The 2026 World Cup kicks off at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium and will conclude at New York's MetLife Stadium on July 19. Forty‑eight nations compete in 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. BBC Sport's pundits were asked to pick a champion, and a poll of their votes placed France at the top with nine selections, ahead of England, Spain, and the first edition.

Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy both argued that France’s depth in attack could offset any internal discord, while former England captain Wayne Rooney predicted an England‑Spain final with England emerging victorious. Former coaches Thomas Frank and Micah Richards highlighted climate factors, noting South American sides may thrive in heat but ball‑possession teams like Spain could dominate.

The poll shows a clear split: nine pundits favor France, seven back England, and a single voice supports Spain. With France, England, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and Morocco all touted as quarter‑final material, the tournament promises tightly contested knockout stages and a lucrative global audience. Ultimately, the consensus crowns France as the favourite to lift the World Cup 2026 trophy.