2026 World Cup lineups: Forecasting starting elevens for competing teams

Tuesday signified 100 days remaining until the commencement of the FIFA World Cup, with the inaugural match scheduled for Mexico City, featuring co-host Mexico against South Africa on June 11. Alongside the unveiling of our initial Power Rankings, where our international reporters and analysts selected the top 15 contenders for this summer’s tournament, we are delving deeper into the major footballing nations and the three host countries.

We are not only providing a preliminary projection of their starting lineups based on current form and fitness but also forecasting their squads, formations, and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis reveals that each of the nations anticipated to vie for top honors this summer has some vulnerabilities on the field, offering a broad perspective on their preparations.

– World Cup 2026: Who are the favorites with 100 days remaining?
– Will Iran participate in the World Cup? Current knowledge and uncertainties
– Status of the USMNT with 100 days until the World Cup

Numerous changes are expected in the upcoming weeks as players may face injuries or new talents may emerge, but ESPN’s writers provide an initial overview (of many) of what you need to know.

JUMP TO: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, USA

ARGENTINA

GROUP J
vs. Algeria (June 16, Kansas City)
vs. Austria (June 22, Dallas)
vs. Jordan (June 27, Dallas)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli; (Defenders) Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentin Barco, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi; (Midfielders) Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz; (Forwards) Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone

Squad snapshot: Argentina approaches the 2026 World Cup as the reigning champions, with the significant challenge of maintaining their status at the pinnacle of international football. The fact that this will be Lionel Messi’s final appearance at the tournament adds extra motivation to secure another World Cup victory, a feat no team has accomplished in over six decades (Brazil, 1958 and 1962).

Argentina’s strength is rooted in their solid foundation, having clinched the World Cup four years ago in Qatar 2022 and the last two Copa América titles. The area of concern? Beyond the established starting XI, the remainder of the squad presents more uncertainties than certainties. This is particularly evident in defense, where options at full back are limited, and in attack, with several promising forwards who have yet to secure guaranteed starting positions.

For this World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni will face crucial decisions to facilitate the necessary generational transition. With Ángel Di María absent, but Messi still the focal point, there will be opportunities for new players to emerge, such as Valentín Barco, Franco Mastantuono, and Nico Paz. — Damian Didonato, ESPN Argentina

BELGIUM

GROUP G
vs. Egypt (June 15, Seattle)
vs. Iran (June 21, Los Angeles)
vs. New Zealand (June 26, Vancouver)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Matz Sels; (Defenders) Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper, Thomas Meunier, Zeno Debast, Brandon Mechele, Koni De Winter, Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes; (Midfielders) Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin, Charles Vanhoutte, Diego Moreira; (Forwards) Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku, Lois Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Dodi Lukebakio, Alexis Saelemaekers

Squad snapshot: On paper, Belgium’s team appears strong at this point. Coach Rudi Garcia has a diverse array of talent at his disposal: the brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, the power of Romelu Lukaku, the world’s top goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois, the Aston Villa midfield duo (Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana), and the skill of Jeremy Doku. However, the question remains regarding the fitness of these players. Most have faced injuries this season, with the exception of Courtois. They could be rejuvenated, but there is also a risk of them being somewhat out of form.

This marks Garcia’s first tournament as an international head coach — he is perhaps best known for leading Lille to a Ligue 1 title in 2010-11 — and he may encounter challenges with the pressure and expectations. Nevertheless, the burden may be lighter this time, as it seems to have diminished following Eden Hazard’s retirement after the last World Cup. This Belgium team is not categorized among the favorites or even the underdogs, which could work in their favor. A more manageable group stage should also assist. — Julien Laurens

BRAZIL

GROUP C
vs. Morocco (June 13, New York/New Jersey)
vs. Haiti (June 19, Philadelphia)
vs. Scotland (June 24, Miami)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Alisson, Ederson, Hugo Souza; (Defenders) Wesley França, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro, Vanderson, Douglas Santos, Eder Militão, Alexandro Ribeiro, Danilo; (Midfielders) Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Andrey Santos, Ederson, Lucas Paquetá; (Forwards) Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr, Estevão, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, João Pedro, Neymar

Squad snapshot: Brazil is still racing against time to prepare for the World Cup. Following a tumultuous initial three years of the tournament cycle, during which two coaches (Fernando Diniz, Dorival Junior) were dismissed during qualification, Carlo Ancelotti is striving to assemble a squad capable of contending for a sixth title. He has been at the helm of the Seleção since last June, and his approach has emphasized the speed, skill, and intelligent movement of the attacking players, without relying on a traditional No. 9, supported by a robust midfield duo: Bruno Guimarães and veteran Casemiro.

The significant uncertainty revolves around Neymar’s potential role. Currently playing for Santos, the 34-year-old winger is attempting to regain his peak physical condition to be included in the squad, but he has struggled with fitness since 2022, which raises concerns about his ability to handle the demands of this level of competition. Ancelotti will provide him an opportunity until the final selection, but Brazil appears capable of progressing without him, even with Rodrygo sidelined due to injury, as they have top talents like Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and Estevão.

