The 2026 World Cup is already generating huge debate despite the tournament still being weeks away.
Pundits view several major nations as favourites after strong recent performances on the international stage.
Spain arrive as reigning European champions, while Argentina are hoping to defend the trophy they won in Qatar.
England, Brazil and Portugal are also expected to challenge strongly in North America. At the same time, there are questions surrounding some of football’s biggest stars ahead of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe, in particular, has endured a difficult season at club level. Injuries, criticism and dressing room tension have all followed him throughout the campaign.
His struggles at the club level have become one of the biggest talking points in European football. Real Madrid’s disappointing season has only intensified the pressure around him.
However, despite all the criticism, predictions for the World Cup are telling a very different story.
According to Bloomberg and research conducted by analysts at Bank of America, France will win the 2026 World Cup by defeating Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium.
The same prediction also claims Kylian Mbappe will finish as the tournament’s top scorer despite his difficult campaign with Real Madrid.
Mbappe has faced major criticism this season. Real Madrid failed to challenge strongly in both Europe and La Liga, while tensions reportedly grew behind the scenes.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde had a fight which sent the later to the hospital.
Also, the French forward received backlash after travelling to Sardinia with his partner Ester Exposito during his injury recovery period.
Transfer News Live already revealed that Mbappe’s camp had to issue a statement because of the constant criticisms he was receiving.
Reports in Spain even claimed he was involved in a heated confrontation with a member of the coaching staff during training.
Despite that, the supercomputer still expects Mbappe to dominate the World Cup and lead France to a third title.
The 27-year-old already lifted the trophy in 2018 and came close again in 2022 before France lost to Argentina on penalties in the final.
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