Who will start? Predicted XIs for the 2026 World C...
Key takeaways
- Not only are we taking a projection of their starting XIs based on form and fitness, but we are predicting their squads, formation and dissecting their strengths and weaknesses.
- - Meet World Cup debutants: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan - World Cup kit ranking: Which teams will look best in 2026? - Aggravations prompt fans to ask: Is the World Cup worth the expense?
- How are they looking with less than 30 days to go?
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
In addition to laying out the second edition of our Power Rankings, where our global reporters and experts voted for the top 15 contenders set to take part in this summer's competition, we're drilling deeper on the major nations and the three host nations.
Not only are we taking a projection of their starting XIs based on form and fitness, but we are predicting their squads, formation and dissecting their strengths and weaknesses. The last two months have seen some big injuries and big names ruled out, which will present opportunities for new stars to step up.
- Meet World Cup debutants: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan - World Cup kit ranking: Which teams will look best in 2026? - Aggravations prompt fans to ask: Is the World Cup worth the expense?