BBC Sport’s expert panel has delivered their verdicts on the upcoming World Cup in North America, with Brazil and France dominating early predictions despite England’s renewed optimism under their new management structure.

Brazil and France Lead Expert Predictions

The Seleção emerged as the overwhelming favourite amongst BBC pundits, with their blend of Premier League stars and emerging South American talent tipped to end their 24-year World Cup drought. France, despite questions over Kylian Mbappé’s fitness following his recent club move, received strong backing for back-to-back titles.

BBC pundits predict what will happen at the 2026 World Cup, with several experts highlighting the expanded 48-team format as a game-changer for traditional underdogs. The consensus suggests this tournament’s structure will produce more upsets than previous editions.

Argentina’s aging core around Lionel Messi divided opinion, with some pundits backing the defending champions’ experience whilst others questioned whether their 2022 heroes can maintain peak performance through another grueling campaign.

England and Scotland Face Contrasting Fortunes

England’s Group C assignment alongside Denmark and Slovenia drew cautious optimism from the BBC panel, though several pundits warned against complacency after recent Nations League struggles. The Three Lions’ young midfield partnership and attacking depth received particular praise.

Scotland’s qualification represents their strongest World Cup position in decades, yet BBC experts remain split on their knockout stage prospects. Their defensive organisation under Steve Clarke earned recognition, but questions persist over goal-scoring consistency at the highest level.

The expanded format means both British nations avoid early elimination scenarios that plagued previous tournaments, giving managers more tactical flexibility in group-stage approaches.

Dark Horse Contenders Emerge

Several pundits identified surprise packages beyond the traditional powerhouses. Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run established them as legitimate contenders, whilst Japan’s technical evolution and Croatia’s tournament experience attracted significant backing.

The United States, as joint hosts, received mixed predictions despite home advantage. Their young core shows promise, but BBC experts questioned whether domestic pressure might prove counterproductive in crucial moments.

Mexico’s third hosting opportunity generated less enthusiasm, with pundits citing their recent World Cup disappointments and aging squad as major concerns for progression beyond the round of 16.

The tournament’s North American venues, from Vancouver’s BC Place to Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, promise unique atmospheres that could favour nations with strong diaspora support across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Declan Mercer — Breaking news, nowscore.co

See live World Cup 2026 odds for the latest market movement.

Compare the best betting sites on our World Cup betting sites guide.