As the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, anticipation builds for what FIFA describes as its biggest tournament ever staged. Yet, amidst the excitement, a panel of writers and editors from GOAL have cast a critical eye, identifying several traditional powerhouses they believe are poised for significant disappointment.
Brazil’s uncertain path under Ancelotti
Brazil, a perennial favourite, faces scrutiny from GOAL writers like Mark Doyle and Chris Burton. Despite coach Carlo Ancelotti’s year-long tenure, the team reportedly “still haven’t quite clicked.” Doyle highlights Ancelotti’s own admission that “the squad is short on cover in several areas.” Concerns also mount over the squad’s age, with 16 of the 26 players aged 28 or older, potentially impacting pace at the back. This combination of factors could see Brazil facing an unexpectedly early exit, possibly in the last 32, dimming hopes for a sixth World Cup triumph.
Germany’s fading fear factor and England’s reliance
Germany, another footballing titan, is also tipped for a difficult tournament. Krishan Davis and Alex Labidou from GOAL point to a consistent underperformance at major tournaments since reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals. Davis states, “Germany haven’t performed at a major tournament since reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, and there’s not really anything about the current squad that convinces me things are going to be any different this time around.” Weak points across the pitch, a perceived lack of the “fear factor” of previous generations, and criticisms of manager Julian Nagelsmann’s tactics contribute to this apprehension. Their dynamic but inconsistent attack could even lead to a shock group-stage exit against teams like Curacao or Ecuador.
England, despite a historic qualification campaign, also features prominently on the list of potential disappointments. Tom Maston notes dismal friendly results against World Cup nations and manager Thomas Tuchel’s struggle to field his preferred team. A significant concern lies in the team’s defensive solidity, which is heavily reliant on John Stones remaining fit. Maston issues a stark warning: “The Three Lions are one Harry Kane injury away from disaster while their defence is reliant on John Stones remaining fit if it is to hold up against the best attacks.” Factors such as an alien climate and a potentially tough knockout draw could prevent England from reaching the quarter-finals.
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Other contenders for an early exit
Several other prominent nations are also predicted to underperform. Argentina, according to Tom Hindle, has not refreshed its squad since 2022, leaving players four years older and lacking some valuable veteran experience. Underperformance from key players like Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, coupled with an unconvincing build-up, makes a quarter-final exit feasible for the reigning champions.
The Netherlands, as predicted by Amee Ruszkai and Peter McVitie, could face a “brutally early exit.” A tough potential round-of-32 clash, possibly against Morocco, combined with questions over key starters’ form, a problem at left-back, and concerning recent results – including a 1-0 friendly loss to Algeria – raise doubts. Coach Ronald Koeman is reportedly struggling to get the best out of his team.
Spain, while tipped by many to go deep, faces a massive over-reliance on Lamine Yamal, who enters the tournament injured and overworked, according to Stephen Darwin. Croatia is identified by Ryan Tolmich as having “flop potential” due to an “old” squad. Uruguay’s “chaotic” setup and Senegal’s ongoing “federation issues” also place them on GOAL’s list of teams that could fall short of expectations.
While the expanded field and the progression of most third-placed teams offer an extra layer of protection against group-stage slip-ups, these predictions underscore the inherent challenges and unpredictability of the World Cup, even for football’s traditional giants.
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Sources: www.goal.com
