2026 World Cup: Three European giants tipped as favorites for the expanded tournament

The 2026 World Cup, set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is poised to be the most expansive tournament in football history. Kicking off on June 11 and concluding on July 19, it will feature an unprecedented 48 national teams competing in 104 matches.

This significant expansion marks a substantial leap from the previous tournament's structure, offering more opportunities for nations to participate and for fans to witness a greater number of games. The increased number of teams and matches promises a more dynamic and potentially unpredictable competition.

As the club season winds down, the world's top footballers are preparing to vie for the most prestigious trophy in the sport. While the tournament's scale is unprecedented, the question remains whether this larger format will also make it the most unpredictable. The article sets the stage for the competition, identifying the leading contenders, three European giants, who are expected to contend for the title.