The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a spectacle of footballing excellence, with a plethora of predictions and insights from the Guardian's writers. Spain and Portugal are tipped to reach the final, with Spain emerging victorious. France and Argentina are also in the running, with France favored to win. The Golden Boot is expected to be a battle between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, with Mbappé's talent and goal-scoring prowess giving him the edge. The tournament promises to be a showcase of talent, with players like Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, and Erling Haaland set to shine. The surprise teams of the tournament are predicted to be Ecuador, Norway, and Japan, with their solid defenses and attacking prowess. The breakthrough players of the tournament are tipped to be Gilberto Mora, Yan Diomande, and Rayan, with their creativity and skill set to dazzle fans. The host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are expected to make a run for the last 16, but their success will depend on their ability to overcome the challenges of altitude and a bloated format. The African nation that will go the furthest is predicted to be Morocco, with their ability to tweak their team and their passion for the game. The tournament is also expected to be a showcase of community and cultural exchange, with the United States and Canada catching soccer fever and elevating the sport to a higher plane. The writers are also looking forward to the smaller stories that counterbalance the negativity surrounding the tournament, such as joyous moments of cultural exchange and the hospitality of the United States. Overall, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a thrilling and memorable event, with a plethora of talent and excitement on display.
