Mozzart Sport Writers' 2026 FIFA World Cup winners prediction
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Reading Time: 10min | Thu. 11.06.26. | 09:52
Here is a prediction from Mozzart Sport writers on who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup
After years of waiting, the FIFA World Cup is once again here with us, with over a month of football expected to shake the globe, and define history while at it.
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Here at Mozzart Sport Kenya, you can be assured of dedicated coverage, ranging from match previews, betting guides, reports, tactical analysis, and all the post-match reactions.
Before action gets started this evening at Estadio Azteca, our team sat through their expectations in the tournament, lining out their winners, dark horses, and teams of choice. Here is what they think:
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Imran Otieno - Editor
World Cup winner: France
France enters the tournament with one of the most star-studded squads, with almost all players coming from hugely successful seasons. I would back the nation to lift a second trophy in three editions. England and Portugal might make the last four, if not the final, for similar reasons.
I am yet to be fully convinced by Spain, who have a plethora of talent in their squad, and come into the tournament as European champions.
Dark horses: Norway
Despite this being their first tournament in 26 years, the Scandinavian nation is littered with talent around their squad, capable of upsetting established nations in the tournament.
Team of choice: Germany
The second most successful nation in the tournament has endured torrid successive tournaments, failing to make it past the group stages but under Julian Nagelsmann, hope is slowly returning to the side.
Meshack Kisenge - Sub Editor
World Cup winner:Spain
I must admit my bias from the outset - I would love to see Argentina retain the trophy for the sake of Lionel Messi, whom I consider the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.
However, sentiment aside, I recognise that the Albiceleste may lack the depth and dynamism required to defend their crown, particularly given that several key players are now past their peak years.
With that in mind, I am compelled to back Spain. The reigning European champions boast a well-balanced squad, with quality and depth in every department.
Most of their players are in their prime and will be eager to seize this opportunity rather than wait another four years for a realistic shot at football's ultimate prize.
Dark Horse: Senegal
This is a team heading to the World Cup eager to prove that they are the genuine African champions.
They will be determined to demonstrate that they can win football matches on the pitch rather than in boardrooms or courtrooms.
The Lions of Teranga know they will face intense scrutiny over both their performances and conduct, and this is likely to motivate them to fight even harder.
That determination could see them surpass the quarterfinal stage for the first time since the 2002 edition.
The quality in their squad is definitely good enough to successfully battle with teams from the rest of continents.
Team of choice: Spain
It is no secret that Harambee Stars fell well short of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing fifth in Group F.
With Kenya absent from the tournament, Spain remains my team of choice.
They boast a talented squad, world-class quality across the pitch, and an excellent coach in Luis de la Fuente.
In my view, La Roja has all the ingredients needed to lift a second World Cup trophy.
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Victor Karuga – Writer
World Cup Winner: Spain
Spain head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking like the most complete team in international football. They followed up their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph by continuing to dominate against elite opposition, blending the experience of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo with the explosive talent of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Unlike previous Spanish sides that sometimes lacked cutting edge, this generation combines technical superiority with pace, directness and depth, making them my favourites to lift the trophy.
Dark Horse: Colombia
My dark horse is Colombia. They reached the 2024 Copa América final and were only denied the title by Argentina after extra time, demonstrating that they can compete with the world's best over the course of a major tournament. Led by Luis Díaz and supported by a squad that combines South American grit with attacking flair, Colombia have the quality and tournament know-how to surprise many fancied nations in North America.
Team Of Choice: Senegal
In the absence of Harambee Stars, I will be rooting for Senegal. The Teranga Lions have become one of Africa's most consistent international sides, winning AFCON in 2022 and regularly challenging the world's best teams. With leaders such as Kalidou Koulibaly guiding an exciting generation of talent, Senegal represent the kind of ambition and progress many African football fans would love to see rewarded with a deep World Cup run.
Kevin Teya - Writer
World Cup winner: Brazil
Brazil head into the tournament with a squad that may not be the most exciting on paper, but counting them out would be a mistake. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in major cup competitions. While the Seleção may lack the abundance of superstar names associated with previous generations, their strength lies in their collective unity and experience.
In recent years, Brazil's star players have often struggled to deliver in the biggest moments, making teamwork and tactical discipline even more important. With a squad featuring several players who have enjoyed success at club level and know what it takes to win trophies, I believe Brazil has the ingredients to capture a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.
Dark horses: Senegal
Reigning AFCON champions Senegal have all the qualities of a team capable of causing major upsets at the tournament. Their triumph over Morocco enroute to continental glory showcased their resilience, character, and winning mentality.
