Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has named Brazil, Spain, France, and England as his top four favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 23rd edition of football’s biggest competition kicks off today, June 11, in north America.
In an interview with Delhi Capitals, Yadav predicted semi-final matchups of Spain vs France and England vs Brazil. He, however, expressed his desire to see five-time world champions Brazil in the final and noted that France have a strong chance of making a third consecutive final appearance.
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“If I have to choose, I will choose Brazil, Spain, France, and the fourth team would be England,” he said.
The four countries are widely regarded as pre-tournament favourites. Despite a 24-year drought since their last title in 2002, Brazil continues to be a contender at every tournament given their unmatched historical pedigree.
France, on the other hand, have arguably been the best side over the last two editions of the tournament. The two-time champions became the fifth country to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals after their appearances in the showpiece of the 2018 and 2022 editions. While they lost the latter, they go into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a plethora of attacking firepower and will look to add a third star to their badge.
While the last two editions were forgettable for Spain, exiting the tournament in the round of 16 on both occasions, they head into north America as the reigning European champions. In addition to their success at continental level, they boast an excellent squad which includes the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Although England are looking to end a 60-year wait for the FIFA World Cup, they cannot be discounted when considering the favourites to win football’s biggest prize. The Three Lions possess a squad capable of ending the drought and bringing the trophy home.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide