With the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup approaching soon, the United States of America, Canada and Mexico welcome the world’s greatest talents. As of April 18, Mansfield was selected as an official team base camp option. With the new Mansfield Stadium set to be finished in time for the World Cup, this gives any lodging team the perfect training opportunity, as it’s approved by FIFA. Now lets get into the top five contenders to go on and win the 2026 World Cup.
5 – Morocco
Morocco currently finds itself in the semi-finals of the AFCON (African Cup of Nations) tournament, creating a promising side with players such as Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi. Falling in the semi-finals of the last World Cup tournament in 2022, Morocco seeks revenge for the past and present themselves as a true dark horse of this tournament.
4 – England
Falling short of expectations in the last tournament, England looks to regain their place as a top nation in the world of soccer with new head coach Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel brings an energetic style with his tactic, opposite to that of the previous English manager, Gareth Southgate, who played a calmer possession-based team. With fast electric players like Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden lighting up the outside of the pitch, and players like Delcan Rice and Jude Bellingham keeping the central part of the field composed and together, England now looks at one of its best chances to win the tournament in recent memory.
3 – Argentina
Argentina, current champions of the world as they hold the trophy from the 2022 tournament, look passionate to reclaim glory once again at the world stage. After a chaotic 3-3 game being decided by a penalty shootout, Argentina and Lionel Messi finally claimed The World Cup trophy. Coming off a Copa America trophy win in 2024, this Argentina side prides itself on passionate players who give 100% effort at every moment of the game. With Messi now entering the fairytale endings of a lustrous career, the team looks at one last shot of greatest for the nation’s hero.
2 – France
Following the heartbreak in last tournament’s final, France’s team isn’t getting any weaker, but actually stronger. Kylian Mbappe only gets better and better over time and his supporting cast of Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, William Saliba and Jules Kounde proves the team’s ability to reclaim the trophy and be the first team since 2002 Brazil to reach the final three times in a row.
1 – Spain
Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Pedri, all arguably top 7 players in the world, playing on one team, a recipe for success. Spain’s exit in the round of 16 in the 2022 tournament led to disappointment among the Spanish fanbase, but with Spain going on to win the 2023 League of Nations and the 2024 Euros, they proved they no longer have the same team and mentality as before. With the Tiki-taka, a possession-based system that Spain always brings, this year seems a great one for such an exciting team.
