With the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially underway, The Setonian's sports editors weighed in on which teams have the best chance to win the trophy, which nations could surprise the world and which players could take home the Golden Boot.
While the tournament features several powerhouse teams, the sports section’s predictions include both established favorites and teams looking to make a statement on soccer’s biggest stage.
Overall Winner
Head Sports Editor Jaden Highsmith believes Portugal has what it takes to win the World Cup. With one of the deepest squads in the tournament, Portugal possesses the midfield and attacking talent needed to compete with the world’s best teams. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha anchor the midfield, while Portugal’s attack remains among the most dangerous in the field. With Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making his final World Cup appearance, Portugal has added motivation to cap his legendary career with a championship.
While Highsmith is backing Portugal, Assistant Sports Editor William Gilhooly believes Spain will lift the trophy. After winning UEFA Euro 2024, Spain has an opportunity to continue its recent success by capturing its first World Cup title since 2010. The combination of young superstar Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Pedri gives Spain one of the tournament’s most complete squads in the tournament. With Yamal and Nico Williams healthy, Spain’s speed and attacking pressure should make it one of the toughest teams to stop.
Meanwhile, Assistant Sports Editor Peter Stewart is picking France to win it all. Although Spain enters the tournament as one of the favorites, Stewart believes France’s tournament experience gives it the edge. Manager Didier Deschamps has led France to two straight World Cup finals, including a championship in 2018, and his system keeps the team balanced while allowing its attackers to shine.
With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise leading the attack, France has the speed and firepower to take down any team in the tournament. Dembele enters the tournament following a Ballon d’Or-winning season and back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, while Mbappe remains one of the most dangerous attackers in the world. Together, they give France the tools to make another deep run in the tournament.
Sleeper Picks
Highsmith’s dark horse pick is the Netherlands. Led by veteran defender Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch enter the tournament with one of the strongest defensive units. Their ability to limit opposing attacks could make them a difficult matchup for any opponent. If the offense, led by Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo, can find consistency, the Netherlands has the potential to make a deep run.
While Highsmith is looking to Europe for his sleeper selection, Gilhooly believes Morocco could once again exceed expectations. Morocco proved it belongs among the world’s top teams after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and remains built around defense, while also finishing consistently. The rise of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi adds another attacking threat that could help Morocco compete with tournament favorites.
Stewart’s dark horse pick is Ecuador. After finishing behind only Argentina in South American qualifying, Ecuador has the talent to surprise some of the world’s top teams. Moises Caicedo controls the midfield, while Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie hold it down defensively.
Golden Boot
For the Golden Boot, Highsmith selected England’s Harry Kane. After an incredible season with Bayern Munich, Kane enters the World Cup as one of the tournament’s top goal-scoring threats. As England’s main attacker, his finishing ability makes him a strong candidate to lead the World Cup in goals.
Gilhooly also selected Kane for the Golden Boot. After another impressive season, Kane enters the World Cup as one of the best finishers in soccer. With England’s attack often running through him, he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his goal total throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Stewart believes Mbappe will win the Golden Boot. The French star won the award in 2022 and enters this tournament as one of the world's most dangerous attackers. With France expected to advance deep into the knockout rounds and Mbappe serving as its main attacking threat, Stewart believes he can become the tournament’s top scorer once again.
As the 2026 World Cup continues, The Setonian staff’s predictions will be put to the test as the world’s best teams compete for the World Cup trophy.
Jaden Highsmith is the head editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at jaden.highsmith@student.shu.edu.
William Gilhooly is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at william.gilhooly@student.shu.edu.
Peter Stewart is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at peter.stewart@student.shu.edu.
