Writers predict teams and players for the 2026 World Cup
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
As the first fixture of the 2026 World Cup approaches, writers have made their predictions for the tournament. France is favored to win by Harry Diamond, citing their strong squad and experience in recent finals. Others, including Ste McGovern and Ayoob Rahman, predict Spain's success, depending on the fitness of key players. Some predictions also mention potential disappointments; for instance, Brazil's recent struggles in qualification raise concerns. Norway is highlighted as a potential surprise package due to the return of Erling Haaland, while Kylian Mbappe is noted as likely to compete for the Golden Ball if France performs well.
- •Harry Diamond predicts France will win the World Cup.
- •Ste McGovern and Ayoob Rahman favor Spain for the title.
- •Brazil is considered a potential disappointment in the tournament.
- •Norway brings Erling Haaland back to the World Cup stage.
- •Kylian Mbappe is a frontrunner for the Golden Ball award.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — OUR WORLD CUP HISTORY
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Our writers’ predictions for the 2026 World Cup
"AC Milan players have written some of the most memorable chapters in the history of the FIFA World Cup finals and knockout rounds (from the round of 16 to the final). The Rossoneri hold some unique re...
"Ahead of the first fixture of the 2026 World Cup, we asked our team for their tournament predictions. As ever, we’re ready to look like complete fools by the summer’s end.WinnerHarry Diamond: Fran...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 3:00 PMOUR WORLD CUP HISTORY
AC Milan players have written some of the most memorable chapters in the history of the FIFA World Cup finals and knockout rounds (from the round of 16 to the final). The Rossoneri hold some unique re...
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 2:00 PMOur writers’ predictions for the 2026 World Cup
Ahead of the first fixture of the 2026 World Cup, we asked our team for their tournament predictions. As ever, we’re ready to look like complete fools by the summer’s end.WinnerHarry Diamond: Fran...
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- FIFA World Cup•Aug 1, 2026, 7:05 AMREPORT: PSG Interested in Signing Belgium International
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 30, 2026, 7:27 AMThe Daily Hilario: Thursday
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 30, 2026, 6:00 AMMauricio Pochettino near deal to return as USMNT coach, per reports
FIFA World Cup•Jul 30, 2026, 1:06 AMCarlo Ancelotti rejects Italy approach as Brazil coach commits to new World Cup cycle- FIFA World Cup•Jul 29, 2026, 7:10 AMThe Daily Hilario: Wednesday
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 25, 2026, 10:05 AMVideo: Milan star Rafael Leao trains with Corinthians jersey on holiday
