This summer, the FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years, will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It is set to be one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, as anticipation builds for the first match of the tournament on June 11: a Group A match between Mexico and South Africa.
The last World Cup was hosted in 2022 by Qatar, with Argentina defeating France in a 3-3 thriller that ended in penalties to take home the trophy. Led by soccer legend Lionel Messi’s two goals, this gave Argentina their first World Cup victory since 1986, and their third ever. The runner-up France was led by a hat-trick from star forward Kylian Mbappe, as their bid to repeat as champions after their 2018 victory fell short.
World Cup viewers’ favorite this year is Spain, who won the 2024 UEFA European Championship, a level of success they hadn’t seen since the early 2010’s. They are led by eighteen year-old forward Lamine Yamal, who was a key part of their victory at the Euros two summers ago, as he scored a goal and led the tournament in assists with four. They also have stars in the midfield, led by their captain Rodri, the 2024 Euros Player of the Tournament and Ballon d’Or winner.
“I think Spain can win the tournament this year because of their amazing attack and midfield. Yamal in the attack and Rodri and Pedri in the midfield can lead Spain to the win,” said sophomore Ethan Kokkalakis.
However, it won’t be an easy task for Spain, as many other teams look to challenge them. France is another contender, and they surely have the World Cup experience needed to perform at the tournament, reaching the past two finals, and winning in 2018. The team is led by the forward duo of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembele. Mbappé took home the Golden Boot at the last tournament, which is given to the player who scores the most goals, as he netted eight. Dembele was an integral part of both of the last two French World Cup teams, and he has upped his level of play significantly in the last few years, taking home the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
“France has a great chance to win the World Cup this year because of their attack, which is one of the best in the world. Mbappé and Dembele have done it before, and they can definitely win the tournament again this year,” said sophomore Jake Weiss.
England is another competitor, but unlike France or Spain, it has been a long time since England’s last major triumph. The last time England won an international tournament was 1966, when they took home their first and only World Cup. However, this is not to say they haven’t come close in recent years, as at the last two European Championships, they finished as runner-ups, and at the last World Cup, they faced a heartbreaking loss to France in the quarterfinals. England has many stars headlining their team this year, including midfielders Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, who both are playing in their second World Cup this summer.
Brazil also comes in as a favorite, looking to win their first World Cup since 2002. Brazil has been led by forward Neymar Júnior for the last few tournaments. While he is now past his prime, many still think Neymar can play a role in this year’s squad, alongside star players Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior. Brazil will be led by legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has won nearly 30 major trophies, including five UEFA Champions Leagues.
Argentina looks to repeat as World Cup champions this summer, hoping to become the third team to ever do so, and the first team since Brazil in 1962. Argentina will be led by Messi, who looks to cement his legacy as the greatest soccer player ever. The eight-time Ballon d’Or and two time World Cup Golden Ball winner will play in his sixth World Cup this summer.
Messi is set to be challenged by Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, another legend of the sport, who seeks to add a World Cup trophy to his vast cabinet of trophies and awards. Portugal’s midfield is perhaps the strongest in the tournament, featuring the trio of Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Vitinha. The small nation has become a soccer powerhouse in the 21st century, winning the Euros in 2016, but it continues to chase after World Cup glory.
“I am so excited for the World Cup to come to the United States this summer, and I think England will finally win another tournament, and I believe they’ll beat Spain in the finals,” said sophomore David Nasello.
The host United States will hope to make a deeper run than last tournament, where they lost 3-1 in the Round of 16 to the Netherlands. Their success this summer will depend on their star forward Christian Pulisic, who scored a heroic goal against Iran at the 2022 World Cup to send the US past the group stage. The United States will play their first match of the tournament on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. The United States will then take on Australia and Turkey in their last two group games.