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YOGYAKARTA – Yogyakarta-based football analyst Fajar Junaedi believes that Spain and France are the two nations most favored to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July next year.

Both teams are ranked highly in various simulations and predictions ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Fajar, Spain holds a slight edge over other contenders. Their triumph at Euro 2024 serves as a valuable foundation for La Roja as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

“Spain arrives with renewed enthusiasm and is considered to have the best performance from its latest golden generation. They have a combination of skilled young players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Rodri, who have shown increasing maturity,” Fajar told Tribun Jogja on Wednesday (3 June 2026).

Alongside Spain, France is also seen as one of the strongest title contenders. Les Bleus are praised for their remarkable squad depth and consistent experience in major international tournaments.

Led by Kylian Mbappe, France is regarded as having an ideal balance between attack and defence, which positions them well for the new World Cup format that will feature 48 participating teams.

“Behind Spain and France, England emerges as the next major challenger. Although they often falter at crucial moments, the Three Lions still possess a star-studded lineup capable of competing at the highest level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brazil is also regaining attention thanks to a strengthening blend of young and senior players. Defending champions Argentina remain among the favorites, although Lionel Messi’s age—now 39—has become a talking point.

Fajar also noted that Portugal deserves special attention. The 2026 World Cup could potentially be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance in the tournament, as the forward will be 41 years old by then.

Beyond these teams, Germany and the Netherlands are also seen as potential dark horses. In particular, Germany’s reputation as a tournament specialist means Die Mannschaft cannot be underestimated, even if they are not among the top favorites.

Considering their player quality, squad depth, and recent performances, Spain and France are currently viewed as the two teams with the greatest chance of lifting the 2026 World Cup trophy.