless others is what makes Spain an appealing team. Their 2024 UEFA European Football Championship (Euros) win is also a positive sign that they will compete in the finals this year, given the two years of maturation since their win. Calvo states, “Having the combination of experience, practice, and the new blood that comes into the squad, I think it is a good combination.” Similarly, Sean Reddy ’28 stated, “Their performance in the Euros was impressive; they outclassed everyone.” The question, however, is whether the young players will step up in the world’s most competitive competition. Yamal, who is considered the next great Spanish superstar, has racked up 18 goals and 15 assists in 35 appearances for his club team, FC Barcelona. Their lack of experience is certainly an issue, but, according to La Liga stats, Yamal, Pedri and others have excelled in club football, leaving little to no room for criticism. Aurelien Lampert ’28 expresses his concern at the striker position. “It has been a while since they had a true striker. They do use Morata, but he is not the most solid option.” With four months left to prepare, Spain will certainly have time to address these issues and they remain the favorites heading into the tournament.
Key Players: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dean Huijsen, Rodri, Nico Williams.
Ranked #2: Argentina.
Being the defending champions of the 2022 World Cup certainly makes them an important competitor, but there are several questions about Lionel Messi. “He has already won everything. What is he even playing for at this point?” said Lampert. While Messi was a player of the tournament in 2022, Lampert and Reddy believe that if Argentina is to succeed in 2026, they will need to become less reliant on him. The speed and strength of Lautaro Martínez might take some of the weight off his shoulders, but he has struggled in recent national competitions, scoring only four goals in the qualifying stages. Experience is certainly needed in a high-caliber tournament, but a combination of veterans and experience has been the way to go for most teams. Messi has played the last two seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS), which fans consider to have less talent than Europe. Argentina has built on the squad that won in 2022 and young players like Julián Alvarez have been expected to play well this tournament.
Ranked #3: England.
With Thomas Tuchel as the new coach, fans expect England to be much more attacking this year, rather than playing defensively under the previous coach, Sir Gareth Southgate. “The problem with England is their tactics. They play too defensively,” said Lampert. Reddy believes there is certainly a significant amount of talent in the England squad, which will make it hard for Tuchel to make decisions on the starting 11. “I think the Premier League is a great way to measure talent. I would pick players who are excelling in England right now.” Both Lampert and Reddy believe that if England is to succeed, Tuchel will have to become less defensive and let his strong front 3 lead the squad. Harry Kane, whom Lampert and Calvo believe is the best player in the world currently, is turning heads with his performance in the Bundesliga. Kane has 45 goals in 37 games and he is expected to captain the squad upon the start of the tournament. “Tactically, if Tuchel can help this team, they have the depth and talent to compete for the trophy,” said Reddy.
The celebration and competition that come with the World Cup are certainly exciting and with the kickoff only four months away, flights have been booked, and tickets bought. “I am especially excited for this World Cup. Being one of the host countries, and so close to the action, it is incredible,” Reddy shared.
