Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WHO WILL LIFT THE 2026 WORLD CUP TROPHY?
Who will lift the trophy in 2026? That's the question on everyone's lips in football conversations. With an expanded tournament of 48 teams, three host countries, and many emerging stars, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history. In this article, we'll review favorites, surprise contenders, key statistics, and even predictions based on historical data. Because if there's one thing we know, it's that anything can happen in football… but some clues help us dream with more confidence. If you're already making predictions, you're going to love this analysis.
Favorites with History
There are teams that arrive at the World Cup with a single mission: to win it. Brazil, France, Argentina, and Germany not only have squads, they have jerseys. The weight of their history makes them contenders even before the draw. And in 2026, they return with a thirst for glory.
Brazil: The Eternal Favorite
Brazil wants to break a drought that is becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Their last star was in 2002, and since then they have fallen short despite having star-studded squads. For 2026, their young generation, led by Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick, promises joy, speed, and magic. But the big question is: do they have the character to lift the trophy?
France: A Renewed Powerhouse
Finalist in 2022, champion in 2018, and with Mbappé still at his peak, France needs no introduction. Added to that is a young crop of players including Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Kolo Muani, and more. The key will be how they manage the transition and whether Didier Deschamps remains in charge or if there's a new coaching staff.
Brazil is the country with the most titles (5)
France has reached 4 finals since 1998
Germany has more semi-finals than anyone else: 13
Argentina will be looking for back-to-back titles for the first time since 1986
Italy can still qualify with its new generation led by Barella and Donnarumma
The giants are always there. But be warned, the 2026 World Cup isn't won on names alone.
Dark Horses That Could Make History
In every World Cup, there's a team that defies expectations. In 2018 it was Croatia. In 2022, Morocco. And in 2026? There are several teams arriving hungry, talented, and with nothing to lose. And that, in football, is a lethal combination.
Those Who Come as Surprises
Morocco has shown that African football is capable of more. Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana also have reason to dream. In Asia, Japan and South Korea boast highly technical generations, and Australia no longer surprises anyone. And let's not forget European teams like Denmark or Switzerland, who are always tricky and experienced.
America and the home advantage
With Mexico, the USA, and Canada as hosts, the home advantage could be a factor. Mexico will want to break their fifth-game curse, the United States has a golden generation on the rise (Pulisic, Reyna, Balogun), and Canada, with Davies and David, could be the big surprise.
Morocco was the first African team to reach the semifinals
Japan has qualified for the round of 16 in 4 of the last 6 World Cups
Mexico has reached the round of 16 7 times in a row… and that's it
The United States hosted in 1994 and reached the round of 16 with a record attendance
Canada will play in its third World Cup, with more experience than ever
Predictions, data, and the unpredictable
Can we predict who will win the World Cup? Not entirely. But history, statistics, and the current form of the national teams can give us some clues. What is certain is that 2026 will be the longest, most diverse, and most unpredictable tournament to date. And we love that.
The historical model
According to patterns of previous champions:
8 of the last 10 champions were previous champions
No team has won outside their continent since 2002
The champion always has at least 1 world top-5 player
All champions since 1970 won at least 4 of their 5 group + knockout matches
But football… is football
Croatia was a finalist in 2018 with a population of fewer than 5 million. South Korea reached the semifinals in 2002. Germany won the World Cup in Brazil. Anything can happen, and that's what makes the World Cup unique.
What if a team that has never won the World Cup wins? What if we see a final between two debutants? What if the champion lifts the trophy after coming back from behind in three consecutive matches?
All of this is possible in this tournament, where the new 48-team format will bring more surprises, more matches, and more epic moments. 104 matches in total: a historic record. 16 host cities. Millions of attendees and a record global audience. 3 host countries, never before seen. The champion will be decided in July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The big question remains open. But one thing is certain: whoever lifts the trophy will do so in the biggest, most inclusive, and most exciting World Cup in history.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
