The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with group-stage matches already being played across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. As the international association football spectacle gathers momentum, attention has inevitably shifted towards favoured nations such as Argentina, Portugal and France, each led by their respective stars - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé.
At the top of the list remains Argentina, the reigning world champions following their triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Should they produce another strong campaign, they stand to become the first nation in 64 years to retain the World Cup title, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. Only two nations have ever managed consecutive World Cup victories: Italy, who won the 1934 and 1938 editions, and Brazil, champions in 1958 and 1962.
