The 2026 World Cup is drawing to view, with the outline of next summer’s tournament taking shape with 28 of the 48 teams now confirmed.
The likes of Argentina, Brazil and England have all booked their places and the October international break gave a chance to have a closer look at the contenders. The field looks relatively open with no clear front-runner to lift the trophy, meaning that we could see a first-time winner for the first time since Spain in 2010.
Legendary former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry was a part of the France team that lifted the trophy in 1998. In his new role as an analyst on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry has picked two new names as potential ‘dark horses’ for the 2026 tournament.
“Don’t sleep on Morocco. Morocco are doing very well at the moment, they won the Under-20 World Cup. And there are many teams that could surprise people,” Henry said.
He continued: “Portugal with Nuno Mendes and the great man [Cristiano Ronaldo] up front. I’m sure they’ll try to emulate what Leo [Messi] did before in Qatar,” he added.
Neither Morocco or Portugal have won the World Cup before. But both boast exceptionally talented generations of players and will be looking to take full advantage next summer.
Can USMNT compete at the World Cup?
France’s 1998 World Cup triumph was won on home soil, an advantage that the United States will have for next year’s competition. However there is greater pressure that comes with hosting, and the added complication of having no competitive games in the build-up to the tournament.
Nevertheless, Henry was optimistic about the USMNT progression under Mauricio Pochettino in recent months.
“It looks a bit better now, they weren’t looking good,” Henry explained. “It’s just a progression they need to make at the end of the day. They need to be good in the tournament.”
“In ’98 when we had the World Cup at home, we weren’t great in the friendlies. We weren’t that good in the group stage and we managed to win it. So what you want and need is to perform when it matters.”
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Yikacpsz
0
Henry is trying to remind us that C. R Portugal team where flogged by Morocco In the last world cup
Rusbelmos
0
If Uganda had qualified,am sure tge cranes were going to win it
I am a Ugndn, but even you!! Eish..
Jabacnostu
0
When Pele, Maradona, The Real Ronaldo, Zidane, etc won World Cup, it was a 99 game tournament, very important and the grandest stage of all. However, when Messi won it, it became a 7 game tournament and very less important. Penalty was no longer part of football. Meanwhile, Ronaldo and his fans kept ironically praying silently to win a 7 game less important tournament. Envy is a very big blindfold!
[image]
But, then remember, there is no upside rules and back passing to GK, no VAR, no goal line technology, even the playing ball has device responding to touch from all angles and many more strict rules that make the game more difficult nowadays.
Jabacnostu
0
I also have a feeling CR7 might finally kiss the world cup before he bows out. Should that happen, only God knows where the debate about who's the greatest of all time between Messi and CR7 will take us. I'd say, Messi will always be the greatest of all time, even if CR7 were to win too more world cups before retirement.
Even if he wins, he must be the best not just a carrier to Portugal like in Euro. Messi didn't just won't but is the best. He won in style, scoring goals, assists, passes, dribbles, chance creation. In fact, in all parameters barring goals where he was second only to Mbappe by one goal, Messi is the best in all others. So, let's wait and see...
Yohabi1
0
I also have a feeling CR7 might finally kiss the world cup before he bows out. Should that happen, only God knows where the debate about who's the greatest of all time between Messi and CR7 will take us. I'd say, Messi will always be the greatest of all time, even if CR7 were to win too more world cups before retirement.
Bobadlrsz
0
If Uganda had qualified,am sure tge cranes were going to win it
NFK97
1
Nigeria will win it
Qualify first
fucainost
0
it's time for africa insha allah
ExcelIbMo
0
When Pele, Maradona, The Real Ronaldo, Zidane, etc won World Cup, it was a 99 game tournament, very important and the grandest stage of all. However, when Messi won it, it became a 7 game tournament and very less important. Penalty was no longer part of football. Meanwhile, Ronaldo and his fans kept ironically praying silently to win a 7 game less important tournament. Envy is a very big blindfold!
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
2
Nigeria will win it
ExcelIbMo
3
Ronaldo leading the line and hovering around the 18 yard box all 90 minutes will be Portugal's downfall once again. World Cup isn't Saudi league or Kosovo, Moldova, Leistenten and the likes. Spain will be there, South American teams will be on ground, it's hard!
wisely50
2
just a reminder Ronaldo has zero world cup
wisely50
5
he will only dream this is 2026 .. this pictures were taken next year