The Opta SuperComputer has tipped Spain to emerge as champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing La Roja ahead of all other contenders in its pre-tournament projections. Spain, who enter the competition as reigning European champions, have been widely backed by football analysts and pundits to add the world title to their recent successes.
Luis de la Fuente's side have been drawn in Group H, where they will face tournament debutants Cape Verde, as well as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
According to Opta's simulations, Spain have a 16.0 per cent chance of lifting the trophy, the highest among all participating nations. France are ranked second with a 12.9 per cent probability, while England sit third on 10.8 per cent as they seek their first World Cup triumph since 1966.
The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday night, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament.
