Who are the top five contenders for the 2026 World Cup after the international break? | OneFootball

As the dust settles on the latest international break, national teams are fine-tuning their strategies in preparation for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, several countries have emerged as front-runners based on their recent performances, player form and tactical prowess.

While historical powerhouses such as Argentina and Brazil continue to be viable candidates, emerging squads like Italy and Portugal showcase an impressive depth of talent.

Argentina conquered the last tournament in Qatar, largely thanks to Lionel Messi’s sheer willpower and unrivalled individual brilliance.

La Pulga netted a hat-trick in La Albiceleste’s 6-0 rout of Bolivia, demonstrating he is still a point of difference at the highest level.

However, Messi will be 39 by the time the next World Cup rolls around.

Given Argentina’s overreliance on one of the best players ever, we’re inclined to believe Lionel Scaloni’s side will unlikely defend the title.

We analyse the top five contenders vying for glory in the next World Cup, highlighting their strengths and potential downsides.

#5 France

Didier Deschamps showed authority and determination by omitting his captain and headline performer, Kylian Mbappe, from his October call-up.

‘Flabbergasted’ by the reported rape and sexual harassment claim, as per the Daily Mail, the Real Madrid superstar watched his team dominate during the last international window.

Despite Mbappe’s absence, France demonstrated their superiority in UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium.

More importantly, Les Bleus showed they could perform without their long-serving stalwarts.

Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud called time on their international careers shortly after France’s 2024 European Championship fiasco.

But with Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram hitting their stride on international level, the two-time world champions’ future is in safe hands.

#4 England

A mixed bag of performances in October convinced England to appoint former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor.

The FA’s experiment with Lee Carsley as a caretaker boss revealed the need for a more experienced hand in charge.

The Three Lions should gain invaluable experience and tactical acumen with Tuchel, particularly in high-pressure situations.

It would be an overstatement to say England has the most talented squad in world football.

From Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer to Phil Foden and Harry Kane, this team looks intimidating on paper.

However, standout results at major tournaments have often eluded them. That could change with Tuchel.

#3 Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s overwhelming desire to join the World Cup winners list before hanging up his boots fuels his every move on the pitch.

Although he’ll be 41, there’s no doubt the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will pour every ounce of effort into adding one last piece of silverware to his glittering trophy cabinet.

Ronaldo inspires his teammates with his relentless work ethic and unwavering determination on and off the pitch.

Now that players such as Rafael Leao, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota are performing at their peak, he can rely on a talented supporting cast to elevate Portugal’s chances on the global stage.

However, the Selecao would make a grave mistake unless they free themselves from Ronaldo’s shadow and focus on fostering a cohesive unit.

#2 Germany

Julian Nagelsmann couldn’t lead Germany past the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

But he has seemingly laid the foundation for a brighter future, instilling a tactical approach featuring creativity and discipline.

Germany defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands in October via a single-goal margin but utterly dominated both teams.

Nagelsmann couldn’t call upon Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug for those games.

The potential is bursting at the seams in this Die Mannschaft team, with a blend of emerging talents and experienced players ready to make their mark in North America.

#1 Spain

While this may feel like a strange choice, Spain’s recent resurgence and commitment to youth development makes them formidable contenders for the World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente’s overachieving squad enjoyed an indomitable run to the Euro 2024 crown, displaying eye-catching football and a remarkable team spirit that propelled them through the tournament.

Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal established themselves as a formidable duo in attack, with Rodri pulling all the strings in midfield.

That’s not to mention Pedri, Gavi and Martin Zubimendi, all of whom will be pivotal in shaping Spain’s future success.

This combination of creativity, vision and technical ability highlights the depth of La Furia Roja’s squad, making them a force to be reckoned with.