Spain
Spain are the early bookmakers’ favourites to win the World Cup – and with good reason. They were deserved winners at Euro 2024, beating England in the final. And in teenage Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal they have one of the best players in the world. Not counting a penalty shootout defeat in June’s Nations League final against Portugal, they have not lost a competitive game since facing Scotland in March 2023. They have not yet qualified although sit top of Group E on maximum points.
France
France, still managed by Didier Deschamps – who took charge in 2012 but will step down after the tournament – are aiming to reach their third World Cup final in a row. They beat Croatia in 2018 before losing to Argentina on penalties after a 3-3 draw in probably the greatest ever final in 2022. Key to their hopes will be Kylian Mbappe, who has hit 17 goals in 13 matches for Real Madrid and France this season. They top Group D by three points over Ukraine, following Monday’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Iceland.
Italy
It feels customary to put Italy in an article on World Cup favourites – but the data does not back it up. Since winning the 2006 World Cup they have failed to play in one single knockout game. They exited the groups in 2010 and 2014 and then failed to even reach the next two World Cups. And that could yet be three in a row as they sit three points behind Group I leaders Norway and may well need the play-offs. In Euros they fare better and beat England in the final in 2021.
