The World Cup has begun and without a doubt there are some clear favourites that people will be betting on to win the expanded global tournament this year.

France, Germany and of course, defending champions Argentina top our list of teams expected to win the title given the vast experience and quality in their squad's, but we will focus on three nations who are also favourites but have more glaring issues that may affect their title challenge.

England

The Three Lions will be hoping their side clicks and avoids falling to the weight of public expectations as they look to end a 60-year-old wait for a second World Cup title.

England boast a talented squad, but it has yet to show that on the field under coach Thomas Tuchel, as they managed to win just one of their last three warm-up friendlies ahead of the global showpiece.

Key players like Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford will head into the World Cup on the back of trophy winning campaigns for their respective club's and will be expected to replicate their club form for England.

However, many eyes will be on Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, following the
omission of other creative attackers in Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the final squad.

Brazil

The Samba Boys are looking to end their joint longest period [24 years] without winning the coveted global tournament ahead of the North American showpiece.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to hope that his managerial experience with some of the biggest superstars in the world can help merge the talented squad to achieve a World Cup title.

Ancelotti has only been with the national team since May 2025 and has signed a contract extension with the Selecao until July 2030.

A number of fans will be keeping close tabs on the number of minutes superstar Neymar gets for the team at the World Cup and will be hoping he can play an influential role in winning the elusive title.

Following the opening match 1-1 result against Morocco, more pressure will be heaped onto the Brazilians.

Spain

The Spanish side head into the tournament boasting a 30-match unbeaten streak and a fairly young but experienced squad that has already tasted success with their 2023 UEFA Nations League and 2024 European Championship triumphs.

However, the Spaniards only have seven players who have featured in a World Cup before, with a number of players also struggling with fitness issues ahead of their opener.

Young sensation Lamine Yamal and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams both are doubtful to feature for the opening match due to hamstring issues, with Fermin Lopez and Dani Carvajal having already been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The La Roja could be prone to counter attacks as they rely on keeping possession and applying pressure in the opposition half, which could leave them exposed at the back.

Spain also have an excellent starting line-up but squad depth will be exposed should injuries and suspensions affect the team.

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad