The Premier League season might be over, but Manchester United fans can now look forward to the start of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.
Mexico will kick off the FIFA tournament on Thursday evening, with the World Cup co-hosts facing South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium for their Group A opener.
Several Manchester United first-team players are away for the World Cup, including Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo and Senne Lammens.
As the latest edition of the World Cup tournament is around the corner, United In Focus’ writers have now made their predictions for who will lift the trophy.
Which Manchester United player will have the most successful World Cup 2026?
Who are you most excited to watch?
Vatsal Gupta — Brazil
Playing at altitudes and high temperatures should suit South American teams, and after Argentina won it last time, I expect Brazil to answer their rivals this time.
Carlo Ancelotti diffuses tension in the group; he is a knockout specialist (the Champions League say ‘hi!’) and Casemiro will be itching to end his international career on a high as well.
I hope Matheus Cunha plays a key role as well with his No 9 role for Brazil.
Dale O’Donnell — Portugal
France may have the strongest starting line-up and bench at the tournament, but I think Portugal can do it if Cristiano Ronaldo’s gigantic ego doesn’t get in the way.
Bruno Fernandes is the icing on top of Portugal’s absurdly good midfield cake. It would be wonderful to see the best player in the Premier League lift the World Cup.
Perhaps another hindrance for this incredibly talented Portugal is that it is being managed by Roberto Martinez.
Dan Coombs — Spain
Spain are my pick to win the World Cup this time around; they won’t have any struggles with the heat either.
I’d love to see Portugal go all the way, too. What a story it would be if Cristiano Ronaldo finally won it.
I don’t have much faith that England will be able to get it done. Harry Maguire will be badly missed in defence.
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Sean Fisher — Portugal
As for the winner of the World Cup, I really think Portugal have a great chance. They have immense talent in their midfield with Bruno Fernandes at the heart of it all.
Vitinha and Joao Neves now have serious experience under their belt as Champions League winners.
Their defence is excellent, too; my only worry is whether Roberto Martinez is going to steal the trophy away from Bruno.
Jonny Maze — France
To win the World Cup, I am caught in two minds. France, on paper, should walk the competition with their stacked offence. However, Spain and Portugal are also right up there.
I also have a feeling Morocco could go really far and even upset the likes of France or Spain, depending on the way the draw shakes up.
But if I have to predict pre-tournament, France will win with Kylian Mbappe proving a point to Real Madrid fans with his performance.
Adnan Riaz — Brazil
If there were ever a moment for Brazil to become record-breaking six-time World Cup champions, then never could it be more appropriate than under Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil have not lifted the World Cup since 2002 in Japan, when their squad boasted an incredible roster of talent like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos.
However, Ancelotti arrived at Brazil last summer after he left Real Madrid and the World Cup trophy does feel like the missing puzzle piece in his remarkable career.
With a resurgent Casemiro and a confident Matheus Cunha among his Brazil squad, Ancelotti is perfectly positioned to end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup trophy drought.
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