Infantino Discusses 2026 World Cup Favorites, Recalls Morocco's Achievement: "There Could Be Surprises"

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has discussed the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup title, emphasizing that the competition will be open to several traditional powerhouses, alongside the potential for new surprises, much like what occurred in the previous edition.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Infantino stated that the perennial favorites are always those known for their historical strength. He explained, "The most likely candidates are the ones we mentioned; you have Brazil and Argentina, of course, but there are also teams performing well that could be the tournament's surprise."

The FIFA President added that football does not always conform to predictions, citing Morocco's performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they historically reached the semi-finals in an unprecedented achievement.

Infantino elaborated, "In the last World Cup, we had Morocco reaching the semi-finals, and nobody expected that. They eliminated Spain, Portugal, and several strong teams during their run."

He pointed out that this unpredictability is what makes football an enjoyable and exciting game, stating, "What is great about our sport is that it is unpredictable, and we will certainly see surprises in the future."

The FIFA President concluded by affirming that the 2026 World Cup will be a highly competitive edition, bringing together major teams and rising ambitions, which will heighten the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament.