Here, we rank the ten teams under the most pressure to lift the coveted trophy on 19 July in New York.

England

Best result: Champions, 1966

2022 World Cup result: Quarterfinals

"It's coming home..." For England, it's been 'coming home' for 60 years now. The British press are both brutal and brilliant at generating hype and placing ever-higher expectations on players and fans alike. It happens at such a volume that they almost have no choice but to believe it, making it all the more dramatic when England fail.

The masters of shooting themselves in the foot, striker Harry Kane is already talking about winning the Ballon d'Or. Granted, England has a solid squad going to North America, but will they ever get it over the line if they keep drinking their own Kool-Aid?

Brazil

Best result: Champions, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002

2022 World Cup result: Quarterfinals

Given the frequency of World Cup titles, it's insane to think there has been a whole generation of Brazilians since they last lifted the coveted gold trophy. For the most successful nation in football history to not have lifted a World Cup in 24 years is nigh unacceptable.

What's more is that Brazil have reached just one semifinal in that time (their incredible 7-1 loss to Germany), seemingly stumbling when the pressure is at its peak. They have shelled out millions of dollars for iron-fisted manager Carlo Ancelotti to curb this trend, starting now.

France

Best result: Champions, 1998, 2018

2022 World Cup result: Runners-up

All the ingredients for France to win the World Cup are there. They have a deep, world-class squad. They have arguably the world's best striker at his peak condition in Kylian Mbappe. They have an experienced manager in Didier Deschamps leading the squad in his last tournament. And having won in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022, they have an excellent recent history.

But perhaps the most telling element is motivation. This golden generation of footballers would be very eager to erase their narrow loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final with another win of their own. So is the pressure on? Absolutely.

Germany

Best result: Champions, 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014

2022 World Cup result: Group stage

The Germans have been one of the most consistent performers in the global showpiece. Four titles. Four runners-up. Four third-place finishes. But recent World Cups - exiting at the group stage in 2018 and 2022 - have changed the conversation.

Unlike Brazil, who are aiming to end their title drought, or France, who are trying to maintain supremacy, Germany are trying to reclaim their place among football's elite. A new generation of players such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz are under immense pressure to make that happen.

Netherlands

Best result: Runners-up, 1974, 1978, 2010

2022 World Cup result: Quarterfinals

The Dutch have never won the World Cup despite three heartbreaking final appearances. That's the curse that haunts them: so close, yet so far. Unfortunately, a talented squad featuring players like Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo arrive with this burden. The weight of over 50 years without a title is crushing.

Results-wise, van Dyk's men are in good shape heading into the tournament. Their last defeat in regulation time came in October 2024 and they are undefeated in their last ten matches, winning seven and drawing three. However, this only adds to the pressure.

Argentina

Best result: Champions, 1978, 1986, 2022

2022 World Cup result: Champions

Lionel Messi's Argentina arrive at the World Cup with a massive target on their back and the pressure that comes with it: Every team wants to beat the world champions. They will no longer benefit from their underdog status they enjoyed prior to 2022.

The football-mad nation reached fever pitch when their idol Messi lifted the trophy. Now that their goal has been achieved, there is an alleviation of pressure, but the much harder task of staying on top begins in earnest this month.

Spain

Best result: Champions, 2010

2022 World Cup result: Round of 16

After underperforming in the last three World Cups, where they failed to go past the Round of 16, Spain has arrived Stateside in a buoyant mood. La Roja's triumph at the 2024 Euros transformed them from a promising side into a genuine World Cup favourite.

Spain defeated several elite nations en route to the title and played some of the best football seen in international competition for years. After winning Europe, the next logical target for their balanced squad is conquering the world.

Portugal

Best result: Third place, 1966

2022 World Cup result: Quarterfinals

Portugal faces extraordinary pressure as one of Europe's footballing powerhouses with a golden generation that has yet to deliver a World Cup title. Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy hangs over the squad, and while the 41-year-old may not be at his peak in 2026, the expectation remains.

The team boasts world-class talent, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and a young attacking force. The 2025 Nations League title and other positive results have moved to fifth in the world rankings, making them the highest-ranked team at the World Cup never to have won it.

Belgium

Best result: Third place, 2018

2022 World Cup result: Group stage

Why so low down on this list? Well, Belgium failing to meet expectations at the last two World Cups and a run of recent form has taken the pressure off somewhat. After finishing third in 2018, Belgium plummeted to a humiliating group stage exit in 2022. They also failed to reach the last eight of the 2025 Nations League.

In addition, their golden generation is officially in its twilight years. With Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and gloveman Thibaut Courtois all in their 30s, 2026 may be their last chance to deliver a major trophy. This adds a modicum of pressure, but nothing they haven't felt before given their perennial favourites tag.

Mexico

Best result: Quarterfinals, 1970, 1986

2022 World Cup result: Group stage

Perhaps they aren't really in contention to win overall, but Mexico's infamous quarterfinal curse has haunted them for nearly 60 years. They've reached the last eight twice, both on home soil, but have failed to advance past the Round of 16 in every subsequent World Cup. The pressure from passionate Mexican fans and media to break this curse will be relentless.

After a disappointing 2022 group stage exit, their worst World Cup performance in decades, the stakes in 2026 are astronomical. Playing in North America means facing neighbours United States and the glare of explosive media. The entire nation is watching in person, can the players handle it?

Kaizer Motaung senior pays tribute to club legend Simon 'Bull' Lehoko