2026 World Cup Championship Candidates

According to Opta's prediction model, Spain is the team with the highest probability of winning the 2026 World Cup with a rate of 17%.

Spain is the highest rated in the 2026 World Cup.

If the scenario comes true, "La Roja" will become the first team in history to hold the two biggest titles in world and European football twice, after the golden period of 2008-2012. They are currently the reigning champions of EURO 2024.

Behind Spain is France with 14.1%. The Blues, who have maintained remarkable stability in major tournaments for nearly a decade, continue to be considered a strong candidate for the championship in North America.

England are third with 11.8%, a rate that reflects the strength of the talented generation coached by Thomas Tuchel. Reigning world champions Argentina, coming off a glorious 2022 World Cup, are fourth with 8.7%, in a squad that is entering a transitional period.

Other traditional teams such as Germany (7.1%), Portugal (6.6%), Brazil (5.6%) and the Netherlands (5.2%) are all in the candidate group, but no longer have the overwhelming position as in previous World Cups.

In the group behind, there is a notable surprise when Norway, although never made a big mark at the World Cup, is rated by Opta at 2.3%. The rate surpasses Colombia, Belgium, Uruguay or Croatia. The main reason comes from the excellent form and explosive potential of the young generation of players, especially Erling Haaland.

Among the host teams, the US has just a 0.9% chance of winning, the same as Japan. Mexico is at 1.3%, while Canada is not in the top 20.

Opta ’s predictions show a shift in the balance of power in world football. Spain is back in full force, Argentina is down, and former champions Brazil and Germany will have to work harder if they want to compete for the title in the summer of 2026.

Source: https://znews.vn/ung-cu-vien-vo-dich-world-cup-2026-post1608868.html