World Cup 2026 contenders highlighted ahead of upcoming tournament
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 9:47 AM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, several teams emerge as strong contenders. Spain leads the discussion after winning Euro 2024, while France and England also have solid prospects based on their recent performances. Argentina, the reigning champions, are expected to maintain their formidable presence, alongside Brazil, who have rebuilt their squad under new management. Other noteworthy teams include Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, each bringing unique strengths as the tournament draws closer.
- •Spain is favored after winning Euro 2024 and going unbeaten in qualification.
- •France aims for a third World Cup title, led by star Kylian Mbappé.
- •England has a strong qualification record, conceding no goals.
- •Argentina looks to defend their title with a deep squad despite Messi's nearing retirement.
- •Norway is considered a dark horse, featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
- 9:47 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026: Top 🔟 contenders for the title
- 8:28 AMThe Guardian Sport — Golden Boot: World Cup 2026 top goalscorers
"Who is winning the battle to be top scorer at the World Cup? Live and updated throughout the tournament The Golden Boot is awarded to the World Cup’s top goalscorer, with assists used as a tie-breaker if two or more players finish level. The 2026 tournament has three former Golden Boot winners taking part: Kylian Mbappé of France (eight goals in 2022), England’s Harry Kane (six goals in 2018) and James Rodríguez of Colombia (six goals in 2014). Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites to finish top scorer in North America, alongside Norway’s Erling Haaland – making his World Cup debut – and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who is playing in his seventh World Cup and finished second-highest scorer in Qatar with seven goals. Continue reading...
"With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, excitement is already building around the biggest sporting occasion on earth.Recent form, squad depth, tournament ped...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 9:47 AMWorld Cup 2026: Top 🔟 contenders for the title
With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, excitement is already building around the biggest sporting occasion on earth.Recent form, squad depth, tournament ped...
- The Guardian SportJun 4, 2026, 8:28 AMGolden Boot: World Cup 2026 top goalscorers
Who is winning the battle to be top scorer at the World Cup? Live and updated throughout the tournament The Golden Boot is awarded to the World Cup’s top goalscorer, with assists used as a tie-breaker if two or more players finish level. The 2026 tournament has three former Golden Boot winners taking part: Kylian Mbappé of France (eight goals in 2022), England’s Harry Kane (six goals in 2018) and James Rodríguez of Colombia (six goals in 2014). Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites to finish top scorer in North America, alongside Norway’s Erling Haaland – making his World Cup debut – and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who is playing in his seventh World Cup and finished second-highest scorer in Qatar with seven goals. Continue reading...
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