{"id":3571,"date":"2026-04-22T04:27:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/?p=3571"},"modified":"2026-04-22T04:27:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:27:10","slug":"world-cup-title-favorites-who-could-overachieve-all-48-teams-by-tiers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/?p=3571","title":{"rendered":"World Cup Title Favorites? Who Could Overachieve? All 48 Teams By Tiers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"subnav-title ff-ffc bold fs-23 lh-25 uc pd-b-10\">\n            POPULAR SEARCHES\n          <\/p>\n<p class=\"subnav-title ff-ffc bold fs-23 lh-25 uc pd-b-10\">\n            BROWSE BY\n          <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>This summer is going to be epic with the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams and spread across <i>three<\/i> countries. Expectations are high, pressure is on and this is a must-see tournament with world-class players aiming to step up big.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>But in a tournament with the best of the best from each nation competing, which teams will be the serious World Cup title contenders? Which teams could punch above their weight? And what about co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>We&#8217;re diving into the World Cup field by placing all the teams into distinct tiers, breaking down what to know about them and what to look for when they take the field. From squads that are feeling the pressure to potential overachievers to those that are simply thrilled to be at this tournament, here&#8217;s a look at all 48 World Cup teams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>JUMP TO: <\/strong><strong>Tall Task Ahead<\/strong><strong> | <\/strong><strong>Will Make It Interesting<\/strong><strong> | <\/strong><strong>Don&#8217;t Overlook Them<\/strong><strong> | <\/strong><strong>Can Make A Deep Run<\/strong><strong> | <\/strong><strong>Pressure To Perform<\/strong><strong> | <\/strong><strong>Title Or Bust<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by FRANCK FIFE\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Who doesn&#8217;t love a World Cup first-timer? The island nation off the coast of Africa with a population of 500,000 (the third-smallest team ever after Iceland in 2018 and Cura\u00e7ao this year) will dive into the deep end by opening up group-stage action against Spain. The Blue Sharks will be led by longtime coach Bubista, who&#8217;s been in charge since 2020.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep An Eye On:<\/strong> Ryan Mendes (I\u011fd\u0131r F.K.) is a 36-year-old winger who is Cape Verde\u2019s captain as well as its all-time leader in goals<strong> (<\/strong>22) and appearances (96).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fact To Know:<\/strong> Teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) making their World Cup debut are 4-8-1 (W-L-D), and have lost four straight games (all coming in 2006).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +225<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group H opponents:<\/strong> Spain (June 15), Uruguay (June 21), Saudi Arabia (June 26)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Will the Blue Wave\u2019s Cinderella story continue this summer? The Dutch territory became the smallest nation by both population (156,000) and geographic area to ever qualify for a World Cup. But it could be rough waters for Cura\u00e7ao with a group that includes Ecuador and four-time world champ Germany. And the team will have to do it without legendary Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, who managed the Netherlands the 1994 USA World Cup. Advocaat stepped back in March to care for his ill daughter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Leandro Bacuna (I\u011fd\u0131r F.K.) is a 34-year-old central midfielder and right back who is Cura\u00e7ao's captain as well as its overall leader in appearances (70).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know:<\/strong> CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) teams making their debut in the World Cup are 2-6-3 (W-L-D), with the USA winning in 1930 and Costa Rica winning in 1990.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +150000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +800<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group E opponents:<\/strong> Germany (June 14), Ecuador (June 20), Ivory Coast (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Geoff Robins \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>You have to feel good for Haiti, which returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play any of its qualifying matches on home soil. It&#8217;s never easy to take out more experienced CONCACAF sides like Costa Rica and Honduras, but Les Grenadiers relied on their stout defense to reach the 48-team field. Up next? Brazil, Scotland and Morocco this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Duckenz Nazon, who plays at Iranian club Esteghlal, is a 31-year-old striker and is Haiti\u2019s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Haiti is looking for its first win in the World Cup ever, going 0-3-0 (W-L-D) in its only other appearance in 1974.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +150000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +700<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group C opponents:<\/strong> Scotland (June 13), Brazil (June 19), Morocco (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Julio Cesar AGUILAR \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The last team to officially qualify for the World Cup in March, the Lions of Mesopotamia are rewarded with arguably the toughest group in the field \u2014 France, Norway and Senegal. Led by former Australia coach Graham Arnold, this Iraqi side should feel good about making just its second World Cup appearance in team history.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town) is a 24-year-old striker who played for Ipswich Town and Stoke City before being loaned out to his current club.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: In its lone World Cup appearance in 1986, Iraq lost all three group matches \u2014 against Paraguay, Belgium and Mexico.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +350<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group G opponents:<\/strong> Norway (June 16), France (June 22), Senegal (June 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Fayez NURELDINE \/ AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>With the expanded 48-team field, Jordan will make its debut trip to the World Cup after having come close in 2014 by making the intercontinental playoffs. This team, which goes by\u00a0&#8220;The Chivalrous Ones,&#8221; faces a big mountain this summer in a group that includes Argentina, Austria and Algeria.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:\u00a0<\/strong>Musa Al-Taamari (Rennes) is a 28-year-old winger who spent the last three seasons playing in France\u2019s Ligue 1 and will captain Jordan.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know:<\/strong> Teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) making their World Cup debut are winless, going 0-10-1 (W-L-D).