Louis Smith – South American Football Writer – Spain
The European champions have not only displayed thrilling football but have also proven their ability to win crucial matches. I pondered between them and Nations League champions Portugal, yet Spain’s performance in the Euros shows they excel when it matters the most.
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They’re tough to beat, showcasing exciting, fluid play while scoring numerous goals. Recall their 6-0 victory against Turkey last September. Their qualification was relatively smooth, and they appear as one of the most complete teams in the tournament.
Moreover, their talent is undeniable. If Lamine Yamal maintains fitness, he possesses the ability to create game-changing moments. Yet, it’s not solely about him; players like Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal consistently impact matches, regardless of whether they start or come off the bench.
Spain’s primary shortcoming is the absence of a classic number nine, a traditional striker to lead the line. However, they always find ways to compensate for this gap.
The strength of their midfield cannot be overlooked, featuring talents like Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, and Pedri, who are among the best trios in international football, adept at controlling the game and breaking down defenses.
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Defensively, they are quite stable too, with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí fortifying the center-back position. In goal, there’s a selection dilemma between David Raya and Unai Simón. Coach Luis de la Fuente has indicated that Simón is his first choice, although Raya’s outstanding performance in the Champions League final showcased his ability to make crucial saves and navigate one-on-one situations with skill.
To me, Spain stands out as the most cohesive team heading into the tournament, which is why I consider them favorites to clinch the trophy.
Callum McFadden – Senior Writer – France
France: Didier Deschamps boasts arguably the strongest and most well-rounded squad in international football, excelling in every area of the field.
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From the attacking prowess of Kylian Mbappé to the creative skills of Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, France possesses game-changers throughout their lineup. In addition, N’Golo Kanté, William Saliba, and Mike Maignan provide the control and solidity needed to dominate matches.
Deschamps brings invaluable World Cup-winning experience as both a player and coach, positioning France as the favorites to bring the trophy back to La République this summer.
Ben McFadyean – Bundesliga Expert – England
The Three Lions, managed by Bavarian coach Thomas Tuchel, dominated their qualification without conceding a single goal. Led by in-form Harry Kane, England has come close to tournament glory, suffering back-to-back losses in European Championship finals. Now is the moment for the former BVB coach to deliver for the national team.
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Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current Squad
To evaluate England’s potential to triumph in the World Cup, we must delve into their current squad, playing style, and overall competitiveness:
While the team boasts numerous strengths, making them serious title contenders, they also have structural and tactical weaknesses that need addressing.
Strengths
Emerging Talent: England’s new generation includes highly talented players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Kobbie Mainoo. These athletes excel at their clubs and bring valuable international experience despite their youth.
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Valuable Experience: Players with significant tournament experience, such as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, and Declan Rice, provide essential leadership and a balanced blend of youth and experience within the squad.
Squad Depth: The competition for positions in the squad limits injuries and allows Tuchel to make tactical changes while maintaining squad fitness. Particularly in midfield and attack, England has a wealth of high-quality options.
Tactical Organization: Under Tuchel, England has shown admirable tactical discipline and defensive solidity, employing a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that shifts into an aggressive 2-3-5 in attacking phases to switch between pressing tactics effectively.
Weaknesses
Creative Limitations: Although rich in attacking talent, England sometimes struggles to devise plans against compact defenses, causing underwhelming performances against teams favoring defensive stability.
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Conservative Tactics: While the team boasts a perfect qualification record, Tuchel’s cautious approach in high-stakes matches has drawn criticism, often limiting the squad’s creative capabilities.
Emotional Pressure Management: The media scrutiny and emotional challenges tied to representing England can impact performance, leading players to falter under pressure, as evidenced in past tournaments.
Vulnerability Against Top Teams: Although England has triumphed against strong opponents, they must face elite rivals such as France, Brazil, or Argentina in decisive matches to prove their competitiveness. Their previous match against African Champions Senegal highlighted this frailty.
The Impact of Injuries: The reliance on specific key players means injuries prior to or during the World Cup could significantly affect England’s prospects.
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Heavy Workload of the Premier League: The demanding schedule of England’s top tier can lead to player fatigue, which has been a hindrance in previous tournaments.
In summary, while England’s strengths are undeniable and well-suited for a World Cup, questions linger regarding squad selection, particularly the omission of talents like Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire. With the outlined weaknesses, England emerges as an outside favorite. Their success will hinge on striking a balance between raw talent and structured discipline without succumbing to pressure.
Although bookmakers list England as third favorites at 15-2, if Tuchel finds the right squad balance for the demanding conditions of the tournament and overcomes challenges in creativity, tactical approach, and emotional resilience, they could have one of their best opportunities to become champions since 1966.
James Nalton – Senegal
Can an African side finally secure a World Cup victory? The knockout rounds could lead to some unpredictability; however, it seems Morocco, rather than Senegal, is currently the most favored African team.
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Nonetheless, the Lions of Teranga carry motivation from the 2025 AFCON final debacle, alongside a blend of promise and experience from their recent CAF tournament performance.
Despite currently playing in Saudi Arabia, Sadio Mané remains a pivotal presence, showcasing his significance during that AFCON final match. Idrissa Gana Gueye, despite being 36, continues to maneuver well in midfield and is backed by a youthful cohort including stars like Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Habib Diarra, and the 18-year-old Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, who spent last season at Bayern. Iliman Ndiaye can add some exciting flair to their gameplay.
Many of their top players are part of prestigious European teams, although some, like striker Nicolas Jackson, have not had ample playing time during the 2025/26 season, perhaps benefiting them in what is expected to be a grueling World Cup amid North American heat.
Pape Thiaw remarked in his interview with World Soccer Magazine that he wouldn’t be in this manager position if he didn’t believe his team could win the World Cup.