Between favorites, champions and underdogs: what to expect from the 2026 World Cup.

What to Expect from the Teams Arriving to Compete for Football’s Biggest Prize

The World Cup is back.

For the first time since 1994, the United States will host football’s biggest tournament, now in an expanded format shared between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The competition arrives surrounded by excitement, modern stadiums and enormous commercial anticipation, but also by discussions that extend beyond football. Issues involving immigration policies, visa restrictions, deportations and the broader political climate in the United States have been part of the conversation in the months leading up to the tournament.

Still, once the ball starts rolling, the focus will inevitably return to the pitch.

Because no competition brings together as many stories, generations and expectations as a World Cup.

Between favourites, dark horses and nations hoping to surprise, The Offside has selected some of the teams carrying the most compelling storylines heading into the tournament.

Brazil

Brazil arrive at this World Cup facing a rare chapter in their history.

For the first time, they will compete at a World Cup under a foreign manager.

Carlo Ancelotti takes on the challenge of returning Brazil to the summit of world football after more than two decades without lifting the trophy.

Brazil pose for a team photo before a friendly against Egypt.

The squad combines youth and experience, led by Vinícius Júnior and supported by names such as Raphinha, Endrick, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Marquinhos and Lucas Paquetá.

The biggest debate, however, surrounds Neymar.

The number 10 was included amid intense public discussion. His technical quality remains unquestioned, but concerns about his physical condition are unavoidable. At 34, he is no longer the explosive player who once dominated world football, although he remains a technical and emotional leader for much of the squad.

Ancelotti is still fine-tuning the structure of his team. He initially experimented with a more attacking shape close to a 4-2-4, but has recently reinforced the midfield without abandoning his core principles.

There is enough quality to dream.

But there are also legitimate concerns.

The goalkeeping department arrives under scrutiny following injury issues, while the full-back positions may represent the squad’s biggest weakness.

Brazil may not arrive as overwhelming favourites, but they remain the only five-time world champions. Ignoring that is usually a mistake.

Expectation: At least the quarter-finals.

France

If there is one squad capable of matching anyone in the world for depth, it is France.

Didier Deschamps will manage his final World Cup after 14 years in charge, aiming to conclude one of the most successful eras in French football history with another memorable campaign.

France have reached the last two World Cup finals.

And once again they arrive among the tournament favourites.

Official squad photo ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The attacking talent is remarkable.

But perhaps even more frightening is the quality available on the bench.

Several players who failed to make the final squad would comfortably feature for many nations competing in the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé leads a generation that combines talent, experience and depth unlike almost any other.

France do not depend on one player. That may be exactly what makes them so dangerous.

Expectation: Final.

Spain

The reigning European champions arrive in North America carrying enormous expectations.

Spain may currently represent the most fascinating balance between tradition and renewal in international football.

Lamine Yamal heads into the tournament as one of the game’s biggest attractions.

Alongside him, players such as Nico Williams, Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi and a remarkably gifted generation continue to embody the essence of Spanish football.

Official squad photo ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Possession.

Control.

Quick combinations.

Creativity between the lines.

But now accompanied by greater pace and directness in the final third.

Spain appear to have rediscovered a formula capable of competing for football’s biggest prize.

Expectation: At least the semi-finals or the title itself.

Argentina

The defending champions arrive carrying something rare.

Confidence.

Much of the squad that triumphed in 2022 remains intact, even if naturally more experienced.

Lionel Messi no longer occupies the same dominant role he did four years ago, but he remains the symbol of a generation that transformed modern Argentine football.

More importantly, Argentina have retained their identity.

Argentina players before a match at the 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni remains in charge.

The group remains highly competitive.

And the winning mentality is still there.

No team arrives knowing better than Argentina what it takes to win a World Cup.

Expectation: Semi-finals.

England

Perhaps no team possesses as much attacking talent as England.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane headline a generation hoping to end decades of waiting for another World Cup triumph.

The problem is that England have carried that dream for a very long time.

In recent years, they have become accustomed to coming close.

But they have yet to take the final step.

The talent is there.

The depth is there.

The question remains whether they can handle the pressure when it matters most.

Expectation: Semi-finals.

Netherlands

The Netherlands arrive without the same media spotlight enjoyed by some of the tournament’s favourites.

That may actually work in their favour.

Historically, Dutch teams tend to thrive when expectations are slightly lower.

The Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The squad combines experienced defenders, strong collective organisation and match-winners capable of deciding big moments.

It may not be the most glamorous squad in the tournament.

But it is undoubtedly one of the most competitive.

With three quality goalkeepers and players such as Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, the Dutch possess more than enough quality to trouble anyone.

Expectation: Quarter-finals or semi-finals.

United States

No team will enter this World Cup carrying greater emotional pressure than the United States.

Playing at home brings advantages.

But it also creates expectations.

Led by experienced Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, many consider this to be the most talented generation in American football history, featuring Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman.

Christian Pulisic remains the face of the team, but the squad now possesses far greater depth than previous generations.

With home support and packed stadiums behind them, the United States believe they can produce their best modern World Cup campaign.

The challenge will be turning excitement into performances.

Expectation: Round of 16 or quarter-finals.

What Remains

Every World Cup creates surprises.

Some teams meet expectations.

Others write stories nobody saw coming.

Brazil seek a return to the summit.

France aim to turn depth into silverware.

Spain want to confirm the rise of a new generation.

Argentina dream of defending their crown.

England hope to finally fulfil their promise.

The Netherlands search for another memorable campaign.

And the United States carry the weight of hosting the tournament.

The only certainty is that, over the coming weeks, football will once again become the centre of the sporting world.