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +150000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +275<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group J opponents:<\/strong> Austria (June 17), Algeria (June 22), Argentina (June 27)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Anvar Ilyasov\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The biggest name on Uzbekistan's sideline may be its coach. Fabio Cannavaro, one of the greatest defenders of all time, captained Italy to the World Cup in 2006. Along with a distinguished playing career, he's coached across several clubs in Asia. He only took over for Uzbekistan in October after the White Wolves had already secured their first-ever World Cup spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City) is a 22-year-old center back and right back who scored in the FA Cup in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Eldor Shomurodov (\u0130stanbul Ba\u015fak\u015fehir) will captain the side at 30 years old and is second in the Turkish S\u00fcper Lig in goals scored this season with 16 (as of April 9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +150000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>+190<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group K opponents:<\/strong> Columbia (June 17), Portugal (June 23), Congo DR (June 27)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Luis Cano\/Jam Media\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Congo DR wasn&#8217;t supposed to make it this far, but a surprising qualifying campaign that included beating traditional African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon has the Leopards back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974 (when the country was known as Zaire). Congo DR needed to beat Jamaica at the intercontinental playoffs to book its spot this summer. West Ham United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka headlines an intriguing roster with plenty of European experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) is a 29-year-old winger who has played in the English Premier League for the past five seasons, most notably scoring 49 goals for Brentford in four seasons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Congo DR is managed by S\u00e9bastien Desabre, who has won 29 games and drawn eight times out of 48 matches since taking over in 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +70000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -155<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group K opponents:<\/strong> Portugal (June 17), Columbia (June 23), Uzbekistan (June 27)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Are we underestimating Ghana? There's individual talent here on this roster, led by Manchester City standout forward Antoine Semenyo. But Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus is still sidelined with a quad injury, and tough group stage opponents (notably England and Ghana) could leave the Black Stars in a pickle. Ghana did notably hire Carlos Queiroz, who has led three previous squads (South Africa, Portugal, Iran) to the World Cup, as manager in March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: I\u00f1aki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) is a 31-year-old striker who has been playing in Spain\u2019s La Liga since 2014, scoring more than 100 goals in 500-plus appearances with his current club.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Ghana has made five of the past six World Cups, most notably advancing to the quarterfinals in 2010.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +35000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -155<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group L opponents:<\/strong> Panama (June 17), England (June 23), Croatia (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>New Zealand returns to the big stage for the first time since 2010 when the team notably went undefeated (three straight draws) but couldn&#8217;t reach the knockout round. The return of star striker Chris Wood \u2014 who earlier this month played his first match for Nottingham Forest in nearly six months following a knee injury \u2014 will give the All-Whites some hope this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Marko Stameni\u0107 (Swansea City) is a 24-year-old midfielder who has scored two goals and two assists in the English Football Championship in 32 appearances (as of April 9).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: New Zealand is looking for its first-ever win at the World Cup, going 0-3-3 (W-L-D) in two previous appearances (1982, 2010).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>+175<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group G opponents:<\/strong> Iran (June 15), Egypt (June 21), Belgium (June 26)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Maciek Gudrymowicz\/ISI Photos\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Never underestimate a tough squad from CONCACAF, and that's what Panama is. Just ask the USA, which lost to the Central American side at the 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica and in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. With England, Croatia and Ghana as group-stage foes, look for\u00a0<i>Los Canaleros\u00a0<\/i>to try and surprise those more talented squads.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Amir Murrilo (Be\u015fikta\u015f) is a 30-year-old right back who made 62 appearances for Marseille from 2020 to 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Panama is looking for its first point ever at the World Cup, going 0-3-0 (W-L-D) with all matches in 2018.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>+220\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group L opponents:<\/strong> Ghana (June 17), Croatia (June 23), England (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Jan Kruger - FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Now in their second straight World Cup, the 2022 hosts qualified for 2026 on their playing merit this time around. Led by former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, they&#8217;re still looking for their first point on soccer&#8217;s biggest stage. They&#8217;ll have to do so in a group that includes co-hosts Canada.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Akram Afif (Al Sadd) is a 29-year-old winger who has the third-most appearances for Qatar with 132 and also ranks tied-for-third in goals with 41.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Qatar is looking for its first point ever at the World Cup, having gone 0-3-0 (W-L-D) in\u00a02022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +300<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group B opponents:<\/strong> Switzerland (June 13), Canada (June 18), Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 24)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Saudi Arabia made headlines in 2022 by beating eventual champion Argentina in a group-stage shocker. The Green Falcons have made it to seven of the last nine World Cups, but they'll need to pull off another monumental upset over either Spain or Uruguay in this group stage. And they'll have to do it without Herve Renard, who abruptly left as manager earlier in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Saud Abdulhamid (Lens) is a 26-year-old right back who signed with Roma in 2024 before being loaned out to Lens last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Saudi Arabia has made seven of the last nine World Cups and last made the knockout stage in 1994.