Predictions and Bracketology

Guardian writers and ESPN experts have highlighted Spain and France as the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. Of 19 ESPN writers, 16 selected either Spain or France as the eventual winner, with Spain appearing on every ballot. Among the 20 iterations of the Guardian’s Bracketology tool, Spain emerged victorious in every final, often facing France or Portugal. According to Alexander Abnos of The Guardian, Spain’s “technical ability and clear identity” could be decisive in a final. England, meanwhile, has earned some optimism—Bryan Armen Graham notes the team’s “depth, talent, and institutional experience.”

Lamine Yamal of Spain is the overwhelming favorite for the Golden Ball award, with 13 of 19 ESPN experts predicting the Barcelona star will win the Best Young Player award. Five experts even believe he could go home with the Golden Ball, the top individual honor. Argentina, the 2022 champions, is expected to have a deep run but not a repeat victory, according to the surveyed writers.

Opening Ceremony and Musical Highlights

The 2026 World Cup opens in Mexico City on June 11 with the Aztekenstadion hosting the first of three opening ceremonies. The first event features Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performing the official World Cup song, “Dai Dai.” The lyrics include references to football legends like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Mbappé, and include a call-and-response chorus with the phrase “Dai, dai, iko, dale, allez, let’s go!” According to FIFA, the performance is designed to “stimulate an unforgettable opening match that fans from around the world will celebrate as a festival of football, music, and culture.”

Shakira, who previously performed the 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka,” will not be the only one on the stage. The ceremony also features appearances by Mexican artist J Balvin. The Aztekenstadion, which has hosted World Cup games in 1970 and 1986, will be the first to host three World Cup opening ceremonies.

Iranian Fans Face Barriers to Attendance

The Iranian national football team will play its matches in the U.S., but according to the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), fans may not be able to attend due to an unexpected shortage of tickets. The FFI claims that the U.S. is “intentionally preventing” Iranian fans from attending and has called on FIFA to intervene. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has reportedly restricted transactions to Iran, complicating ticket purchases.

Meanwhile, the U.S. maintains a general travel ban for Iranian citizens, raising questions about whether many fans could have attended even if tickets were available. The FFI says many supporters had already planned their trips to the U.S. and now must cancel. FIFA has acknowledged the issue and stated it is working to find “appropriate solutions,” including potential access through the Iranian diaspora.

Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Inter Milan, told ESPN through a translator that the usual camaraderie of the World Cup seems to be missing. “There’s usually a unique atmosphere of friendliness and global-ness,” he said, but that has not materialized this time.