Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney has dropped his powerful verdict on the two nations that he expects to see in the final of the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is being held in North America and co-hosts Mexico kicked off the latest edition of the FIFA tournament on Thursday against South Africa.
Mexico were reduced to 10 men in their Group A opener, but Javier Aguirre’s men convincingly defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 at the Mexico City Stadium.
Wayne Rooney will be providing punditry for BBC Sport during the tournament and the Manchester United legend has now revealed his favourites for the World Cup.
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Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney now expects to see a World Cup final between England and Spain
The World Cup final will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19th July, with Wayne Rooney ruling out defending champions Argentina from retaining their title.
Former Manchester United captain Rooney admitted that France, who lost to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, are one of the favourites this time around.
But United’s all-time leading scorer is convinced that England and Spain will meet in the final of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I think you have to look at Spain, France and England,” he told BBC Sport, as per the Metro.
“I think they’re probably favourites for this World Cup. I think England and Spain will make the final and, hopefully, England [will] win it.”
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Thomas Tuchel plays down England’s status as one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup
Thomas Tuchel, who has been linked with United in the past, is set to lead England in his first major tournament as Three Lions boss since his 2025 appointment.
The 52-year-old England manager has insisted that he does not see the Three Lions as one of the tournament favourites, despite the noise surrounding his side.
“How many favourites are there? No, we’re not the top favourites,” Thomas Tuchel said, as per ESPN.
“We can’t be because we haven’t won it for so many years. There are proven winners in the tournament with more success. These are the favourites.
“We compete for the trophy, we dream big. We know what it takes if we dream big. It comes with responsibility. The responsibility is on the effort and this is where the focus is.
“We see ourselves as competitors, as challengers. We want to go all the way, but I don’t think we are the heavy favourites.”
England are in Group L at the World Cup and the Three Lions will kick off their campaign against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium in Texas on 17th June.
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