Spain and France Lead: A Look at the Top 6 World Cup Favorites

The World Cup is about to kick off, and predicting the champion is often inaccurate. The gap between teams is small, and even powerhouses can be eliminated. Despite this, only eight countries have ever won football's most precious trophy.

With one week until the World Cup, CNN has analyzed the six national teams currently considered the top contenders: Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, England, and Brazil.

● Spain Spain is one of the two co-favorites. Since the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Spain has won the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League, the Euro 2024, and the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal. They topped their group undefeated in European qualifying and are ranked 2nd in the FIFA World Rankings.

Spain is a high-scoring, attacking team that has added speed and directness to the possession-based style that won them the 2010 World Cup. Their strengths are one-on-one wing play and pressing after losing the ball. A weakness is their potentially young squad and the risk of defensive vulnerability due to their attacking style.

The brightest star is 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. His rapid rise and Barcelona connection have seen him touted as a successor to Lionel Messi. However, he is racing against injury to be fit for the opening match.

Other key players include winger Nico Williams and midfielder Pedri. Despite Fermin Lopez being ruled out with a foot fracture, coach Luis de la Fuente has unlocked the potential of this new golden generation.

● France The 2022 runners-up are another top favorite. France has reached the last two finals, winning in 2018 and losing on penalties in 2022. A third consecutive final would be the first since Brazil in 2002.

France has a fearsome attack, so deep that Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele can be on the bench. Kylian Mbappe is the undisputed core. Dembele has led PSG to two Champions League titles, and Michael Olise is another threat.

France excels at counter-attacks, utilizing their forwards' lightning speed, and has an active midfield and top defense. They possess a rare blend of experience and youth. Coach Didier Deschamps has announced this will be his last tournament.

● Argentina The defending champions are also a top contender. They are attempting to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, after Italy (1934-38) and Brazil (1958-62).

They won the 2024 Copa America. Their hallmarks are high pressing after losing the ball and quick transitions. A unique strength is that players often perform better for their country than their club.

Lionel Messi, at 38, continues to defy age. The team's backbone is solid with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Cristian Romero, and forwards Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez. Coach Lionel Scaloni has integrated new talent and shown tactical flexibility.

● Portugal Portugal won the 2025 UEFA Nations League. They topped their European qualifying group.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is still a key figure, aiming for the one major trophy missing from his resume. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva control the midfield. Coach Roberto Martinez emphasizes possession and pressing.

● England England seeks to end a 60-year title drought. They had a perfect European qualifying campaign with 8 wins and no goals conceded.

Captain Harry Kane is the star and all-time top scorer. Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham are key. England's strength is aerial ability from set pieces and open play. Coach Thomas Tuchel has built a solid team around Kane, but over-reliance on him is a concern.

● Brazil (The article text is cut off, so details for Brazil are unavailable.)