World Cup teams face unexpected challenges as tournament progresses
Sky Sports Football • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 11:40 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026

The ongoing World Cup features several teams making bold predictions about their chances. Fans are weighing Germany's strong showing after scoring seven goals, Lionel Messi's potential to retain the title, and Sweden's status as dark horses. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses like Spain, Brazil, and Cristiano Ronaldo's team are being reassessed by some observers. The unpredictable nature of the tournament has left experts cautioning against premature predictions.
- •Germany scored seven goals in a recent match
- •Lionel Messi is considered a favorite to retain the title
- •Sweden is viewed as a potential dark horse
- •Spain and Brazil are being reconsidered in predictions
"Convinced football is coming home? Lumping on Germany after scoring seven? Tipping Lionel Messi to retain it? Telling yourself that Sweden are dark horses? Writing off Spain, Brazil and Cristiano Ronaldo? Hold fire. Because the World Cup is an epic.
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