Overview
- The 2026 World Cup in North America is confirmed at 48 teams with a new Round of 32, and the groups have been drawn.
- England under Thomas Tuchel posted a perfect 2025 in competitive matches, strengthening belief before the summer tournament.
- Coverage widely frames Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as likely entering their final World Cups, with Argentina viewed as a leading contender.
- Recent club results shape the backdrop: Liverpool finished 2025 as Premier League champions and PSG won the Champions League.
- Forecasts for 2026 remain speculative: Arsenal are tipped as title frontrunners, Declan Rice is touted for the Ballon d'Or if major trophies follow, and predictions suggest pressure on Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca with patience for Tottenham’s Thomas Frank.