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +100000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +120<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group H opponents:<\/strong> Uruguay (June 15), Spain (June 21), Cape Verde (June 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Zamani Makautsi\/Gallo Images\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>South Africa will play in the first match of the entire World Cup for the second time in its history and, interestingly enough, against the same opponent. In 2010, it welcomed Mexico to Johannesburg, but this time, Bafana Bafana will be visitors at the renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. With a co-host and a tough South Korea team in the same group, it could be difficult to make a run this summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Lyle Foster (Burnley) is a 25-year-old center forward who has played in France Ligue 1, the Belgian Pro League and currently plays in the English Premier League.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: South Africa took down France in the group stage in 2010, defeating it, 3-2.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +80000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +150<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group A opponents:<\/strong> Mexico (June 11), Czechia (June 18), South Korea (June 24)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Nicol\u00f2 Campo\/LightRocket via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014, Algeria will get the honor of opening up its campaign against title-holders Argentina in Kansas City. But<i> Les Verts<\/i> will be able to compete for that second group-stage spot for the knockout round, especially with former Premier League winger Riyad Mahrez and upstart Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait Nouri.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) is a 35-year-old winger who will captain Algeria. He spent 10 seasons in the English Premier League, scoring 82 goals and 63 assists in 284 league appearances for Leicester City and Manchester City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Algeria is one of five CAF teams to have made the Round of 16 in the 21st century.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +35000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -250<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group J opponents: <\/strong>Argentina (June 16), Jordan (June 22), Austria (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The second opponent for the USA during the group stage, expect the Socceroos to be a tough foe in Seattle. Australia gave Lionel Messi and eventual champions Argentina a scare in the round of 16 in Qatar before losing, 2-1, and the 2026 event marks their sixth straight World Cup trip. Organized and physical under coach Tony Popovic, they\u2019ll be a tough out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli) is a 33-year-old central midfielder who has played in the Scottish Premiership, England\u2019s Championship and Germany\u2019s Bundesliga.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Two of Australia\u2019s four total wins at the World Cup came in 2022, defeating Denmark and Tunisia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +45000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +100<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group D opponents:<\/strong> T\u00fcrkiye (June 14), United States (June 19), Paraguay (June 25)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Image Photo Agency\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>It still feels borderline unbelievable that Bosnia and Herzegovina was able to keep Italy out of yet another World Cup. But, as one of the feel-good storylines for this summer, this team could spell some trouble \u2014 and it does play co-host Canada in group-stage play. Legendary striker Edin D\u017eeko, now 41, is back in the spotlight \u2014 as is American-born Esmir Bajraktarevi\u0107 (aka, the \"Milwaukee Messi\") who scored the decisive penalty over Italy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Edin Dzeko (Schalke 04) is a 40-year-old striker who played for Manchester City, Roma and Inter Milan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Bosnia and Herzegovina is making its second appearance in the World Cup since becoming an independent nation in 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +25000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -475<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group B opponents:<\/strong> Canada (June 12), Switzerland (June 19), Qatar (June 24)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Sebastian Widmann - UEFA\/UEFA via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Qualifying for the World Cup out of the UEFA playoffs in March, the Czechs are back for the first time since 2006. Needing penalties to oust Ireland and Denmark, the team will have to navigate a tricky group stage that includes taking on Mexico at Estadio Azteca.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Patrick Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) is a 30-year-old striker who needs three goals to move into third all time for Czechia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Czechia became an independent nation in 1993 but made the finals twice as Czechoslovakia in 1934 and 1962.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +15000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -475<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group A opponents:<\/strong> South Korea (June 11), South Africa (June 20), Mexico (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by AFP) (Photo by -\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The objective for Team Melli, which has qualified for four straight World Cup tournaments, is to finally reach the knockout stage for the first time in its team history. In a group that includes Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, that could be a reasonable objective.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Medhi Taremi (Olympiacos) is a 33-year-old striker who has played for Porto and Inter Milan.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Iran has three wins all time at the World Cup, having beaten USA (1998), Morocco (2018) and Wales (2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +30000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -230<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group G opponents:<\/strong> New Zealand (June 15), Belgium (June 21), Egypt (June 26)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Joe Prior\/Visionhaus via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>It&#8217;s been a while since we last saw the Ivory Coast at the World Cup \u2014 its last appearance was in 2014 \u2014 and this is a different generation than when the legendary Didier Drogba was captaining the Elephants. But there is talent on this roster, and a 4-0 thumping over South Korea in a March friendly will provide momentum for this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is a 23-year-old winger who has made 63 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists (as of April 10).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Ivory Coast has made three previous World Cup appearances but never advanced past the group stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds: <\/strong>+25000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>-370<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group E opponents:<\/strong> Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Cura\u00e7ao (June 25)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Sebastian Frej\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Under manager Graham Potter, Sweden had one of the most remarkable paths of any team that will be appearing at the World Cup. The Swedes didn't actually win a game in their initial qualifying campaign but made the World Cup playoffs due to their UEFA Nation Leagues performance. Will the team's duo of talented Premier League strikers in Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal\u2019s Viktor Gyokeres \u2014 who scored four goals in March's playoff games \u2014 deliver this summer?