With just a couple of days to go for the FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the debate over who will lift football’s most coveted trophy is already gathering momentum.

Defending champions Argentina remain among the favourites, while European heavyweights Spain, France, England and Portugal are widely tipped to challenge for the title. Former players and football personalities have also begun weighing in with their predictions, offering intriguing insights into what could unfold in the biggest World Cup in history, which begins on June 11.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher believes France have the depth, pace and experience to go all the way. “It’s an all-European final four,” Carragher predicted. “I foresee a final between France and Portugal, with France emerging as the winner.”

France, runners-up in Qatar four years ago, boast one of the strongest squads in world football and are expected to be among the leading contenders once again.

Former United States midfielder Tab Ramos is looking beyond the battle for the trophy. He believes the World Cup can leave a lasting legacy in North America and further elevate football’s status in the United States. “I’m hoping this is the one that closes the gap on the other big sports in the country,” Ramos said.

Former USA striker Brian Ching is backing Portugal and Spain to make deep inroads into the tournament. He also believes Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal could become one of the stars of the competition. “It would be special to see Ronaldo win,” Ching said. “Portugal currently has a better supporting cast than in the past.”

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For Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, now in the twilight of an extraordinary career, the tournament could provide one final opportunity to capture the one major trophy that has eluded him. The same could be said for Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who may also be appearing in his final World Cup. Messi, however, is refusing to look too far ahead.

The Argentine legend expects another fiercely contested tournament. “There are a lot of very good teams like Spain, France, England and Brazil,” Messi said. “We are going to fight, we are going to give everything.”

What’s new at FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever staged. For the first time, 48 teams will compete instead of 32, increasing global representation and giving more nations a chance to shine. The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new Round of 32, expanding the knockout phase. As a result, the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104, while the eventual champions will need to win eight matches instead of seven to claim the trophy.

Several new football laws will also be in effect. FIFA and IFAB have introduced stricter measures against time-wasting, including countdowns for throw-ins, goal-kicks and substitutions. Expanded VAR intervention, mandatory hydration breaks and tougher disciplinary measures for dissent and misconduct will also be implemented.

The expanded format promises more matches, more drama and greater opportunities for emerging football nations to challenge the established powers.

As predictions continue to pour in, one thing is certain: the road to North America 2026 promises to be one of the most fascinating in World Cup history. Whether it is France, Spain, Portugal, England, Brazil or defending champions Argentina, only one nation will have the final word when football’s greatest prize is awarded next July.

By Joe Williams