FOOTBALL – THE stage is set for four thrilling matches in the quarter-final stage of the Fifa World Cup 2026, kicking off tonight.
As the tournament’s elite eight – France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Switzerland, and holders Argentina – get ready to continue their bids for glory, the GDN asked a number of top football coaches in the kingdom who they pick to have the best chance of going all the way and being crowned world champions.
“Before the world cup, I picked three teams as my favourites – France, Spain, and Argentina – but you never know.
“If you see the players that they have – we coaches from Europe, we follow the players a lot in the big leagues – they are of great quality. But it is the team before players in football, and they all play very well as a team. If you have a good team, you can win.
“Norway have also been a team that have been overlooked, but they play like one machine, and Haaland is extra special. For me, their win against Brazil was not really a surprise. Brazil have a lot of good players, but they have not really adapted as a team over the years to modern football, and you cannot win with only individuals.
“France, Spain, and Argentina are still my favourites now, and I think these teams are in front of the rest.”
– Goran Lackovic, Bahrain senior men’s national team assistant coach
“I believe that the team most tipped to win the World Cup this year is France.
“Based on their performances in the previous rounds, the French team are the favourites, given the depth of talent they have in their squad, particularly in attack, which has made the difference for them in every match.
“There is also great cohesion across the team’s lines throughout their games.”
– Marjan Eid, Bahrain senior men’s national team assistant coach
“I see Spain as the favourites. They have the clearest playing identity, well-organised possession, high pressing, and outstanding quality in midfield and on the wings. If they maintain their defensive focus, they have an excellent chance of winning the tournament.
“France have the experience of winning major tournaments and players who can decide matches, even when the team is not performing at their best. In knockout football, that is a huge advantage. I also think England have a squad full of top-quality players, but they sometimes struggle to maintain their rhythm in big matches. If they play with more attacking courage, they are genuine title-contenders.
“Belgium have impressed me with their attacking performances. If they continue at the same level, they could go very far in the competition. Morocco have shown great tactical discipline and are extremely difficult to break down. I would not be surprised to see them reach the semi-finals or even the final if they maintain the same level of organisation.
“Norway have had an excellent tournament, and eliminating a top team proves they are more than just a surprise package. However, they will need to sustain this level against the tournament’s biggest sides.
“But Spain are my top pick and they are the team I’ve enjoyed watching the most from a tactical perspective. Their off-the-ball movement, aggressive counter-pressing after losing possession, and variety in building attacks make them one of the most interesting teams to study.”
– Issa Al Saadoun, Muharraq Club senior men’s team head coach
“As we head into the quarter-final stage of the competition, things are really starting to heat up! We’ve been treated to some incredible matches so far!
“As for who I think will go on to lift the World Cup, my heart says England. We were a little underwhelming in the group stage and leading into the Round of 16, but the performance against Mexico was nothing short of outstanding. To overcome the incredible atmosphere created by the home crowd, Mexico’s formidable record at the Azteca, and then play with 10 men after the red card, showed unbelievable character and resilience from the lads.
“That being said, if I’m looking at it with my head, it’s hard to look past France. In my opinion, they have the strongest squad in the tournament and the depth to go all the way.
“Spain also have to be right up there – they haven’t conceded a single goal yet, which is incredible at this stage of the competition.
“And don’t sleep on Morocco either; they could well be this tournament’s dark horses.”
– Alex Mundy, Sparta sports coach
“Realistically speaking, since as a football coach we look at the numbers and the quality of the players, France have reached a very high level in this tournament. Everybody expected that because they have a very big squad and many top players. They will play against Morocco, who have not surprised me, because as a team they are very good, but I think France will go through.
“Then there is Spain against Belgium. I think Spain will go through as Belgium may be exhausted after these big matches they played already.
“The England and Norway match is very 50-50 since Haaland is doing a great job with his team and he is helping them win games. But I think England have a slight edge because they have more players. Harry Kane is shining and the wingers like Saka, Gordon, and Bellingham will shine at this stage, with a great coach in Tuchel.
“Argentina of course are the world champions, and we cannot overlook them, and I’m surprised how Switzerland have reached this level.”
– Ali Ashoor, Bahraini head coach of Kuwaiti club Al Salmiya
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