Make your World Cup winner prediction now ⚽

[DailyMaverickConnect]

The 2026 World Cup officially begins next Thursday, June 11, with Bafana Bafana facing a massive opening-night test against co-hosts Mexico.

With 104 matches packed into 39 days across North America, the physical toll will be massive. Bookmakers are banking on Europe, specifically Spain, France, England, and Germany. Meanwhile, data models suggest defending champions Argentina and heavyweights Brazil face a much steeper mountain to climb this time around.

Who do you think will be lifting the trophy on July 19? Make your prediction now and check back in after the final to see if your prediction gets gold.

[Sandra_McEwen]

Spain

[IngridS]

ARG

[Janco]

France

[julia.harris]

France. They have so much depth. Spain a close second.

[Yanga]

Many people have touted France and Spain. With good reason too. But I think Portugal has enough depth and quality to push all the way.

[rosiekingwill]

Very interesting article in The Economist about who SHOULD win rather than who WILL win (Spain and France the frontrunners of latter)

https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/05/who-should-win-the-world-cup?giftId=OWRmZjc2MmItMmE4MC00ZjRjLTk0N2EtMGQwM2I3ZmRjZjA2&utm_campaign=gifted_article

[norman]

what I find puzzling. Back in 1994 rugby was mainly played by whites. Then money was spent to get people of colour to be given a chance. Today our team is no longer just white. Our soccer team has 1 white. What have they spent to get a better spread of colour

[rosiekingwill]

um?

[John_Mc_Cullough]

Spain