But the top four - Argentina, Spain, France, and England - are the outstanding teams in the tournament, in my view. My experience at the Club World Cup last summer was one of unpredictable weather, scorching heat and also a brilliantly organised tournament. But, England fans to their eternal credit, always find a way and they will go with genuine hope that Thomas Tuchel can deliver. This will be Lionel Messi's last World Cup, and he will be desperate to go back-to-back to cap a truly astonishing career. A lot of matches at this World Cup could be low-scoring, tight affairs and Ecuador could sneak a fair way into the draw.

Source: Express February 03, 2026 10:32 UTC