The Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026: Expert Predictions for Glory

BY MANUEL MARSELIAN

Every four years, the world goes into a frenzy. For a few weeks, people set aside their everyday concerns, politics, the economy, and personal problems as the FIFA World Cup takes center stage.

As we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, I know that, like any devoted football fan, I will be glued to the television screen, watching as many matches as possible and occasionally yelling at it.

The first World Cup I watched was the 1970 tournament in Mexico. I vividly remember staying up late with my father to watch matches that often began after midnight, long after everyone else in the family had gone to bed. In those days, only 16 nations competed for football’s greatest prize.

It was during that World Cup that I fell in love with Brazil, arguably the greatest national team ever assembled. I was captivated by the brilliance of Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, Gerson, and the leadership of Carlos Alberto. Their artistry, skill, and joy for the game left a lasting impression on me. From that moment on, I was hooked. My passion for football only grew stronger, and I began attending live matches whenever I had the opportunity.

More than five decades later, the magic of the World Cup has never faded. The game has evolved, and the number of participating nations has expanded from 16 to 48, but football remains as beautiful and unpredictable as ever.

Like billions of fans around the world, I will be cheering for my favorite team, following every piece of news, analyzing predictions, and hoping for the best. Yet one question remains: who will be crowned world champion in 2026?

To gain some insight, we turned to a panel of former players and coaches who competed at the highest levels of the game. Drawing on decades of experience and firsthand knowledge, they shared their predictions and the reasons they believe a particular nation will lift football’s most coveted trophy next summer.

Artur Aghasyan

A former Armenian youth international and professional forward, he played for clubs including Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS). He currently serves as a U-13 Academy Coach at Los Angeles FC.

Spain
“The incredible quality of Spanish football is evident worldwide, highlighted by this year’s Champions League final featuring two managers rooted in the Spanish system. This global tactical dominance is mirrored on the pitch by a flawless mix of fearless young talent and seasoned veterans. Far from being stagnant, Spain’s signature style continues to evolve, successfully adapting its technical mastery to the high-intensity demands of the modern game.”

Hagop Donabedian
A former Lebanese-Armenian international footballer who represented Lebanon’s national team and enjoyed a successful professional career with clubs including Homenetmen Beirut, Nejmeh SC, and Salam Zgharta. A versatile defender known for his leadership and consistency.

Argentina
Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the leading favorites to defend its global crown, featuring a squad that includes 17 members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team. Blending proven championship pedigree with an exciting wave of emerging talent, La Albiceleste possesses both the continuity and renewed dynamism needed to mount a strong bid for back-to-back world titles.

Kevork Garabedian
A defender and midfielder who played for Ararat Yerevan, Al-Ansar, and Homenetmen Beirut. He earned 19 caps for the Lebanon national team between 1996 and 1999.

Spain and Brazil
Both teams combine tactical structure with exceptional individual talent. Their players understand space, create opportunities, and elevate the collective performance of the team. Spain, in particular, stands out for its intelligent, creative style of play, while Brazil brings similar qualities with flair and vision. For these reasons, I believe either of these teams could win the championship.

Garo Haghverdian

A former Iranian-Armenian midfielder who represented the Iran national team from 1968 to 1975. A standout player for Ararat Tehran and Taj SC. He was widely respected for his technical skill, work rate and contributions to Iranian football during the 1960s and 1970s.

Spain
The top two teams are Spain and France, but I think Spain will win. Their combination of explosive wing play, a world-class midfield, and championship experience makes them a formidable team. Their midfield can control the tempo of matches and create chances, while this young squad has already proven itself by winning Euro 2024. With world-class talent, strong depth, and a winning mentality, Spain has everything needed to lift the World Cup trophy.

Levon Ishtoyan

Levon Ishtoyan is a legendary Armenian striker who starred for FC Ararat Yerevan during the club’s historic 1973 Soviet League and Soviet Cup double. A former USSR international, he later founded the Ishtoyan Soccer Academy in Los Angeles.

Toss-up
I don’t make predictions because, in football, nobody truly knows what’s going to happen. The ball is round, and anything can happen once the match begins. Every team that qualifies for the World Cup is talented, well-prepared, and capable of winning on any given day. Luck also plays a significant role. In the end, styles make fights—a team can dominate possession, create countless chances, and control the entire game, yet still lose because they failed to convert their opportunities. That unpredictability is what makes football such a beautiful sport.

Ara Melkonian
A center forward, he joined Homenetmen’s first-division team in the Lebanese Football League at just 16 years old. He went on to represent the Lebanon national team from 1982 to 1985, competing at the highest levels of Lebanese and international football.

Spain
A large portion of Spain’s national team comes from Barcelona, and that familiarity gives them a major advantage. Watching them play, it’s clear they have excellent chemistry and understand each other exceptionally well. Rather than relying on a single superstar, they play as a cohesive unit, with every player contributing to the team’s success. They play beautiful, disciplined football, and their ability to work together as one team sets them apart from the competition. That is why my prediction for the 2026 World Cup champion is Spain.

Yura Movsisyan

Yura Movsisyan is a former Armenian international striker who enjoyed a successful professional career with clubs including Real Salt Lake, FC Krasnodar, Spartak Moscow, and Chicago Fire. One of Armenia’s most prolific forwards, he represented the national team for over a decade.

Portugal
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a record sixth and final appearance. As Portugal’s captain and central striker, he remains a clinical finisher and emotional leader. Backed by one of international football’s strongest midfields, led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha, Ronaldo’s experience and presence will be key as Portugal pursues World Cup glory. Determined to win the one major trophy that has eluded their iconic captain, his teammates will be eager to make his final World Cup a historic one.

Armen Sargsyan

A versatile defender and member of the legendary Ararat-73 team that won the Soviet Top League and Soviet Cup double in 1973, he later built a successful coaching career, helping develop generations of young players and contributing to the growth of Armenian football.

Argentina
Argentina is my pick to win the 2026 World Cup. As the defending champions, they know what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage, and that experience gives them a major advantage. They are a well-balanced team with strong chemistry, a solid defense, and players who are used to performing under pressure. The hot weather conditions could also favor them, and the presence of Lionel Messi brings invaluable leadership and a winning mentality. With all these qualities, Argentina has a great chance to lift the World Cup trophy once again.

We thank our distinguished panel of former players for sharing their insights and predictions. Of course, the beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability. Favorites do not always prevail, and every tournament produces unforgettable moments, unlikely heroes, and surprising results. As the countdown to 2026 continues, football fans everywhere can look forward to another chapter in the rich history of the beautiful game.

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