100 days until the World Cup: who will win? Plus players to watch

European champions Spain They are favourites, having had an almost faultless road to qualifying, where they dropped their only points in a 2-2 draw with Türkiye.

Their midfield is full of talent and includes Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zobimendi and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Spain could also call upon one of the best young players in the world, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Right behind Spain, this generation comes from England The players are expected to finally pick up some silverware, after finishing second in the last two European Championships.

Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals with a perfect record, winning all their matches without conceding a single goal. There are questions about how best to manage a star-studded squad, but with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Europe’s leading goalscorer Harry Kane at Tuchel’s disposal, it’s good to have a problem.

France They are also strong competitors. Didier Deschamps’ side have a fearsome attacking line, including Bradley Barkola, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and perhaps the best signing in the Premier League this season, Hugo Ekiteke.

The 2022 edition runner-up did not lose in the European qualifiers.

It would be remiss not to mention the defending World Cup champions ArgentinaIt topped the South American qualifiers by a large margin, and finished the tournament nine points behind second-placed Ecuador.

With two Copa America titles and one World Cup win in just four years, the Albiceleste are going through a very good moment.

Finally, though A disappointing qualifying campaign, as they finished fifth in the CONMEBOL table after losing six of 18 matches, will confidently rule out the five-time World Cup winners. Brazil?

The Seleção have talent all over the pitch, with wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo and Chelsea star Estévão having enough presence to worry any defense in world football.