Top football pundits weigh in on which nations will dominate when the World Cup expands to 48 teams across three countries.
The 2026 World Cup is still over a year away, but BBC's top football analysts are already making their bold predictions for who will lift the trophy when the tournament expands to 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the increased format promising more surprises than ever before, expert opinions are split between traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders.
The expanded tournament format could be a game-changer for African football, with more qualification spots available for the continent's rising stars. Nations like Morocco, who stunned the world with their semi-final run in Qatar 2022, and Senegal, the reigning African champions, are being tipped by several pundits as potential dark horses to go deep into the tournament.
England and Scotland face different expectations according to the BBC panel, with the Three Lions carrying the weight of major tournament heartbreak while Scotland looks to build on their recent competitive showings. The pundits' predictions reveal fascinating insights into how European teams might handle the pressure of playing across North America's diverse climates and time zones.
With African diaspora stars continuing to light up top leagues worldwide and the continent's football infrastructure rapidly developing, the 2026 World Cup could mark a historic shift in global football power. The expanded format means more opportunities for upsets, breakthrough performances, and potentially, Africa's first-ever World Cup winner.
