The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, and after 104 matches across three countries over 39 days, the final will be played on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium near New York. Forty-eight teams are in the hunt, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, and holders Argentina. But who will lift the trophy? BBC Sport's pundits are far from unanimous.
Alan Shearer backs France – but with a caveat. “Only if there is no in-house fighting,” he said, pointing to the depth of talent in forward positions. “Two or three big players are going to be left out every game, so it will come down to whether they cope with that in the right way.” Danny Murphy agrees, citing France's firepower and the challenge of extra time in hot weather. “The likes of Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue can't all start, but they can be gamechangers if they come on after 70 minutes in 30 degrees heat,” he explained.
“BBC pundits predict World Cup winner: France favoured, but Rooney and Frank back England.”
Olivier Giroud, the former France striker, named his own country and Spain as the two strongest teams, but wondered whether they would meet in the final or earlier. Wayne Rooney is more optimistic for England: he predicts an England‑Spain final with England winning. Thomas Frank also fancies England, along with Brazil. “A lot of people are saying it is France or Spain, but for me it is between Brazil and England... and I am saying England!” the Brentford manager declared.
Micah Richards believes humidity will favour South American sides, yet he leans towards Spain because of their ball retention. “Argentina will go close, because of the way they work for Lionel Messi. I still think he can do something special,” he added. Steph Houghton and Gael Clichy both highlighted France's attacking quality, with Clichy also tipping Spain and England.
With the tournament just days away, the pundits' predictions offer a glimpse of what might unfold. For England fans, there is reason to hope – but the path to glory runs through formidable opposition, and the heat of a North American summer could yet rewrite the script.