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Isak (Liverpool) is a 26-year-old striker who scored 62 goals and 11 assists in 109 appearances at Newcastle United before making the move to his current club.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Sweden has made the quarterfinals three times since 1974, most recently doing so in 2018.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +8000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -250<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group F opponents:<\/strong> Tunisia (June 14), Netherlands (June 20), Japan (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by FETHI BELAID \/ AFP) (Photo by FETHI BELAID\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>With seven World Cup appearances in its history, is Tunisia ready to finally reach the knockout stage? The Eagles of Carthage know that&#8217;s a tough assignment with Netherlands and Japan in their group. A fun detail \u2014 Tunisia was the first African nation to win a World Cup match when it beat Mexico in 1978.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Elias Saad (Hannover 96) is a 26-year-old winger who has been playing in Germany since 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This will be Tunisia\u2019s sixth World Cup appearance in the last eight editions of the tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +50000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> +120<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group F opponents:<\/strong> Sweden (June 14), Japan (June 21), Netherlands (June 25)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Alex Nicodim\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, Austria will rely on a strong veteran core this summer. Real Madrid defender David Alaba and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer headline a group coached by Ralf Rangnick, who served as an interim manager for Manchester United. The Austrians can certainly hold their own in a group that includes Lionel Messi and Argentina.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Alaba (Real Madrid) is a 33-year-old center back, Austria\u2019s captain and second all time on the squad in appearances with 112.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Austria\u2019s best finish at the World Cup came in 1954, reaching the semifinals and finishing in third place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds: <\/strong>+10000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -340<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group J opponents:<\/strong> Jordan (June 17), Argentina (June 22), Algeria (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Fans will know to watch out for Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool legend who announced earlier in the year that it will be his final season at Anfield. Egypt \u2014 the most successful team in Africa with seven continental titles \u2014 will lean on Salah to help get the Pharaohs out of the group stage for the first time in the World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) is a 27-year-old center forward who scored 37 goals and 20 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga before moving to the English Premier League.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Egypt is looking for its first win ever at the World Cup, recording a 0-5-2 (W-L-D) record in its three previous appearances (1934, 1990, 2018).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +30000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -310<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group G opponents:<\/strong> Belgium (June 15), New Zealand (June 21), Iran (June 26)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Omar Vega\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Paraguay will look to spoil the party as the first opponent for the USA in group-stage action.<i> La Albirroja<\/i> will be led by midfielder Miguel Almir\u00f3n, who is a familiar face having played for MLS side Atlanta United and Premier League mainstay Newcastle United before a return to MLS. The team received some good news after a knee injury\u00a0to midfielder\u00a0Diego Gomez (Brighton &amp; Hove Albion) earlier in April appeared to be less serious than initially expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who made 57 appearances with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion before moving to France\u2019s Ligue 1 last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Paraguay reached the quarterfinal in its last World Cup appearance in 2010, losing to Spain \u2014 the eventual champions that year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +20000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>-575<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group D opponents:<\/strong> United States (June 12), T\u00fcrkiye (June 20), Paraguay (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Joe Prior\/Visionhaus via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The Tartan Army will be full voice this summer with Scotland back in the World Cup for its first appearance since 1998. The Scots will be riding the success of its star midfielder Scott McTominay, who scored an epic bicycle-kick\u00a0<i>golazo<\/i> to clinch his country&#8217;s spot back in November. A former Manchester United product, McTominay has found his stride with Italian club Napoli. He&#8217;ll have the chance to shine this summer against Brazil and Morocco.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Andy Robertson (Liverpool) is a 32-year-old left back who is Scotland\u2019s captain and second overall in national team appearances with 92.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: In its eight World Cup appearances, Scotland has never advanced past the Group Stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +20000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -230<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group C opponents:<\/strong> Haiti (June 13), Morocco (June 19), Brazil (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Ulrik Pedersen\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Will history repeat itself like it did in 2002 when Senegal took down France in its opener? The Lions of Teranga won't surprise anyone like they did back then, especially as Senegal has become one of Africa's strongest sides. Led by former Liverpool and Bayern winger Sadio Man\u00e9, look for Senegal to make some noise in a group that includes tough opponents France and Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Man\u00e9 (Al-Nassr) is a 34-year-old winger who made 269 appearances for Liverpool from 2016 to 2022, scoring 120 goals and 46 assists in that span.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Senegal is one of just three CAF teams to have made the quarterfinals of the World Cup, doing so in 2002.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +10000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -200<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group I opponents:<\/strong> France (June 16), Norway (June 22), Iraq (June 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>You can set your watch to South Korea being at the World Cup with the Taegeuk Warriors now making 11 straight tournament appearances. Back in 2002 as co-hosts, the squad became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals. How far can South Korea go this summer? It&#8217;ll face co-host Mexico, but with plenty of European-based stars, South Korea could be the favorite in Group A. In his first full season at LAFC, Son Heung-min is in fine form \u2014 he leads MLS with seven assists \u2014 and will want to keep that up at the World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on<\/strong>: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is a 29-year-old center back who was named the best defender in Italy (Serie A) in 2023 and most recently won the Bundesliga title last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: South Korea has advanced to the knockout stage in three of the past six World Cups.