Brazil and Argentina are widely tipped to clinch World Cup glory in Qatar next month. The tournament kicks off this weekend as the host nation takes on Ecuador to open Group A.
With Leeds United out of competitive action until Boxing Day, pundits - and the footballing world - have turned their attention to the biggest stage of all. Most are predicting a South American team to lift the World Cup for the first time since Brazil in 2002.
European nations have dominated the world stage in recent tournaments but the scorching temperature in the Middle East is cited as a reason the trophy will switch continents this winter. Brazil are the bookmakers’ favourites but Argentina - who have not won the competition since 1986 - are in fine form, boasting a 36-game unbeaten streak.
LeedsLive have compiled a list featuring who the pundits expect to be crowned world champions on December 18. One former Manchester United player has even tipped England to break their 56-year curse!
Roy Keane: “It’s going to be hard to stop Brazil. Brazil have such great strength in depth at the moment and some real quality players across the squad. I think France also have some brilliant players and England will come up just short.
Jamie Carragher: ‘Because it was one of the two and they are the two favourites,’ he said of his decision to pick Argentina. ‘I’d love to see Messi lift the World Cup. Yeah I think that would cement him as the greatest of all time.’
Alan Shearer: Argentina. It will be a great way for Lionel Messi, the best player in the world, to go out. It could be a defining moment for him – he has probably been the greatest player we have ever seen, but the thing that is always chucked at him when comparisons are made between him and Diego Maradona is that he has never won the World Cup. If he were to win this one, that would pretty much be the end of that debate – and what a story it would be.
Micah Richards: It’s Brazil for me. I understand why there is a buzz about Argentina, but this is Neymar’s time to shine. He scored eight goals in qualifying and has taken his game to the next level this season. There is the weight of the nation on his shoulders and he has to deal with what Brazil expect from him, but he will be the star of the show.
Gary Neville: “I’m going to go for England! They’ve gone from semi-final, final, runner-up and now they are going to go one more,” Neville said.
“I think they are on a growth over the last few years and I don’t buy into this idea that the Nation League’s performance is them – they played four games in the middle of summer that actually nobody was stimulated by and I think the two games they played recently against Italy and Germany are tough games that you can lose in any single year.
“So, come the tournament, hopefully injuries won’t take too much of a hold and I’m going to go for England.
Chris Sutton: France are the holders and have arguably got the best forward line with Karim Benzema and his Ballon d’Or, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, even Antoine Griezmann too. Yes, they have got some injuries in midfield, but they have got two young stars in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid who are already absolutely top class. It’s not an exact science but when you think of France at World Cups, they are either all in or all out. This time? I’m saying they will be all in. If they click like they did in Russia, why not?
Alex Scott: I am going with Brazil. Their squad has a great blend of experience with exciting and in-form young players who could have great tournaments, like Vinicius Jr. Neymar is in great form too and, with every team having so little preparation time before the tournament to get key organisation right, it could come down to individual brilliance to settle some games.
Danny Murphy: I can’t see past Brazil or Argentina. Both are full of quality and experience and will take some stopping. Maybe Argentina will do it this time, as it seems written in the stars that the greatest ever player will win the World Cup.
READ MORE
Leeds United's chaotic Premier League season can be summed up in five defining moments
Joe Gelhardt facing his biggest Leeds United challenge yet in bid to send Marsch message
Leeds United mid-season player ratings: Trio stand out but Bamford and Llorente struggle
FA make Elland Road decision as plans submitted for Euro 2028 bid to be held in UK and Ireland
Alfie McCalmont latest as Leeds United coach provides midfielder verdict and plan
Leeds United approaching Charlie Cresswell decision as Millwall loan clause moves into focus
