With the 2026 World Cup now exactly one year away, national teams are busy with preparations, either through qualifiers or friendly matches. The recent international break served as a crucial check-in for many squads as their World Cup plans begin to solidify. The host nations – the U.S., Mexico, and Canada – are preparing for the upcoming Gold Cup, but their progress towards the World Cup varies significantly. While Mexico and Canada secured wins in their recent pre-Gold Cup games, the U.S. men`s national team is heading into the tournament on the back of four consecutive losses, most recently a decisive 4-0 defeat against Switzerland. This losing streak is particularly noteworthy.
Analysis of USMNT Performance
This marks the first time since 2007 that the USMNT has lost four games in a row, and they now have a seven-match winless streak against European opponents. Even considering the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic due to rest or Club World Cup commitments, the extent of these losses was unexpected. The team has consistently found it difficult against top European sides, and despite a change in coach, the results have remained similar. Questions are inevitably being raised about the depth and quality of the player pool.
Elsewhere, a group of potential favorites is starting to emerge. Spain and France are currently considered the top contenders by oddsmakers. Both teams boast a blend of elite club-level talent that has effectively transitioned to the international stage. Spain, the current European champions, are likely to be spearheaded by young star Lamine Yamal as they aim for their first World Cup title since 2010. France, winners in 2018, can rely on key players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
So far, 13 teams have qualified, including the three host nations. The most prominent among the qualifiers is reigning champion Argentina. Lionel Scaloni`s side has maintained strong form since their 2022 victory, succeeding even with Lionel Messi`s occasional absences. Two nations, Uzbekistan and Jordan from Asia, have also secured their spots and will make their World Cup debuts.
With one year remaining, several exciting unknowns persist, particularly how various high-profile managers will adapt to leading national teams. Julian Nagelsmann of Germany already gained experience at last year`s Euros, and the USMNT`s manager Pochettino will be joined by respected club coaches like Brazil`s Carlo Ancelotti and England`s Thomas Tuchel, all tasked with making a statement at the next World Cup. Their initial results have been mixed: Brazil finally achieved their first win under Ancelotti and are qualified after a shaky start, while England is coming off an unconvincing win against Andorra and a loss to Senegal.
Club World Cup Preparations and Transfer News
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, final preparations are underway for the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, set to begin soon. For some participating clubs, this involved making last-minute signings during the special mini transfer window created by FIFA for teams competing in the tournament.
Manchester City was notably active in the closing days of this brief transfer period, securing signings like Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rayan Cherki from Lyon. City spent nearly $50 million on each player, once again demonstrating their significant financial capability in the transfer market. Both players offer manager Pep Guardiola new tactical options, but Cherki appears to be a particularly strong fit. Analysis of the French international`s move to City highlights his potential impact:
- While replacing Kevin De Bruyne`s unique creativity is impossible, Cherki`s output comes remarkably close to many top players. His metrics from last season place him among the best in Europe`s major leagues for assists and expected assists per 90 minutes. Cherki is described as a “ball progressing machine,” highly effective at advancing the ball into the penalty area and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. His adaptability suggests he can contribute significantly in multiple positions within the City lineup, indicating this signing could be something truly special.
Meanwhile, the Club World Cup could feature two Bellinghams, as Jobe completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund, the former club of his brother Jude. Sunderland is set to receive a transfer fee potentially reaching $43.4 million for the younger Bellingham, making him Dortmund`s record signing. Although how quickly he will establish himself in the first team remains to be seen, a potential quarterfinal clash between Dortmund and Jude`s Real Madrid at the Club World Cup would be a highly anticipated family affair.
Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal also made moves in the transfer window, securing N`Golo Kante on a short-term loan from Al-Ittihad after much speculation. Aside from appointing Simone Inzaghi as manager last week, the Kante deal is their only major high-profile signing for the Club World Cup, despite their reported efforts, which included involvement in a transfer saga regarding Cristiano Ronaldo.
Recent Football Highlights
- Al-Hilal`s transfer window activity saw them struggle to land all their desired major signings before the Club World Cup.
- Italy is searching for a new head coach, with Gennaro Gattuso potentially leading the race, though some suggest Jose Mourinho might be the right choice.
- Thomas Frank is reportedly nearing a move from Brentford to Tottenham Hotspur, and analysis suggests he could be a good fit following the Ange Postecoglou era.
- Gift Monday and Michelle Cooper were notable players named to the NWSL Team of the Week, with Savy King earning recognition as captain while recovering from heart surgery.
Betting Insights
Prediction for the FIFA World Cup Winner
- THE PICK: Spain to win the World Cup (+550) – Despite falling short in a recent final, Spain is arguably the best-equipped team to lift the World Cup trophy in a year`s time and is currently among the joint favorites alongside France. Spain re-emerged as a global contender by winning the Euros last year, showcasing a new generation of elite talent that makes them a team to watch. Key players include 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, already considered world-class, along with young talents like Pedri and Real Madrid`s new signing Dean Huijsen, contributing to a squad that is both youthful and experienced. Adding veterans like UEFA Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz and the soon-to-be-Arsenal player Martín Zubimendi solidifies their status as a top contender, even based solely on their recent lineups.
