The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, offering 104 matches filled with farewell quests, breakout talents and potential giant-killings.
Spain head into the tournament as favourites thanks to balanced squads, midfield control and youthful stars like Lamine Yamal. Close challengers include France (with Kylian Mbappé and a deep roster), defending champions Argentina (led by Lionel Messi), Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely final World Cup), England (under Thomas Tuchel) and Brazil (hungry for redemption). Dark horses to watch: Germany, Japan, Morocco and Norway.
Players expected to dominate headlines are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and young stars such as Lamine Yamal and Endrick. Gilberto Mora — Mexico’s 17-year-old wunderkind — is among the tournament’s standout prospects. The expanded format also brings debut appearances from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
Prediction snapshot: Spain favourites, a Spain–France final possible, but upsets and surprise runs are likely — which is why the World Cup remains football’s most unpredictable stage.
