Team: England

England arrive at 2026 with a squad many consider their strongest in a generation and the backing of a nation that has not won the World Cup since 1966. Jude Bellingham is the team's most complete player, capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch. Harry Kane leads the line as one of the world's most clinical finishers, supported by Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. England have reached semifinals and finals of recent tournaments without winning. A North American stage could be the moment their talent finally delivers what a nation obsessed with football has been waiting 60 years to celebrate.

England booked their place at an eighth successive World Cup with a 5-0 win over Latvia in Riga on 14 October, qualifying with two games to spare. The tournament marks their first on American soil, having missed out on USA 1994.