Which European nation has the best shot at winning World Cup 2026?
Kevin Hand
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, with 16 European teams among the 48 qualifiers. Al Jazeera analyzes the chances of each, from heavyweights like France and Spain to returning sides such as Austria and Norway. France is tipped as the most likely European champion, with Spain and Portugal as strong alternatives.
The 2026 World Cup officially kicks off on June 11, with 16 European teams securing their spots. Europe has produced more champions than any other continent, but can they repeat that feat this year? Here’s a team-by-team look.
Title contenders
France: Didier Deschamps’ squad boasts impressive depth, led by Kylian Mbappe up front, alongside Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue — both recent Champions League winners. Deschamps will step down after the tournament, aiming to take France to a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat achieved only by West Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002). Al Jazeera predicts France will win it all.
Spain: The world’s No. 1 team and reigning European champions. Lamine Yamal, just 17, is the standout star after winning La Liga Player of the Season. However, Spain must overcome two recent World Cups where they were knocked out in the round of 16. Al Jazeera predicts Spain will finish as runners-up.
Germany: Four-time champions, but eliminated in the group stage at the last two World Cups. With Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and veterans Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger, coach Julian Nagelsmann needs to guide them to the semifinals. Al Jazeera predicts Germany will reach the semifinals.
Other strong teams
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still performing well, but Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere represent the future. Belgium had a disappointing group-stage exit at Qatar 2022. Al Jazeera predicts Belgium will reach the quarterfinals.
Croatia: Luka Modric, at 40, remains the heartbeat, while young center-back duo Josko Gvardiol and Luka Vuskovic provide defensive strength. They face England, Ghana, and Panama in a group of death. Al Jazeera predicts Croatia will reach the quarterfinals.
England: Harry Kane is the top hope, scoring 36 Bundesliga goals this season. But a group of death and penalty shootout history pose challenges. Al Jazeera predicts England will reach the quarterfinals.
Netherlands: Three-time runners-up, never champions. Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, and Frenkie de Jong are key pillars. Coach Ronald Koeman said: “Our goal is to win.” Al Jazeera predicts the Netherlands will reach the quarterfinals.
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, enters his sixth World Cup, matching Lionel Messi’s record. With Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha, Portugal has a chance for its first final. Al Jazeera predicts Portugal will reach the quarterfinals.
Returning sides and dark horses
Austria: First World Cup in 28 years. With Marko Arnautovic, David Alaba, and Marcel Sabitzer, they face Jordan, Argentina, and Algeria. Prediction: group-stage exit.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Advanced through playoffs against Wales and Italy. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko (40) and 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic form an intriguing pair. Prediction: group-stage exit.
Czech Republic: Back after 20 years, led by Patrik Schick. They are in a group with South Korea, South Africa, and Mexico. Prediction: group-stage exit.
Norway: Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in qualifying, with Martin Odegaard providing assists. They face France, Senegal, and Iraq. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Scotland: First World Cup since 1998. Andy Robertson, John McGinn, and Scott McTominay are key. They meet Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Sweden: Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak provide firepower, but Sweden qualified only via the UEFA Nations League. Coach Graham Potter recently replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson. Prediction: group-stage exit.
Switzerland: Reached the quarterfinals three times, but eliminated in the round of 16 in five of the last six tournaments. They face Qatar, Bosnia, and Canada. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Turkey: Third World Cup appearance, featuring young stars Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. They play the USA, Paraguay, and Australia. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Al Jazeera predicts France has the highest chance, but Spain and Portugal are also strong contenders. Meanwhile, returning teams like Austria or Norway will strive to cause surprises.
