Leading international football teams are finalizing their preparations for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with managers addressing injuries and tactical adjustments three weeks before the tournament.
Spain Faces Injury Challenges
Defending European champions Spain are dealing with significant lineup issues after an unbeaten qualifying campaign under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is nursing a hamstring injury that could keep him out of the first two group matches, while Fermin Lopez has been ruled out entirely with a foot fracture.
The squad also misses Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, sidelined since January, but retains key players like Rodri and Pedri.
Spain is drawn into Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay as they chase a second World Cup title.
France and Argentina Lead Contenders
France enters the tournament with an unbeaten nine-match streak since last June, including spring friendly wins against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.
The tournament marks the final campaign for long-serving manager Didier Deschamps, who has led the team since 2012.
“It’s a strange feeling,” admitted Deschamps.
The French attack features Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele alongside Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki.
Defending champions Argentina topped South American qualifying and won the 2024 Copa America.
Captain Lionel Messi has scored 12 goals in 13 MLS appearances for Inter Miami this year ahead of turning 39 next month.
Argentina also boasts attacking depth through Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Nico Paz.
England, Portugal, Brazil, Germany in Transition
England enters under new manager Thomas Tuchel after consecutive runner-up finishes in the European Championships.
The squad aims to rebound from recent friendlies where they drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan.
Portugal’s qualification campaign included a loss in Ireland where Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off, but they recently secured a 2-0 friendly victory against the United States in Atlanta without Ronaldo.
Brazil, managed by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, finished fifth in South American qualifying with six losses in 18 games.
The squad features Vinicius Junior as the primary attacking leader alongside veteran Neymar, who plays for Santos and has not been capped since 2023.
“The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn’t exist,” insisted Ancelotti.
“It will be won by the most resilient team,” he added.
Germany looks to advance under Julian Nagelsmann following consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, currently sitting behind the Netherlands, Morocco, and Belgium in the international rankings.
