KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) — The four-year wait is over. Football’s grandest stage is ready to raise its curtain once again as the 2026 World Cup prepares to unite the game’s finest talents in what promises to be a fiercer, more dramatic and more unpredictable showdown than ever before.
This edition is historic in its own right, not only because it will be staged across three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but also because, for the first time, 48 teams will battle for the sport’s most prestigious trophy, making it the largest World Cup since the tournament’s birth in Uruguay in 1930.
With more teams, more matches, and more extraordinary stories waiting to unfold, the anticipation among fans worldwide has reached a fever pitch as the tournament kicks off today (early Friday morning, Malaysian time) and runs through July 19.
Predictions are already flying in about which team has what it takes to lift the trophy.
Here’s a look at who fans, media pundits, athletes, and industry insiders are tipping as their favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Name: Arul Rajoo Durar Raj (Editor-in-Chief, Bernama)
Team: France
Reason: France boasts a wealth of quality players, including Kylian Mbappé, one of the best in the world right now. Their individual brilliance, combined with the ability to function as a cohesive unit, makes them top contenders to win the 2026 World Cup.
Name: Ashwad Ismail (Director of Broadcasting, RTM)
Team: Brazil
Reason: Brazil is always a top pick because its identity is built on the creative rhythm of "Samba" football, an iconic style that has captivated fans for generations. The nostalgia of legends like Ronaldinho, now carried forward by stars like Neymar, proves that Brazil never runs out of extraordinary talent.
Name: Datuk Christopher Raj (Chief Executive Officer, ShekhinahPR)
Team: Japan
Reason: Japan has a real chance to make history at the 2026 World Cup thanks to its strong tactical discipline and well-organised structure. Their ability to upset elite teams, combined with the experience of players competing in Europe's top leagues, gives them the tools to compete at the highest level.
Name: Nor Hamzie Md Hambali (Director, Rotikaya Media Sdn Bhd)
Team: Japan
Reason: Japan is the pick because they have so many players competing in European leagues, which brings invaluable experience to the national squad. With stars like Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endō, Japan has the quality and team strength to challenge the best sides at the 2026 World Cup.
Name: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (Senior Political Advisor to the Prime Minister/President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia)
Team: England
Reason: England has a strong chance to win the 2026 World Cup thanks to their remarkable squad depth, especially in attack and midfield, which gives it plenty of tactical options. This advantage is further strengthened by world-class players like Jude Bellingham, who can control the tempo of the game and decide crucial moments when it matters most.
Name: Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria (President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia)
Team: Spain
Reason: Spain is the pick because they have a world-class, well-balanced squad and enter as European champions. Lamine Yamal is identified as the key player to watch, one who will drive the team's success.
Name: Rexy Mainaky (National Badminton Doubles Coaching Director)
Team: England
Reason: England are seen as top contenders because they have a complete, all-round squad and the credibility of being the 1966 champions. Declan Rice is the anchor, offering hard work, a strong mentality, and tactical stability across every area of the pitch.
Name: R. Sharmendran (National Karate Squad Coach)
Team: Portugal
Reason: Portugal, because they have the most balanced squad, with a solid defense and the sharpness of Cristiano Ronaldo. With the star players they have, this is their best chance to win it all. Vitinha is set to shine as the creative heartbeat in midfield.
Name: Nurul Azurin Mazlan (Goalkeeper, Malayan Tigress)
Team: Argentina
Reason: Argentina is the choice because of their incredible team spirit and the presence of Lionel Messi in what will be his final appearance. Add to that the agility of Emiliano Martínez, a brave and confident goalkeeper who strengthens their defense.
Name: Nur Mecca Rania Mohd Hazri (National Women's Football Player)
Team: Portugal / France
Reason: Portugal and France are seen as major contenders. For Portugal, all eyes are on the midfield pairing of Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. Vitinha, in particular, is seen as the player who can drive the team forward with his tactical intelligence and control of the game.
Name: Syazwan Msar (Sports Journalist, Harian Metro)
Team: France
Reason: France is the pick because of their balanced squad, led by Kylian Mbappé, along with the maturity of their players who are now key figures across the world's top leagues and Europe's biggest clubs.
Name: Rizal Hashim (Former Sports Journalist)
Team: Brazil
Reason: This choice comes down to the weather and the 48-team format, which favours fitter players over fatigued European league stars. That opens up a huge opportunity for Brazil and the African representatives to go much further in the tournament.
With so many contrasting predictions from sports leaders, media figures, and athletes alike, one thing is clear: the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most open and unpredictable tournaments in history.
Whether it's the tactical discipline of Japan, the flair of Brazil, or the balanced squads of France and England, each voice offers a compelling case for their favourite.
Ultimately, the pitch will deliver the final answer, and the world will be watching every moment as a new champion is crowned.
— BERNAMA
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