World Cup 2026: Winners predicted as holders Argentina defend title in USA, Canada,...

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly upon us as 48 nations look to battle it out to see who will be crowned champions of the world in New York on July 19 - and media' football writers have predicted their winners at the MetLife Stadium... Ronaldo to match Messi and help Portugal to first World Cup win What a story it would be if, at 41-years-old, Cristiano Ronaldo matches his arch rival Lionel Messi by helping Portugal to a first-ever World Cup this summer. The Argentina ace's supporters have been able to play a trump card whenever the debate about the two modern-day icons has been had since Messi's heroics in Qatar. Ronaldo now has a great chance to strike back. While Messi inspired his capable but unspectacular team-mates to glory in 2022, Ronaldo arrives in North America with real quality all around him. Bruno Fernandes is the Premier League player of the year. There's the PSG clan of Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos and Ballon d'Or third-place Vitinha who are coming into this off the back of a second straight Champions League win. Brilliant Bernardo Silva and the livewire Rafael Leao are in Roberto Martinez's squad too. Portugal have recently shown their pedigree on the international stage with a 2025 Nations League final win over European champions Spain. The talent, experience - and storyline - is there for them to win this World Cup. Oh, and a potential showdown with Messi and Argentina could come in the quarter-finals if they both win their groups. Peter Smith France's frightening attack makes it theirs to lose Winners in 2018, unlucky runners-up in 2022, you cannot rule France out on the World Cup stage. For all the narratives that exist at this World Cup, is Didier Deschamps' final adieu as Les Bleus boss not being talked about enough? All you have to do is look at the array of attacking talent France have. Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe is a frightening front four - with Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola and Jean-Philippe Mateta among the options off the bench. At the back, you have a cheat code duo of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano to snuff out any attacks. There's plenty of experience elsewhere on the pitch too including N'Golo Kante, Jules Kounde, Lucas Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot. Exciting and experienced, if France get the balance in their team right, it's theirs to lose. Sam Blitz The heat to ruin chances for European nations Only once has a European country won a World Cup when it was held outside of the continent. That was Spain, who claimed their only World Cup victory in South Africa back in 2010. Sixteen years on, La Roja are one of, if not the best-placed European team to go all the way. But the conditions in North America could prove to be the difference. None of the South American powerhouses have been overly convincing in recent times, but you'd have to guess that if the winner were to come from outside Europe, Argentina and Brazil would be favourites. There is something quite romantic about one of the godfathers of management being appointed by the most famous footballing country to bring home the greatest prize in football for a record-extending sixth time. Plus, going back-to-back at a World Cup is no easy feat. That's why it hasn't been done since 1962. There are flaws in Brazil's team. They are too attack-heavy and their midfield looks sparse. But why not stick your neck on the line and say that Don Carlo restores pride to the Canarinho? Callum Bishop Surely we can't write off Brazil? We now live in a world where Brazil, the nation with more World Cups than any other, are considered 'dark horses'. This Brazil side is a far cry from the Joga Bonito Selecao of the past that would enter every competition among the favourites but that's where they will thrive. If you're after a free-flowing side, stick to the Spains of this world. This is a workman's Brazil side. Led by Carlo Ancelotti, who gets over the line in knockout games by placing importance on defensive shape but allowing individual quality to shine through. Anchored by a veteran Casemiro, who can cap off a trophy-laden career with the holy grail of international football. At the back, a Champions League final defensive duo of Gabriel and Marquinhos will be difficult to top throughout the tournament. The likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha will be looking forward to leaving a mark on a World Cup in a way they haven't before. Neymar is no longer the first name on the team s