As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, speculation is heating up about which storylines could dominate the tournament. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Neymar’s Brazil to the possible duel between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, the stage is set for drama and history.
The World Cup is famous for its unpredictability. One lapse can bring down a powerhouse, while one stunning upset can immortalize an underdog. With the new 48-team format, surprises are all but guaranteed as stars like Harry Kane and Christian Pulisic take the field.
GOAL’s Tom Hindle and Ryan Tolmich have stepped up with their bold takes on how the world’s biggest football event might unfold and which football icons could steal the headlines – or crash out early.
Hindle: Neymar returns for Brazil – and plays
It almost feels inevitable. Neymar somehow always finds his way back into the spotlight. Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s strict approach, the Brazilian coach values team chemistry, and Neymar remains adored across Brazil. Rodrygo recently called Neymar’s selection a “no-brainer,” and reports suggest his recovery from a major knee injury is progressing smoothly.
The challenge will be how to use him. It’s hard to imagine Neymar sitting idle on the bench. If fit, he’ll likely take the field, especially since Brazil could use more creativity in midfield and someone to help ease the burden on Vinicius Junior. His flair might be exactly what the Selecao need to spark their attack.
Tolmich: A new record for goals conceded
South Korea’s 1954 World Cup campaign remains infamous — losing 9-0 to Hungary and 7-0 to Turkey for a record 16 goals conceded. That unwanted record has stood for decades, but this expanded World Cup could finally surpass it.
With 48 teams competing, many debutants will face elite opposition for the first time. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are all newcomers, each drawn into tough groups. Curaçao meet Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador; Uzbekistan face Portugal and Colombia; while Jordan must contend with Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.
Potential playoff entrants like Suriname and New Caledonia, ranked 123rd and 149th globally, could also join. The gulf in quality could lead to some heavy defeats — perhaps even a new historical low for goals conceded.
Hindle: Portugal fail to win a knockout match
Portugal are a team packed with attacking talent, boasting one of the most explosive midfields and wings in world football. Yet, there’s a glaring issue at the centre of it all — a 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, still driven by personal milestones and the pursuit of Lionel Messi’s World Cup success.
While Ronaldo’s hunger is undeniable, his presence can disrupt the team’s balance. Against disciplined and athletic opponents, Portugal could struggle. If Colombia live up to expectations, Portugal might face dangerous opponents like Croatia early — a scenario that could spell early elimination.
Tolmich: Italy’s heartbreak continues
Another pre-tournament prediction — and a painful one for Italian fans. Italy, once giants of world football, have fallen hard. Having missed the last two World Cups and winning only once in the tournament since their 2006 triumph, they again face qualification uncertainty.
Italian football’s problems are well-documented: a lack of top-tier attackers, declining defensive standards, and a weakened Serie A. Their top striker, Mateo Retegui, plays in Saudi Arabia, and the backline lacks the legends’ quality of old. A heavy qualifying defeat to Norway underlined their decline.
Could they still qualify? Possibly. But without match-winners or creativity, Italy remain vulnerable to late drama and disappointment when it matters most.
Hindle: Colombia make a deep run
What defines a “run” in a 48-team World Cup? With more teams, there are easier group matches but tougher knockout rounds. Still, Colombia look like dark horses for a deep push. They’re defensively solid, tactically disciplined, and led by a genuine superstar in Luis Díaz. Their passionate fanbase in the US will also provide a huge boost.
After reaching the Copa America 2024 final and narrowly losing to Argentina in extra time, Colombia have shown they can challenge the elite. A strong group-stage showing could set them on course for the semifinals — with a few favourable draws along the way.
Tolmich: Messi misses the record, Mbappé breaks it
Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals still stands, but Lionel Messi is just three away. However, it’s Kylian Mbappé who seems destined to surpass both legends this summer.
Mbappé currently stands on 12 goals, after scoring six in 2018 and eight in 2022, including a hat-trick in the final. At 27, he’s entering his prime and could become the tournament’s all-time top scorer, cementing his legacy as perhaps the greatest World Cup performer of all time.
Hindle: Lamine Yamal runs out of steam
Lamine Yamal has dazzled for Barcelona this season, drawing comparisons to Messi for his skill and flair — though his style more closely mirrors Neymar’s. Yet, the young star faces the risk of burnout. Having played over 3,000 minutes already this season, he is Barcelona’s most-used forward in La Liga.
If Barca advance deep in the Champions League and continue to chase the league title, Yamal could arrive in the US after nearly 60 matches. Fatigue, combined with the heat of an American summer, might dull his brilliance. His first World Cup could be more of a physical test than a fairytale debut.
