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It’s fair to say that we don’t have a clear-cut favourite at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, no matter what preview you might read, what podcast you may listen to, or which odds you might trust, there do seem to be three teams at the top. Brazil, Germany, and Spain are all being given the best chances for World Cup glory, such that if there isn’t one definitive favourite, there is at least a consensus that one team from that group should capture glory.
In all likelihood, it will be one of those three. But these are five more teams that stand a chance of winning the 2018 World Cup, particularly with Brazil, Germany, and Spain all having gotten off to slow starts.
Argentina
Argentina too got off to a slow start. Iceland held them to a draw, with Lionel Messi missing a penalty kick and, in a postgame interview, blaming himself for the loss. But as with Germany’s loss to Mexico, there’s a reason this result was surprising: like Germany, Argentina is a truly world-class team. In particular this team’s striking power behind the likes of Messi and Ken Aguero is as impressive as any team’s, and some believe the Argentine midfield is stronger now than it was in Rio in 2014. At its best (which it certainly wasn’t against Iceland), Argentina can beat anyone.
France
Keeping in theme, France has also had a less-than-inspired start, but it at least won its opener against Australia. The 2-1 result on the back of what some might say was a fortunate goal from Paul Pogba might not look impressive, but Australia is the type of team that can frustrate a more talented side, so we shouldn’t read into it too much. France, meanwhile, might be the best chance at providing a fifth winner in five cups this century so far. Looking back at previous World Cup winners we see Brazil in 2002, Italy (who didn’t qualify) in 2006, and then Spain and Germany in 2010 and 2014. Argentina is in the mix, but if we’re to crown a new 21st century Cup winner, keep your eye on France.
Belgium
Belgium has been a trendy pick as a sort of second tier contender in international competitions for years now. But this 2018 team may be the Belgians’ best yet, and boasts an incredible amount of savvy and power from the midfield to the top. Defense is less of a sure thing, but Belgium can power its way to a likely group win and possibly a deep run thereafter. At the very least, it should continue to be one of the most entertaining sides in the world to watch, which certainly counts for something in the World Cup.
Colombia
With Belgium looking like a perfectly logical contender, Colombia seems to be the new, trendy “dark horse” option. The Colombians were electric in 2014 and left an impression on fans and analysts around the world. This time they’ll also be aided by veteran star Radamel Falcao, who at 32 will actually be playing in his first ever World Cup after missing Rio due to injury. Colombia has a very winnable group, and if it progresses as expected, anything can happen.
England
Picking England to win the World Cup would get you laughed at in a lot of places. The Three Lions have been a disappointment in recent international tournaments, and a certain air of inevitable despair seems to surround the team. However, this summer’s team is young, skilled, and notably faster than the group in 2014, or possibly 2010. It’s for these reasons, as well as a fairly convincing run through qualifying, that England is actually being pegged right behind the major contenders by oddsmakers. And if that’s not enough to get you to pay attention to the English, legendary manager José Mourinho believes they can win it. Mourinho has been wrong before, but it’s an interesting vote of confidence from a guy who’s coached against most of this English team at the club level.
