"Previous FIFA World Cup staged in North America have proved happy hunting grounds for the South American sides. Whenever the tournament has been held in the Concacaf region, the trophy has ended up heading south. Brazil were victors in Mexico 1970 and USA '94, while Argentina triumphed in Mexico in 1986. After Friday's draw to determine the groups for the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., what are the chances of another win for CONMEBOL?"
"Lionel Scaloni brought the trophy on to the stage ahead of the draw, and the Argentina coach has every right to dream of hanging on to it for another four years. It would be a historic feat -- no team has ever managed to retain the World Cup outside its home continent. But things have gone very well for the Albiceleste since becoming world champions in Qatar, retaining the Copa América last year and cruising through 2026 World Cup qualification."
South American teams have historically succeeded when World Cups are hosted in North America, with Brazil winning in 1970 and 1994 and Argentina in 1986. Argentina arrives at the 2026 cycle buoyed by recent success, including Copa América retention and smooth World Cup qualification. Lionel Scaloni can reasonably hope to defend the title, a feat never achieved outside the champion's home continent. The squad shows reduced dependence on Lionel Messi, with effective alternatives such as Thiago Almada and Julián Álvarez. Significant concerns persist over replacing Ángel Di María and the absence of newly developed, top-class defenders, leaving the back line vulnerable.
Read at ESPN.com
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