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +35000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -330<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group A opponents:<\/strong> Czechia (June 11), Mexico (June 18), South Africa (June 24)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Daniel Bartel\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Longtime star Romelu Lukaku has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but there's still tons of experience for Belgium. The Red Devils\u2019 golden generation \u2014 which includes Lukaku, veteran Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and all-world Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois \u2014 can make one final push for an elusive trophy. Belgium looked every bit the part in a 5-2 win over the USA in a March friendly, especially its supporting cast that includes electric Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> De Bruyne (Napoli) is a 34-year-old midfielder who holds the record for becoming the fastest player to reach 100 assists in the English Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Belgium\u2019s best finish at the World Cup has come in the semifinals, doing so in 1986 and 2018.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +3500<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -2000<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group G opponents:<\/strong> Egypt (June 15), Iran (June 21), New Zealand (June 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Eston Parker\/ISI Photos\/ISI Photos via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Runners-up in 2018. Third place in 2022. Has anyone punched above its World Cup weight more than Croatia? Already with one of the most magnificently unique kits in all of soccer, the checkered squad can&#8217;t be counted out in 2026, especially with its experience level and the fact that it&#8217;s led by superstar Luka Modri\u0107. The 40-year-old midfielder and 2018 Balon d\u2019Or winner has six Champions League trophies to his name from his time at Real Madrid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Jo\u0161ko Gvardiol is a 24-year-old Manchester City center back and left back who was signed for a reported $106 million by his current club in 2023, the second-biggest transfer fee in Premier League history.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Croatia has made the World Cup six times and has advanced to the semifinals in three of those appearances.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +9000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -475<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group L opponents:<\/strong> England (June 17), Panama (June 23), Ghana (June 27)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Tom Weller\/picture alliance via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The four-time World Cup winners\u2019 depth took a hit when it was announced on April 18 that forward Serge Gnabry tore an adductor muscle, likely ending any hope of the Bayern Munich star playing for Germany this summer.\u00a0Despite Gnabry's likely absence, Germany is always capable of making a run, if not winning it all. But since winning it all in 2014 in Brazil, the Germans have not advanced out of group stage play. Midfielder Florian Wirtz helped Bayer Leverkusen go undefeated en route to winning the German title two seasons ago before being named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2025 and then making a big move to Liverpool. In March, the 22-year-old Wirtz scored his 10th goal in just 39 games for his country.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) is a 23-year-old attacking midfielder who has made over 140 Bundesliga appearances for his current club since 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: No team has more appearances in the World Cup final than Germany with eight.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +1400<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -10000<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group E opponents:<\/strong> Cura\u00e7ao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), Ecuador (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Koji Watanabe\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Could this be the summer of the Samurai Blue? Japan looked impressive in March in friendly wins over England and Scotland, only adding to the buzz surrounding one of Asia&#8217;s most talented teams.\u00a0Japan produced two of the biggest upsets in 2022 by beating Germany and Spain in the group phase, but the team has never progressed beyond the Round of 16.\u00a0And as much as Japan is a delight to watch on the pitch, kudos must be given to the team&#8217;s supporters, who are known for cleaning up stadiums after matches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton &amp; Hove Albion) is a 28-year-old winger who has made 109 appearances in the English Premier League since the 2022-23 season, recording 22 goals and 18 assists (as of April 12).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Japan has made it to the knockout stage in four of the past seven World Cups.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +5000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -340<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group F opponents: <\/strong>Netherlands (June 14), Tunisia (June 21), Sweden (June 25)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Rene Nijhuis\/MB Media\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Behind the best team to have never won a World Cup, these fans are hungry for a trophy. Just look at recent major tournaments like the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Euros and how the fans flood the streets in bright orange. The Dutch have plenty of individual talent to make some noise, from Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo (winger) and defender Virgil van Dijk. Four years ago, the Oranje took eventual champion Argentina to a thrilling penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal. How far can this group go in 2026? Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has a physical squad, fast wingers and a ton of players with big-game experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) is a 23-year-old defensive midfielder who won the English Premier League last season, playing in 37 league matches for his current club.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Netherlands has made the finals of the World Cup three times but has yet to win.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +2000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -1400<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group F opponents:<\/strong> Japan (June 14), Sweden (June 20), Tunisia (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by EyesWideOpen\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Switzerland is as dependable as the watches produced in the country; this team is headed to its sixth consecutive World Cup. It has reached the Round of 16 in each of the last three editions. Led by Premier League veterans Manuel Akanji (defender) and captain Granit Xhaka (midfielder), the Swiss will try to make at least the quarterfinals this summer \u2014 something they haven\u2019t managed since 1954.