Former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria has named three countries he believes are favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old Argentine legend, who retired from international football after winning the Copa America and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Champions Cup, shared his predictions in a recent interview.
Di Maria's Top Contenders
According to Marca, Di Maria identified France, Spain, and Portugal as the teams most likely to reach the semifinals and compete for the title. He praised their ability to develop young talent and maintain high performance levels.
"France is one of the contenders because it continues to produce players and maintains a high level. And I think Spain could also make a name for itself; they're in great form, though we'll have to see how some of the injured players fare," Di Maria said.
He added: "Portugal is another side with good players. With Joao Neves and Vitinha, who bring a different touch to the game and make the difference. There are three or four teams that will be in contention."
Argentina's Chances
Di Maria also discussed Argentina's prospects, highlighting coach Lionel Scaloni's success in blending experienced players with emerging stars. He emphasized that only Lionel Messi has an automatic spot in the squad, fostering healthy competition.
"I think the new generation can give that push to the older generation, who are still 28 or 29 years old. And it all comes down to what Scaloni has always said: the only undisputed starter is Messi, no one's place is guaranteed, and that means the rivalry within the squad is 100%," Di Maria explained.
Supercomputer Prediction
Earlier, Opta's supercomputer predicted Spain as the leading favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, followed by France, England, Argentina, and Portugal. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 2026, featuring 48 teams for the first time.
