Forty-eight nations converge on USA, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup, with Sky Sports pundits backing Portugal to lift their first trophy. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo could match Lionel Messi's Qatar heroics, surrounded by a squad featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Champions League winners. Portugal's recent Nations League triumph over Spain adds momentum to their charge.

France enters as favorites with fearsome attacking options including Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele. The defensive partnership of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano provides steel behind a creative lineup that reached the 2022 final. Didier Deschamps' final tournament offers Les Bleus a chance to reclaim glory.

Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, represents genuine dark horse potential despite recent struggles. Veteran Casemiro anchors a defense featuring Champions League winners Gabriel and Marquinhos. Vinicius Jr and Raphinha seek breakout performances while Neymar's presence still lifts the squad.

Spain ranks second globally and seeks to extend their Euro 2024 momentum. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal joins an experienced core aiming to end their round-of-16 curse. With Group H manageable against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, La Roja target semi-finals at minimum.