KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) — The four-year wait is over. Soccer’s grandest stage is able to elevate its curtain as soon as once more because the 2026 World Cup prepares to unite the sport’s best skills in what guarantees to be a fiercer, extra dramatic and extra unpredictable showdown than ever earlier than.
This version is historic in its personal proper, not solely as a result of will probably be staged throughout three nations: america, Mexico, and Canada, but in addition as a result of, for the primary time, 48 groups will battle for the game’s most prestigious trophy, making it the most important World Cup because the event’s beginning in Uruguay in 1930.
With extra groups, extra matches, and extra extraordinary tales ready to unfold, the anticipation amongst followers worldwide has reached a fever pitch because the event kicks off as we speak (early Friday morning, Malaysian time) and runs via July 19.
Predictions are already flying in about which crew has what it takes to elevate the trophy.
Right here’s a take a look at who followers, media pundits, athletes, and trade insiders are tipping as their favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Title: Arul Rajoo Durar Raj (Editor-in-Chief, Bernama)
Workforce: France
Purpose: France boasts a wealth of high quality gamers, together with Kylian Mbappé, probably the greatest on the planet proper now. Their particular person brilliance, mixed with the flexibility to perform as a cohesive unit, makes them high contenders to win the 2026 World Cup.
Title: Ashwad Ismail (Director of Broadcasting, RTM)
Workforce: Brazil
Purpose: Brazil is at all times a high choose as a result of its id is constructed on the artistic rhythm of “Samba” soccer, an iconic fashion that has captivated followers for generations. The nostalgia of legends like Ronaldinho, now carried ahead by stars like Neymar, proves that Brazil by no means runs out of extraordinary expertise.
Title: Datuk Christopher Raj (Chief Govt Officer, ShekhinahPR)
Workforce: Japan
Purpose: Japan has an actual probability to make historical past on the 2026 World Cup because of its sturdy tactical self-discipline and well-organised construction. Their capacity to upset elite groups, mixed with the expertise of gamers competing in Europe’s high leagues, provides them the instruments to compete on the highest stage.
Title: Nor Hamzie Md Hambali (Director, Rotikaya Media Sdn Bhd)
Workforce: Japan
Purpose: Japan is the choose as a result of they’ve so many gamers competing in European leagues, which brings invaluable expertise to the nationwide squad. With stars like Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endō, Japan has the standard and crew power to problem the very best sides on the 2026 World Cup.
Title: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (Senior Political Advisor to the Prime Minister/President of the Badminton Affiliation of Malaysia)
Workforce: England
Purpose: England has a powerful probability to win the 2026 World Cup because of their exceptional squad depth, particularly in assault and midfield, which provides it loads of tactical choices. This benefit is additional strengthened by world-class gamers like Jude Bellingham, who can management the tempo of the sport and determine essential moments when it issues most.
Title: Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria (President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia)
Workforce: Spain
Purpose: Spain is the choose as a result of they’ve a world-class, well-balanced squad and enter as European champions. Lamine Yamal is recognized as the important thing participant to observe, one who will drive the crew’s success.
Title: Rexy Mainaky (Nationwide Badminton Doubles Teaching Director)
Workforce: England
Purpose: England are seen as high contenders as a result of they’ve a whole, all-round squad and the credibility of being the 1966 champions. Declan Rice is the anchor, providing laborious work, a powerful mentality, and tactical stability throughout each space of the pitch.
Title: R. Sharmendran (Nationwide Karate Squad Coach)
Workforce: Portugal
Purpose: Portugal, as a result of they’ve probably the most balanced squad, with a strong protection and the sharpness of Cristiano Ronaldo. With the star gamers they’ve, that is their greatest probability to win all of it. Vitinha is ready to shine because the artistic heartbeat in midfield.
Title: Nurul Azurin Mazlan (Goalkeeper, Malayan Tigress)
Workforce: Argentina
Purpose: Argentina is the selection due to their unimaginable crew spirit and the presence of Lionel Messi in what can be his remaining look. Add to that the agility of Emiliano Martínez, a courageous and assured goalkeeper who strengthens their protection.
Title: Nur Mecca Rania Mohd Hazri (Nationwide Girls’s Soccer Participant)
Workforce: Portugal / France
Purpose: Portugal and France are seen as main contenders. For Portugal, all eyes are on the midfield pairing of Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. Vitinha, specifically, is seen because the participant who can drive the crew ahead together with his tactical intelligence and management of the sport.
Title: Syazwan Msar (Sports activities Journalist, Harian Metro)
Workforce: France
Purpose: France is the choose due to their balanced squad, led by Kylian Mbappé, together with the maturity of their gamers who at the moment are key figures the world over’s high leagues and Europe’s greatest golf equipment.
Title: Rizal Hashim (Former Sports activities Journalist)
Workforce: Brazil
Purpose: This alternative comes all the way down to the climate and the 48-team format, which favours fitter gamers over fatigued European league stars. That opens up an enormous alternative for Brazil and the African representatives to go a lot additional within the event.
With so many contrasting predictions from sports activities leaders, media figures, and athletes alike, one factor is obvious: the 2026 World Cup guarantees to be one of the vital open and unpredictable tournaments in historical past.
Whether or not it is the tactical self-discipline of Japan, the aptitude of Brazil, or the balanced squads of France and England, every voice provides a compelling case for his or her favorite.
In the end, the pitch will ship the ultimate reply, and the world can be watching each second as a brand new champion is topped.
— BERNAMA
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