Expert Predictions for the World Cup 2026

World Soccer's experts discussed how the 2026 World Cup will unfold in their June 2026 issue.

Henry Winter

I’m excited to see Bukayo Saka. England’s winger can humiliate full-backs and, after missing more than two months of the season through injury, he was moving back towards full sharpness. It was like a refreshing mid-season break.
You might be surprised by Portugal, sixth favourites. Any side with a midfield of Vitinha and Joao Neves supporting Bruno Fernandes deserves respect, with the irrepressible Bernardo Silva as well. But would a static Cristiano Ronaldo be a help or hindrance?
I’m concerned about the long seasons catching up with those 150+ Premier League representatives at the tournament who hadn’t had a winter break. Hopefully, they would resist fatigue in sapping conditions.
Keep an eye out for more sensible use of VAR, focusing on minimal interference, maximum benefit. Clear and obvious only, thanks. PGMOL took note.
The Golden Boot was won by Harry Kane. England was set up to feed their talismanic captain, whose clever movement and clinical finishing, combined with winning and taking penalties, made him a standout.
The Player of the Tournament was Michael Olise, who could cause havoc for France with his technique and ability to dribble around opponents. The winners were Spain, the European champions brimming with togetherness, intelligence, and individual ability, provided Lamine Yamal regained sharpness quickly after his hamstring injury.

Keir Radnedge

I’m excited to see how minnows like Curacao perform. At least some need to show up strongly to stall the trend of the major confederations pushing them to the bottom during tournament draws.
You might be surprised by the number of established teams eliminated in the opening group stage. Cup competitions’ narratives depend on surprises, from the World Cup to the FA Cup.
I’m concerned about the overall level of these finals. More teams always mean a fall in quality, and the World Cup needs to maintain its hard-earned but fading glitz.
Keep an eye out for the fun following Carlos Ancelotti’s gamble with Neymar, whether he is playing or adjusting to time on the bench.
The Golden Boot was predicted to be won by Kylian Mbappe. My slight favouring of France as eventual winners stems from Mbappe’s provocation of memories from 2022, and at 27, he was in the prime of his career.
The Player of the Tournament was expected to be Lionel Messi, partly due to goodwill from previous tournaments, especially if Argentina went deep into the knockout stages.
The winners were selected to be France, due to the talent available and Didier Deschamps’ matchless experience in tournament management.

Jonathan Wilson

I’m excited to see how Brazil fares under Carlo Ancelotti, as it seems that turning to a foreigner might return to the style of success from 1958 to 1970, despite a weak midfield.
I’m concerned about ticket prices, the climate, and distances; the host nation’s government seemed very hostile to the outside world.
The Golden Boot was expected to be won by Kylian Mbappe, a good finisher in possibly the best squad. The Player of the Tournament was predicted to be Lamine Yamal, whose fitness was in doubt due to a hamstring injury.
The winners were selected to be Spain, the best side at Euro 2024.