The Argentina national team will fight to defend their World Cup title in 2026, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Although captain Lionel Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will play in the World Cup, he has revealed his favorites to win the trophy.
After the draw for the 2026 World Cup groups, where 48 teams will participate for the first time, analysis and predictions about the potential winner have already begun.
The Inter Miami star also shared his thoughts, saying that besides Argentina—who he stated would “fight” to defend their title—there are other strong contenders.
“There are many great teams. Spain, France, England, Brazil, who also haven’t been champions for a long time, want to win the tournament,” Messi initially said in a recent interview with ESPN.
“Germany, who have always wanted to beat Argentina, want it even more now after the last World Cup. It will be very difficult, but I have no doubt they will fight for the title,” the Argentine star concluded.
In the first World Cup with 48 teams, the teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
