The Fifa World Cup 2026 is right around the corner, and as excitement reaches fever pitch ahead of international football’s showpiece event, the GDN asked Bahrain’s fans who they would like to win – and who they think has a realistic shot at winning – the coveted trophy.
Alejandro Ramirez
“I am from Chile, but sadly Chile did not qualify, and since I lived for six years in Uruguay, I am going to be rooting for Uruguay in this upcoming World Cup.
The champions are always going to be favourites, so the top three who I think have a realistic shot at the final are Argentina, Spain, who are the current European winners, and I would like to see Portugal also.
Maybe a final between Argentina and Portugal can decide who is the ‘Greatest Of All Time’, finally.” – Alejandro Ramirez
Hadi Galal
“Egypt’s fourth participation in the World Cup this year will be different from the previous ones ‘the Pharaohs’ played.
This time, the team learned from its mistakes and saw the success that Morocco achieved in the last World Cup in Qatar.
Egypt is looking for its first win this time and advancing to later stages is a goal that many Egyptians dream of – why not reach the final game too and win the title? With a big name like Mohamed Salah, you feel confident and can dream about competing with the best.
The World Cup winner is usually a team that has previously won it.
France, Spain, and Argentina are teams I think are most likely to reach the semi-finals. The surprise of the tournament could be a Latin team such as Mexico and Colombia.” – Hadi Galal
Stephen Greene
“Being English, I would say England are the ones I would like to win.
But being realistic, the French have the best squad.
Brazil will always be there – Ancelotti’s the coach, could be interesting.
I’ve got a little feeling that Spain would do it, unfortunately for me, as an English fan.” – Stephen Greene
Enrico Cacciola
“I would love for Australia to win the World Cup. Realistically, if Australia doesn’t win, I hope Spain wins the World Cup.
My mother was Spanish, my father was Italian, but I am Australian, so I would hope – maybe the odds are against it – that Australia wins the World Cup. Spain for the longest time has had the biggest trouble working as a team. But they changed everything when they played Holland and turned everything around.
On a world level, Spain has the potential, easily, to win the World Cup. My preference is Australia, but my second choice is Spain, 100 per cent.” – Enrico Cacciola
Sidney Wheatley
“As ever, I am rooting for my team, ‘Oranje’, a.k.a. the Netherlands. At the risk of repeating myself – as I have for every World Cup since 1998 – this is going to be our year! The team is really strong and they’re starting to function as a single unit.
With a strong midfield and solid attackers, if nothing else, we are a force to be reckoned with.” – Sidney Wheatley
Christian Macias
“The dream is always for Colombia to be the surprise package that lifts the trophy, but realism tells us the road to the quarter-finals or semi-finals will be tough. Colombia’s squad is far from ordinary.
They have the strength to reach at least the round of 16, and with a bit of luck, perhaps the quarter-finals. And who knows? Football has a funny way of turning underdogs into legends.
As my heart is always in Latin America, I see two possible surprises brewing in Ecuador and Paraguay.
Both have shown strong performances recently and could shock a few favourites along the way.
But if we’re talking about lifting the Cup for the very first time, my eyes also wander toward Portugal and Belgium – two nations with golden generations that have yet to taste ultimate glory.
Perhaps 2026 will be the year they finally break that barrier.” – Christian Macias
George Laing
“Scotland will win the World Cup because they’re the best team.
They’ve not been there for 28 years, so they’ve got a lot of catching up to do – I’m looking forward to this tournament a lot.” – George Laing
Loyd Loudy
“I see France – being French myself – Spain, Portugal, and Brazil reaching the semi-finals, then it is all up for grabs from there! Tiredness, injuries, team spirits, travels – all will play a very important role.
France and Spain have the most talented squads and lots of depth on the bench.
Portugal has underachieved for many years but they have this year a very strong 11, but lacking of talents on the bench.
Brazil has a good squad and a very experienced manager; they will be hard to beat.
So between these four teams, with a slight advantage to France due to the firepower they have at front: Mbappe, Olise, Dembele, Doue, Thuram, Barcola – lots of pace and power.” – Loyd Loudy
Faisal Otaibi
“I think it is between Portugal and Spain.
They both have good players, like Ronaldo and Neves from Portugal.
As for Arab teams, the only one I think can do something is Morocco.
They may reach the last 16.” – Faisal Otaibi
Alex Vijesh
“I think it’s going to be France, and also England has a good chance. It is very open this time, but most likely France is going to win the World Cup.
France have a solid team.
They have been consistent over the years; even the last year they had done extremely well, and hopefully this time again.
England are also a consistent team.
From last World Cup on, they have been doing really good.
They have a balanced team.” – Alex Vijesh
Zaid Alkhalafawi
“I want France to win the World Cup because their team already won the Champions League, so, two for two.
I hope Cristiano wins as well.
He is my idol and it would be great to see him win his last World Cup before he retires.” – Zaid Alkhalafawi
Saeed Alzwery
“I don’t expect an exceptional edition of the 2026 World Cup.
The classic predictions we see every year won’t change much, despite this year’s talk of different expectations based on the inclusion of new teams in the top tier.
The unusually large Arab participation has raised the enthusiasm of Arab fans for this edition.
Morocco, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia are experienced teams known for their fighting spirit on the field, and at least one of them could go far in this tournament.
As for the Egyptian national team, in my opinion, they have a better chance, considering their group, from which ‘the Pharaohs’ might be able to advance with their strong line-up.
Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and Tunisia are fairly close in terms of their levels.
Among these teams, the Jordanian national team stands out.
The Jordanian team considers simply reaching the World Cup a significant achievement in its history, and wants to deliver its best performance.” – Saeed Alzwery
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