World Cup 2026: supercomputer backs Spain, former stars favour Argentina

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Opta's supercomputer has identified Spain as the most likely winner of the expanded 48-team tournament. Meanwhile, former international stars — including a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad and the Italian defender who scored in the 2006 final — have favoured Argentina to lift the trophy. Argentina arrive as defending champions, having won the 2022 World Cup under Lionel Messi.