The world’s largest sports tournament is here again! And for the first time in history, some of the pitches are on Canadian soil, as we host alongside the United States and Mexico. The excitement is palpable across all three countries, with the most recent World Cup held in North America being over 3 decades ago in the US. If you go downtown, the streets are covered with World Cup-themed decor.
Canada will have the opportunity to welcome many world-class players, from Antoine Semenyo and Luka Modric to, in my opinion, the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Manuel Neuer. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Harry Kane may also make an appearance during the knockout stages. But before we talk about 2026 prospects, we should take a moment to reflect.
A lot has happened since the 2022 World Cup: Canada has a new Prime Minister, York University is finding a new president, and we’re even getting a new Toy Story later this month. We’ve yet to be blessed with GTA 6 or a new Frank Ocean album, but that’s just life. And speaking of life, a good chunk of the York freshmen who arrived in 2022 are going to be moving to a new phase of it as they graduate this month.
To mark this quadrennial occasion, I’ll be sorting teams into three categories: definite contenders, teams that could present some competition, and potential dark horses. If I don’t mention your country, don’t take it personally — I just don’t think you’re going to be doing much at this World Cup.
For those just jumping on the bandwagon, there are 48 teams competing in the World Cup. Starting June 11, the first 16 days are the group stage, where teams compete within a group of four to rack up points and qualify for the knockout round. Qualifying teams will then get eliminated sudden-death style over the following three weeks: 32 of them will advance to the round of 32, 16 to the round of 16, eight to the quarter-finals, four to the semi-finals, and the top two teams will go head-to-head to win it all on July 19. Now that we’re all up to speed, let’s get into the predictions.
Definite Contenders
Spain, France, Portugal, England, and Argentina
My rationale? It’s simple math, really. All of these teams possess at least five world-class players.
Spain has a star-studded lineup of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, David Raya, and many more.
France’s national team is more stacked than a Stacked Pancake brunch — there isn’t enough syrup in the world to match how much I could glaze their players.
Portugal might have the best midfield in the world with Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Vitinha, who are going to press your favourite defenders until they wet their pants. The team also boasts the man with the most aura in football: Cristiano Ronaldo.
England has a fighting chance as well. Despite saying “it’s coming home” for decades, they always find a way to remain among the contenders, and maybe this will finally be their year.
Argentina is the defending champion and they still have, in my opinion, the most talented player of all time: Lionel Messi. Alongside stars like Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Emiliano Martínez, I wouldn’t be surprised to have 2022 déjà vu.
Among these definite contenders, my pick to win it all is France. Why? Two words: Kylian Mbappé. Boasting 12 World Cup goals at the age of 27, he’s arguably the best World Cup player heading into this year’s tournament. With the support of France’s squad depth, I foresee Mbappé and the team flying high.
Potential Competitors
Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands
These countries are on this list because of what they have done in tournaments prior. They do have some great and experienced players on their teams, but I don’t think these countries are on the same pedigree as the ones listed in the tier above.
Possible Dark Horses
Croatia, Austria, Senegal, Mexico, the US, Türkiye, Ecuador and Switzerland
Every World Cup has a dark horse: a country that no one expects to go far, but one that ends up making it to at least the semi-finals. Croatia has been the dark horse of the World Cup in the last two editions, and I could see them reprising the role. They have the same coach in Zlatko Dalic, and despite the fact that their core is aging, the team’s chemistry might allow them to go far once more. Senegal is another team to keep an eye on. They’re African champions for a reason: athletic, quick in transition, and, when they hit their stride, capable of causing problems for even the top teams. If Senegal builds momentum early, they could surprise a lot of people. The US and Mexico also deserve dark horse consideration, mainly because of their home advantage. Playing in familiar environments, with strong crowd support and less travel stress, could give them an extra edge in key moments. As for Austria, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Türkiye? Well, I picked them because my Spidey senses were tingling. The four teams just have a good vibe about them this World Cup.
Last and least (sorry, eh?)
I can hear you politely shouting already, but nationalism can only sway my judgment so much. Unfortunately, I just don’t think Canada is going to be making any big moves at the World Cup. Considering it’s only our third time qualifying — and this year wasn’t a merit-based invitation — I can see us reaching the round of 32, at best. But winning isn’t everything! We should be happy to host the World Cup and participate, so soak up the FIFA vibes while you can, lest we enter another 36-year drought.