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Xhaka (Sunderland) is a 33-year-old defensive midfielder who is the captain of Switzerland and is also their all-time leader in appearances with 144.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Switzerland has made the knockout stage in each of the last three World Cups, as well as four of the last five.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +10000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -1800<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group B opponents:<\/strong> Qatar (June 13), Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 18), Canada (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Hakan Akgun\/Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>T\u00fcrkiye returns to the World Cup after a 24-year hiatus after it reached the semifinals in 2002, losing to eventual champion Brazil by a single goal. This summer in a group with Australia, Paraguay and co-host USA, the Crescent Stars are probably the favorites to come out on top. That's due to having star players across Europe's top leagues, including Real Madrid youngster Arda G\u00fcler, Juventus\u2019 attacking midfielder\u00a0Kenan Y\u0131ld\u0131z and Inter Milan veteran midfielder\u00a0Hakan \u00c7alhano\u011flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> G\u00fcler (Real Madrid) is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who has made more than 100 appearances for his current club since joining in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This is just T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s third appearance at the World Cup, having made it in 1954 and 2002.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +6500<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group<\/strong>: -500<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group F opponents:<\/strong> Australia (June 13), Paraguay (June 19), United States (June 25)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Marc Atkins\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The winners of the first-ever World Cup in 1930, Uruguay wants to reach the final once again for the first time since winning its second title in 1950.\u00a0Marcelo Bielsa, who took over as coach in 2023, has been criticized recently after a run of lackluster results in friendlies, which even prompted longtime striker Luis Su\u00e1rez to consider returning to national team duty. But this squad still has talent, including Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. It&#8217;ll need to step up in a group that includes Spain and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Ronald Ara\u00fajo (Barcelona) is a 27-year-old center back who has made more than 200 appearances with his current club since 2019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Uruguay is one of 10 nations to have made the World Cup on 15 different occasions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +6500<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -800<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group H opponents:<\/strong> Saudi Arabia (June 15), Cape Verde (June 21), Spain (June 26)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Michael Owens\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Canada returned to the World Cup in 2022 after last appearing in 1986. And now this summer, the Canadians are co-hosts. Can Wisconsin native and former MLSer Jesse Marsch manage the squad to some history by winning Canada's first World Cup game ever? Alphonso Davies, who can play as a forward or a defender, has been a pivotal player for Bayern Munich over several seasons. He remains the focal point for Canada. In a group that feels relatively winnable \u2014 although the other three teams could say the same \u2014 Canada will want to at least advance to the knockout round to make this tournament a success.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Jonathan David (Juventus) is a 26-year-old striker who scored 87 goals and 17 assists in 178 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille before his move to Italy last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Canada is looking for its first point ever at the World Cup, going 0-6-0 (W-L-D).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +20000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>-500<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group B opponents:<\/strong> Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 12), Qatar (June 18), Switzerland (June 24)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Two losses in March to fellow World Cup teams, France and Croatia, were disappointing, but Colombia could be one of the biggest surprises this summer. Backed by big crowds,\u00a0<i>Los Cafeteros\u00a0<\/i>finished behind Argentina and fellow sleeper Ecuador in South American qualifying.\u00a0Attacking midfielder James Rodriguez joined MLS' Minnesota United this season in an effort to get playing time ahead of the World Cup, even though he is still trying to find regular playing time and was even hospitalized for dehydration in March. Colombia's group-stage finale in Miami against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal may be the most raucous first-round match of the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Luis D\u00edaz (Bayern Munich) is a 29-year-old winger who spent four seasons at Liverpool and currently ranks third in the Bundesliga in both goals (15) and assists (13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This will be Colombia\u2019s seventh World Cup appearance, with its best finish coming in 2014 \u2014 reaching the quarterfinals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +4000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group<\/strong>: -800<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group K opponents:<\/strong> Uzbekistan (June 17), Congo DR (June 23), Portugal (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Ecuador could be the toughest team out of South America at this World Cup, headlined by players that are making a splash across Europe.\u00a0<i>La Tri<\/i> finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina and ahead of Brazil. Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo, who plays at Chelsea, may be the best in the world at his position. Two draws in March friendlies with Morocco and the Netherlands didn&#8217;t slow down Ecuador, and the group-stage finale this summer against Germany could very well decide the group.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain) is a 24-year-old center back who has made more than 30 Champions League appearances for his current club.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This year\u2019s team is considered Ecuador\u2019s golden generation, with several players playing in Europe\u2019s top leagues.