"European champions Spain are the favourites, having enjoyed an almost flawless route through qualification, with their only dropped points a 2-2 draw against Turkey. The team's midfield is packed with talent and includes Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. Spain can also call on one of the best young players in the world, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal."
"Just behind Spain, this generation of England players are tipped to finally land some silverware, having finished runners-up at the last two European Championships. Thomas Tuchel's team qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a perfect record, winning all of their matches without conceding a goal. There are questions about how best to manage a squad brimming with stars, but with players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Europe's leading goal scorer Harry Kane at Tuchel's disposal, it's a nice problem to have."
"France are also strong contenders. Didier Deschamps' squad have a fearsome front line, including Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and perhaps the Premier League's best signing this season, Hugo Ekitike. The 2022 runners-up were unbeaten in European qualifyi"
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11. Spain enters as favorites after a nearly perfect qualification campaign, boasting a talented midfield with Rodri, Pedri, and young star Lamine Yamal. England qualified with a perfect record under Thomas Tuchel and features elite players including Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane. France remains a strong contender with an impressive attacking lineup featuring Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola. Beyond sporting competition, significant concerns exist regarding US-Iran tensions affecting participation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement involvement, and cartel violence threatening fan safety in Mexico.
Read at www.bbc.com
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