Every World Cup has a few teams that arrive with more pressure than everyone else. These are the countries with the talent, fame, and experience to believe anything less than a deep run would be disappointing.
France, nicknamed Les Bleus, is ranked third in the world. They were runners-up in the last World Cup and won the tournament in 2018, and reached the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024 before losing to Spain. Even without reaching another final, France still looks like one of the strongest teams in the tournament because of how many world-class players they have.
Their attack is led by captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, PSG winger Desire Doue, and Michael Olise, who had the most assists in the Bundesliga. Off the bench, they can bring on Rayan Cherki, a very skilled dribbler, as well as Bradley Barcola, one of the best wingers in the world and Marcus Thuram who is coming off a solid year at Inter Milan.
At the back, France has one of the best center backs in the world in William Saliba, who should help hold the defense together. They should be a fun team to watch and they have enough skill to go all the way.
Argentina, known as La Albiceleste, is ranked first in the world and is coming off both a World Cup victory and Copa America victory. They have gotten older, but the foundation is still there, with 17 players returning from the nation’s previous World Cup roster.
Lionel Messi is still the main man. Around him, Argentina has Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alverez, two of the best strikers in the world. Still, the team does not feel quite as scary as before because they no longer have a winger on the opposite side of Messi who offers what Angel Di Maria used to bring.
Argentina should go far, but they probably will not win the tournament again. Then again, they still have Messi, so they can never be counted out.
Spain, La Roja, is ranked second in the world. Despite losing to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 at the last World Cup, they won the last European Championship. This year’s team seems more promising than the 2022 version.
Spain is led by wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Spain will look to dominate possession as usual, with one of the best midfields in the tournament. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is joined by Barcelona stars Pedri and Gavi, along with PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
The weaker part of this team is the lack of a true striker. Yamal is fresh off a hamstring injury and reportedly playing limited minutes. Borja Iglesias is an option, but he probably will not play as much. Yamal’s injury could seriously hurt Spain’s attack and could stop them from winning. This team feels like a possible quarterfinal upset candidate, but a healthy Yamal could lead them all the way.
Portugal, Seleção das Quinas, is ranked fifth in the world. They are coming off a quarterfinal run at the Euros after a disappointing World Cup last time.
This team is built around its midfield, which may be one of the best in the tournament. Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, and Matheus Nunes give Portugal a lot of quality and control.
The biggest issue might be Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the best players of all time, but at 41 years old he is no longer the same player. His presence could hold the team back if Portugal feels forced to build everything around him. The other forwards also do not strike fear into opponents. Still, if the team is able to structure plays independent from just relying on Ronaldo’s starpower, Portugal should be able to make a run to the quarterfinals.
Brazil, Canarinho, is ranked sixth in the world and is always considered a favorite. After a disappointing World Cup and failure to win the last Copa America, Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti, a proven winner, to help them rediscover jogo bonito, or at least something close to that traditional Brazilian style.
Neymar was called up, but he is dealing with an injury, so it is unclear how much he will be able to play. Even without relying on him, Brazil have Vinicius Junior on the left and Raphinha on the right, forming one of the best wing pairings in the world.
The concern is in the midfield. Casemiro is older and past his prime. Brazil may disappoint again, but because they are Brazil, they have earned their right to be considered favorites.