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +8000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -900<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group E opponents:<\/strong> Ivory Coast (June 14), Cura\u00e7ao (June 20), Germany (June 25)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Omar Vega\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Mexico will now have hosted World Cup matches on three occasions. The previous two times? It reached the quarterfinals. It would be disastrous to not do so this time around, especially considering the home-field advantage\u00a0<i>El Tri\u00a0<\/i>will have. Mexico held its own at home in a March friendly against Portugal, settling for a scoreless draw before another stalemate with Belgium in Chicago. The co-host will lean on veteran Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, but it remains to be seen if the team brings young midfielders Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas. But could an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance be in the cards for keeper Guillermo Ochoa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00c1lvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis) is a 29-year-old central midfielder who made one appearance for Real Madrid in 2018 before moving to Club Am\u00e9rica in 2020, where he made 228 appearances until making the move to his current club last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Those aforementioned quarterfinal finishes (in 1970 and 1986) were Mexico's best-ever finishes at the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +7000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -750<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group A opponents: <\/strong>South Africa (June 11), South Korea (June 18), Czechia (June 24)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Franco Arland\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Morocco won&#8217;t sneak up on anyone this time around. In fact, it&#8217;ll face big expectations to make another deep run at this summer&#8217;s World Cup. In 2022, the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals. Earlier in January, Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, where it reached the final and was retroactively given the title after a controversial finish with Senegal. Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco\u2019s U-20 team to a Youth World Cup title in 2025, is now in charge of the senior side.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Achraf Hakimi is a 27-year-old right back who has played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Morocco has advanced past the group stage twice, making the Round of 16 in 1986 and the semifinals in 2022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +6000<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -1000<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group C opponents:<\/strong> Brazil (June 13), Scotland (June 19), Haiti (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Torbjorn Tande\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>After a World Cup absence that stretched to 1998, Norway is back and fully looking to make its presence felt. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin \u00d8degaard may be battling for Premier League supremacy, but they're poised to help Norway navigate a difficult group. Haaland \u2014 whose father, Alfie, played at the 1994 World Cup\u00a0\u2014 has topped 30 goals in four straight seasons for Manchester City and, with 55 international goals heading into June, is his nation\u2019s career leader.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> \u00d8degaard is a 27-year-old attacking midfielder who captains the Norwegian national team and has made more than 200 appearances for current club Arsenal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This will be Norway\u2019s fourth appearance at the World Cup, exiting in the Round of 16 in two of those appearances.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +2800<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -575<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group I opponents:<\/strong> Iraq (June 16), Senegal (June 22), France (June 26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Omar Vega\/USSF\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Playing at a World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1994, the United States is hoping to make a deep run this summer under highly paid former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino. It won\u2019t be easy for FIFA\u2019s 16th-ranked squad. Since finishing fourth at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, the Americans\u2019 best showing was a quarterfinal trip in 2002. Just equaling that feat this summer will require American star Christian Pulisic &amp; Co. to win two knockout-stage matches \u2014 one more than they\u2019ve managed in 10 tournament appearances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Still, this USA squad is widely considered the most talented ever, with legitimate European club stars such as AC Milan\u2019s Pulisic and Juventus\u2019 Weston McKennie. The core that gained invaluable experience at Qatar 2022 is just now hitting its prime and has added a top striker in former England youth international Folarin Balogun, who has 18 goals for Monaco so far in 2025-26. Yet ugly March losses to Belgium and Portugal in pre-World Cup tuneups have tempered expectations, and Pulisic has been caught in an extended scoring drought for both club and country. His last goal for AC Milan came on Dec. 28, 2025, while his last goal for the Stars and Stripes was in November 2024. As of April 21, Pulisic\u2019s scoreless streak stands at 17 games.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Pulisic is a 27-year-old forward\/winger and was one of two players to score at least 10 goals with at least nine assists in Serie A play last season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: USA has made the knockout stage in five of its last eight World Cups.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +6500<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -575<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group D opponents:<\/strong> Paraguay (June 12), Australia (June 19), T\u00fcrkiye (June 25)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by Daniel Jayo\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The defending World Cup champs want to become the first country to win consecutive titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. Can\u00a0<i>La Albiceleste<\/i> do it, and will the team have Lionel Messi leading the way? Messi hasn't officially committed for this summer, but all signs point to the 38-year-old superstar vying for back-to-back World Cup titles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>With Lionel Scaloni also back as coach after leading Argentina to glory in 2022, the team has talent across the board to make the dream a reality.\u00a0Messi and Portugal\u2019s Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first men to play in six World Cups. Messi already holds the record for most matches (26) and is tied for fourth in goals with Just Fontaine (France) at 13, trailing only Germany's Miroslav Klose (16), Brazil\u2019s Ronaldo (15) and West Germany's Gerd M\u00fcller (14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Juli\u00e1n Alvarez (Atl\u00e9tico Madrid) is a 26-year-old striker who was acquired for $104 million from Manchester City in 2024.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Argentina is one of four teams to have made six World Cup finals, winning three of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +850<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -10000<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group J opponents:<\/strong> Algeria (June 16), Austria (June 22), Jordan (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The last time a World Cup final was held in the United States, Brazil left with the trophy in hand. That 1994 victory then led to a record fifth title in 2002, but Brazil fans have now waited nearly a quarter-century to add a sixth star to the iconic yellow jersey. The team now has its first non-Brazilian coach in legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, along with tons of talent. One player, however, who doesn&#8217;t seem to fit into Ancelotti&#8217;s plans this summer is Neymar. The longtime Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star has been inconsistent since returning to Brazil to play for club Santos. That could likely see him being left off the World Cup squad altogether this summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior (Real Madrid) is a 25-year-old winger who finished as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d\u2019Or voting.