Although the team is not fully prepared yet, Ancelotti has instilled confidence and drawn attention to himself. The figurehead of the most successful national team in history is now on the sidelines — and he speaks Italian. — Gustavo Zupak, ESPN Brasil

CANADA

GROUP B
vs. UEFA A (June 12, Toronto)
vs. Qatar (June 18, Vancouver)
vs. Switzerland (June 24, Vancouver)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Dayne St. Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman; (Defenders) Alphonso Davies, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Niko Sigur, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Zorhan Bassong, Luc de Fougerolles, Joel Waterman, Kamal Miller; (Midfielders) Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, Nathan Saliba, Marcelo Flores, Jacob Schaffelburg; (Forwards) Liam Millar, Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David, Cyle Larin

Squad snapshot: A solid core of players led by world-class left back Alphonso Davies? Confirmed. An XI predominantly made up of players from European clubs? Confirmed. Home-field advantage this summer? Check that off as well. Recent achievements in the latest regional competition? About that …

Reflecting on the 2025 Gold Cup, Canada was taken aback after their quarterfinal exit against Guatemala. Although the favorites were reduced to 10 men during the knockout match, the outcome was still disappointing for head coach Jesse Marsch, who remarked: “We need to learn how to win in crucial moments.” While it is reasonable to consider that match an outlier, it is equally fair to note that just days earlier, Canada also settled for a 1-1 draw against then-90th-ranked Curacao.

Not confined to just a couple of matches and occasionally observed on a broader scale, a significant issue is the lack of elite depth that can impede Canada when needing to rotate midfield or defensive players. Even in the absence of a key defender like Moise Bombito or Davies, or midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, the team can struggle. The inclusion of Davies, who might start as a left winger, could be pivotal in matches. Key players in these positions have also faced injury challenges in the winter.

Canada deserves recognition for significantly enhancing its talent pool over recent decades, but there remains work to be done beyond the core group. — Cesar Hernandez

ENGLAND

GROUP L
vs. Croatia (June 17, Dallas)
vs. Ghana (June 23, Boston)
vs. Panama (June 27, New York/New Jersey)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope; (Defenders) Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall; (Midfielders) Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer; (Forwards) Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, Harry Kane

Squad snapshot: England needs only slight improvements to enhance their chances of ending a 60-year drought for a major international trophy. The FA is hopeful that Thomas Tuchel can deliver this as an elite coach with tactical expertise that many perceive as an upgrade over his esteemed predecessor Gareth Southgate.

The two clear weaknesses in England’s lineup are in defense and midfield. The journey to the Euro 2024 final featured a series of determined, yet largely uninspired, performances as Southgate sought an effective combination in central midfield. England has long lacked a No. 6 midfielder capable of controlling the game’s tempo and providing maturity in possession, but there are indications that Elliot Anderson could fulfill that role. The Nottingham Forest midfielder’s emergence has been a highlight of the Tuchel era, bringing composure and confidence to the base of England’s midfield, but it remains uncertain whether he can replicate that on the grandest stage.

England’s center backs are also not entirely reassuring, although Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City reinforces the notion that he is evolving into a top-tier player, making left back the most significant concern. Tuchel will need to choose between promising youngsters like Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall, experienced but inconsistent options like Luke Shaw, or promising players struggling for playing time such as Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

England’s strength lies in their attack, boasting a wealth of options and one of the finest No. 9s in global football. Harry Kane will spearhead the attack, while Tuchel has occasionally favored Morgan Rogers’ all-around contributions over the star power of Jude Bellingham in the No. 10 role. Integrating Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, and several other strong candidates into the lineup is Tuchel’s challenge. He must succeed where Southgate fell short in establishing a clear identity that maximizes the individual talents at his disposal. — James Olley

FRANCE

GROUP I
vs. Senegal (June 16, New York/New Jersey)
vs. FIFA 2 (June 22, Philadelphia)
vs. Norway (June 26, Boston)

Projected squad: (Goalkeepers) Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser; (Defenders) Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Wesley Fofana, Theo Hernandez; (Midfielders) Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Warren Zaire-Emery, Eduardo Camavinga; (Forwards) Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Hugo Ekitike, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram

Squad snapshot: For his final tournament as France’s coach, Didier Deschamps has chosen to adopt a more adventurous approach, moving beyond his typical conservative tactics and defensive 4-3-3 formation. This strategy has proven highly effective during his 14-year tenure with Les Bleus (2018 World Cup victory, 2022 World Cup final, Euro 2016 final, Euro 2024 semifinal), and now he possesses all the necessary tools to conclude on a high note.

The depth of his squad, particularly in attacking positions, is remarkable. Consider the front four, for instance. Deschamps has six exceptional talents to choose from: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Michael Olise are assured starters. Meanwhile, Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué will compete for the final spot.

There is a commendable blend of experience and versatility among Deschamps’ likely midfield selections, but the fullback positions may represent the team’s weakest link. Jules Koundé at right back and Lucas Digne at left back have not had stellar seasons individually with Barcelona and Aston Villa. Although I anticipate they will start for France this summer, they could be targeted by opposing teams. — Laurens

GERM