
From Vasco da Gama to Dortmund: The young English coach travelling the world
Meet Alex Clapham: The English coach's journey to Borussia Dortmund
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching, with Spain being highlighted as the team to beat due to their strong squad and recent success in the 2024 Euros. Key players like Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal are expected to shine.
Whos Hot Ahead Of The 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now just a matter of weeks away. As the tournament edges closer, everyone is trying to get into the best shape possible to allow themselves to hit the ground running in North America. But with every player, and nation by default, doing the same, who’s looking good ahead of the showpiece event?
There’s been no change where football betting online is concerned; Spain remains the team to beat at the 2026 World Cup. Not only are they the reigning 2024 Euros champions, but they also have a squad packed full of players who are performing well for their clubs. With a large handful of Barcelona stars expected to feature in their World Cup squad, including the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal, these players are on course to win La Liga before attempting to win world football’s biggest prize.
France made it all the way to the final at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but unfortunately lost in a penalty shootout against Argentina. This will give them the motivation to succeed that no other nation enters the tournament with. Like Spain, the French squad is loaded with talented players who are enjoying great seasons with their clubs. Stars from PSG, and , such as , and , will arrive in North America with silverware already secured, and Didier Deschamps’ group can only benefit from their winning mentality.
Spain is considered the favorite due to their recent victory in the 2024 Euros and a strong squad featuring top-performing players.
Key players expected to represent Spain include Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, all of whom are performing well in La Liga.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin in just a few weeks.
Teams are focusing on getting into peak physical condition and fine-tuning their strategies as the tournament approaches.

Meet Alex Clapham: The English coach's journey to Borussia Dortmund

The Women's Six Nations has evolved, but is it better? France leads Spain 3-0 at halftime.
Liverpool set to compete with Man United for £60m forward Rafael Leao.
From fourth tier to AFC Champions League final: Machida Zelvia's rise
Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided updates on Alisson's potential return, stating he is close but may not play against Crystal Palace. The team has struggled against Palace this season, and Slot emphasized the need for attackers, including Mohamed Salah, to regain their scoring form.
Predicting the Chargers' Day 2 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The best World Cup betting odds see Harry Kane as the joint frontrunner to be top scorer at the upcoming tournament, and it’s easy to see why this is the case. Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, will lead the line for England in what is likely his final appearance at the World Cup finals. The great news for the Three Lions is that he’s been in blistering goalscoring form all season for Bayern Munich, firing them to another title. With a stunning 51 goals scored in just 43 games, if he can take his magic touch in front of goal into the World Cup, England have a real chance of success.
The player who Harry Kane is neck and neck with in the betting to be named the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup is France captain and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. Like Kane, Mbappe is a proven goal-getter on the world stage after scoring the most goals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he bagged a stunning hat-trick in the final against Argentina and still ended up as a runner-up. That disappointment, and the frustration of the 2025/26 season with Real Madrid, will drive him on. His record of 40 goals in 39 appearances proves he’s close to his very best.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be another very interesting tournament. The expanded format is already creating a sense of intrigue, and there are nations and players who will head to North America with a real point to prove. And there’s no better stage to prove a point on than the biggest in world football.