World Cup 2026: Guardian Writers Predict a Spanish Triumph

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, our team of Guardian writers has shared their predictions for the tournament, which will be hosted in North America. From the emergence of teenage wonderkids to the unique cultural experiences surrounding the event, the analysis is rich and varied. A recurring theme in the predictions is a showdown between Spain and Portugal in the final, with Spain emerging victorious. The competitive nature of the tournament is highlighted by our writers’ use of Bracketology, where different paths lead to Spain's consistent success in their simulations. The blend of youth talent and experienced players in the Spanish squad creates a compelling narrative as they aim to reclaim the World Cup title.