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: Brazil is the only nation to have participated in all 23 editions of the World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +850<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>-10000<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group C opponents:<\/strong> Morocco (June 13), Haiti (June 19), Scotland (June 24)<\/p>\n<p><span>(Photo by Alex Pantling\/Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Star striker Harry Kane just won the Bundesliga title with his club Bayern Munich \u2014 can he now further his trophy haul? Kane could also win a Champions League trophy with Bayern, but the ultimate prize will surely be leading England to the World Cup title in the summer. Thomas Tuchel is the man in charge of the Three Lions, and he'll have plenty of stars to make it happen. Injuries and poor form have hampered some players \u2014 such as Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold \u2014 but this should be one of the strongest squads at the tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Declan Rice (Arsenal) is a 27-year-old central midfielder who was selected to the Professional Footballers\u2019 Association Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025 for the English Premier League.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: England\u2019s lone World Cup title came in 1966.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +600<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group: <\/strong>-10000<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group L opponents:<\/strong> Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by FRANCK FIFE \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>In what was arguably the greatest World Cup final ever, France fell short on penalties to Argentina in 2022. Now,\u00a0<i>Les Bleus<\/i> are stacked once again and expected to finish the job this time. The lineup will be a who&#8217;s who of soccer stardom, headlined by Ballon d\u2019Or winner Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 (Paris Saint-Germain) and star Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbapp\u00e9. The team&#8217;s depth took a hit when Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike \u2014 who\u00a0scored for France in its 2-1 friendly win against Brazil last month \u2014 went down with an Achilles injury (announced on April 16). Still, there is plenty of depth on this French side, which is looking to send out Didier Deschamps on a high note, as the longtime manager \u2014 he was a World Cup winner as a player in 1998 \u2014 will depart at the end of the summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) has 29 assists in all competitions this season, three shy of joining Lionel Messi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia&#8217;s all-time goals leader) as the only players to record 32 assists in a single season this century.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: France has made four of the last seven World Cup finals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +600<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -5000<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group I opponents:<\/strong> Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)<\/span> <!--&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The question isn't whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be at the World Cup but whether Portugal actually need the 41-year-old superstar to lead an attack that's among the best in the world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Ronaldo had been dealing with a hamstring injury earlier and did not play for Portugal in a friendly against the United States in Atlanta in March. But he still brings a stellar r\u00e9sum\u00e9: a five-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner with more international goals than any other men\u2019s player at 143 in 266 international matches. And, like his great rival Lionel Messi, Ronaldo could also make it six World Cup tournament appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Vitinha (Portugal) is a 26-year-old defensive midfielder who finished third in the 2025 Ballon d\u2019Or voting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: This will be Portugal's seventh straight World Cup with its best finish coming in 2006 and 1966, making the semifinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +1100<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -5000<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group K opponents:<\/strong> Congo DR (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 23), Portugal (June 27)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span>(Photo by NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span> --><\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>Not advancing beyond the Round of 16 since its lone title in 2010, Spain is now primed to reach the final thanks to a trio of Barcelona players who&#8217;ll lead the squad. In attack, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut. The defense is set and commanded by 19-year-old Pau Cubars\u00ed. And Pedri will anchor a midfield that will also likely include Manchester City\u2019s Rodri, following a long layoff because of a knee injury. Having won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and 2024 Euro title,\u00a0<i>La Roja<\/i> will be among the most followed squads this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Keep an eye on:<\/strong> Pedri (Barcelona) is a 23-year-old central midfielder who has the highest transfer value of any midfielder in the world at $176.8 million (according to Transfermarkt).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Fact to know<\/strong>: With its 2024 Euro title, Spain is the only country to have won that tournament three times and also the only nation to have won it in consecutive editions (2008, 2012).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>World Cup title odds:<\/strong> +450<br \/><strong>Odds to advance from group:<\/strong> -10000<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6><strong>Group H opponents:<\/strong> Cape Verde (June 15), Saudi Arabia (June 21), Uruguay (June 26)<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" data-v-ace7f8b6>The World Cup will run from June 11\u2013July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>POPULAR SEARCHES BROWSE BY This summer is going to be epic with the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams and spread across three countries. Expectations are high, pressure is on and this is a must-see tournament with world-class players aiming to step up big. But in a tournament with the best of the best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":3570,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3571","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-soccer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3571","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3571\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/play-live.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}