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The England national football team is predicted to face significant challenges at the 2026 World Cup.

SUPERBALL.ID - Roy Keane has shared his thoughts on why he believes England might find it difficult at the 2026 World Cup, while also revealing which teams he considers favourites to win the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad is currently in Florida preparing for the tournament, taking part in warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

England will begin their campaign in Group L, facing Croatia on 17 June, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama.

Given the talent in their squad, the Three Lions are expected to progress to the knockout stage, which this time will feature a Round of 32 due to the expanded 48-team format.

If England top their group, they will face one of the eight best third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J, or K.

In theory, such an opponent should be comparatively weaker.

Cape Verde, Curaçao, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uzbekistan are among the potential Round of 32 opponents for England.

However, there is also the possibility of facing Norway, a side boasting stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.

The Round of 16 could pit them against teams such as Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Scotland, or Japan, before a potential quarter-final clash against five-time champions Brazil.

A semi-final encounter with Argentina or Portugal could follow, with a possible final meeting against France or Spain on 19 July.

Of course, these potential matchups are purely hypothetical, but former Republic of Ireland international and ITV Sport World Cup analyst Roy Keane believes England may struggle when facing the tournament’s elite teams.

Speaking to The Sun, Keane stated that he considers France, Spain, and reigning champions Argentina as the frontrunners to lift the trophy.

“The French team, that squad is fantastic,” he said.

“Spain, with their current form, their control of possession, and how brilliant they were at the Euros—if they can replicate that, and I believe they can, they’ll be right up there.”

“I’d also include Argentina. Obviously, one of the South American nations will always be in contention.”

The former Manchester United captain then turned his attention to England, admitting concerns about their defensive stability.

“I’m worried about England’s defence,” he added.

“I can’t overlook that. I just think defensively, in knockout games against top nations, that’s where England could come unstuck.”

“They clearly have a brilliant player in Kane.”

“I think when you’ve got Kane, you always have a chance, but defensively they might not be quite ready.”

It remains to be seen whether Keane’s prediction that England will struggle at the 2026 World Cup will come true.