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The FIFA World Cup 2026 the last thing it’s not far off, and the predictions are coming faster and faster.
Spain, who dominate the European Championship, are looking for their second World Cup victory, 16 years after their first victory in South Africa. But standing in the way are Argentina, the South American giants who are looking to become the third country to win consecutive World Cups.
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Statistics provider Opta has predicted that Spain are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, with a 59.56% chance of lifting the trophy in New Jersey. La Roja is also chosen by several former and professional players.
Former England international Michael Owen said world number two Spain were “deserving” winners of the tournament.
“Spain don’t have any great players individually, I think France probably have them… but Spain as a team is everything England are not – they are brave, brave with the ball,” Owen told The Straits Times.
“Spain are a very good team who pass the ball with confidence and play amazing football as a team.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former Barcelona and Manchester United player who represented Sweden at two World Cups, hopes Spain will dominate the final, which comes two years after their Euro 2024 victory.
Spain beat France very well (in the semifinals). I believe he can handle this Argentina,” said Zlatan, who is a commentator on US Fox Sports.
“Argentina is not a terrorist team. Spain will do what they want. They will play together… I believe that Spain will dominate the game.”
Spain was also favored by John Terry for glory, the former England captain said on Sports Uncensored that Luis de la Fuente’s team “have done a lot in Argentina”.
Former goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who captained Spain to their first World Cup victory in 2010, expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to bring back the minutes, sharing a photo of a star stitched into the center of their badge.
The star represents each World Cup the team has won.
(Translation: And why?)
While the majority consensus favors Spain’s victory, some think Argentina has a chance, even if it’s a small one.
Alan Shearer, one of England’s best strikers of all time, supported the reigning champions, saying on The Rest is Football podcast, “If there is one team that can do this by stopping them (Spain), it’s Argentina because of their mentality and unity.
“He’s been down a lot and he’s been in trouble, and somehow he’s won. That’s what you have to admire.
“When you have experts on your side,” he added, referring to Messi, “you always have a chance.”
But how can Argentina beat favorites Spain in the title race?
England football expert Micah Richards thinks the answer is the block switch – a technique where teams that are closest to their goal, and when they win, quickly switch from a tight defense to a bad attack.
“Get the ball to Messi, when (Julian) Alvarez or (Lisandro) Martinez just make it dangerous, do it like they did against England,” he said.
“I think Argentina should stay in the game like they did against England and turn it on when they see a change of pace.”
Meanwhile, another England boss, Gary Lineker, has remained content with his selection for Spain, but added that Argentina are “absurd”, making the predictions an even tougher choice.
“You can’t argue with a little boy (Messi). He’s too big; it’s going to be very close. It’s 50-50.”
Unlike others, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani refused to take sides.
“Everybody I’ve plucked is lost,” he said, laughing. “So I feel like everyone I can say has lost at this point.
“I’ll answer the old politician’s answer – I’m happy with the good game.”