The Lions of Teranga boast a balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting emerging talent. Strong in every department and well-organised tactically, Senegal have the potential to surprise some of the traditional heavyweights and make a deep run in the competition.
Team of choice: Germany
Germany remains my team of choice. The 2014 world champions have not produced their best performances in recent major tournaments, but history has shown that they are a side that knows how to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Tournament football often brings out the best in Germany, and despite recent struggles, they possess the pedigree, mentality and experience to once again be a force on the biggest stage.
Sammy Gitahi - Writer
World Cup winner: England
Its coming home, finally. The Three Lions, after flattering to deceive in the past, have emerged as a team that can finally hack it into the last stages of global competitions. Following their impressive run under former manager Gareth Southgate, England have now given themselves a chance to deliver their first World Cup since 1966, by hiring an astute German manager - Thomas Tuchel - whose in-game management and tournament experience should come big when it matters.
In the past, England have failed to take care of moments - a lead in the 2018 semifinal against Croatia, a lead in the 2020 Euros final against Italy, or even a chance to attack the French in 2024. With a more tactical brain on the touchline, you can expect Tuchel and his strong, balanced squad to get it done this time.
Dark horses: Ecuador
The World Cup might not be happening in the famous altitudes of Quito, but to have made survival against challenging conditions their weapon, I back La Tri to survive whatever will be thrown at them in near-familiar sorroundings in North America, ie: the heat.
Under coach Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador surprised many when they secured qualification with two games to spare, finishing only behind leaders Argentina.
While their attack is still reliant on the evergreen Enner Valencia, it is their defense led by Willian Pancho and Piero Hincapie that will give them a chance to go further in this tournament.
Team of choice: South Africa
As a recent Mamelodi Sundowns fan, there is not much that delights me than getting the opportunity to watch warriors like Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena light it up for the Bafana Bafana.
First World Cup since 2010 amid administrative errors should be a challenging one for Hugo Broos' men, but my soft spot for them remains.
Josh Angatia - Analyst
World cup winner: Germany
Never write off the Germans' is a common phrase in football, since the DFB Team's exploits at the 2014 World Cup, where they went all the way. The last two editions have seen them fail to leave an impact. They arrive off a decent qualifying campaign, winning 5 out of 6 matches and conceding a paltry 3 goals.
Under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany now have a clear identity and one that accommodates their key attacking talents in Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz behind Kai Havertz. The midfield steel of Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic should provide a good base for the attackers to express themselves. Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich provide the much needed experience at the back. I would back Nagelsmann tactical nous to see the Germans edge it.
Dark Horses: Norway
After years of heartbreak, having not played at the world stage for 28 years, Norway are finally back on the big time. Blessed with attacking talent, matched maybe by only France. In Erlng Haaland they have the best finisher in the world, Supported by the intricate magic of Martin Odegaard, the drive of Alexandre Sorloth and Antonia Nusa.
Coach Stale Solbakken should look to see his side cause trouble and some major upsets along the way.
Team of choice: Senegal
AFCON drama aside, Senegal are still a proper side. Under Pape Thiaw, the Senegalese have pretty decent firepower to replicate what Morocco did at the last World Cup or go even further. The transition threat of Ilman Ndiaye, the never ageing Sadio Mane and the robustness of Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye.
Brian Odhiambo - Writer
World Cup winner: Argentina
Argentina arrive at the World Cup not as hopeful challengers, but as a battle-tested football machine that knows exactly what it takes to lift the trophy.
Four years ago, they conquered the world in Qatar.
Today, they remain one of the most complete teams on the planet, blending experience, tactical discipline, and a winning mentality that few nations can match.
At the heart of their strength is continuity. While many traditional powerhouses have undergone rebuilding phases, Argentina have largely kept the core of the squad that won the World Cup and back-to-back continental titles.
The dressing room is united, the system is well-established, and every player understands his role.
Lionel Messi may no longer be the explosive force of his younger years, but his influence remains enormous.
More importantly, Argentina are no longer solely dependent on him.
Players such as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez, and Cristian Romero have matured into world-class performers capable of deciding matches on their own.
What makes Argentina particularly dangerous is their ability to win in different ways.
They can dominate possession, absorb pressure, counterattack at pace, or grind out results in difficult circumstances.
They are comfortable in beautiful football and equally comfortable in ugly football. Champions are often defined not by how they play when things are going well, but by how they respond when things are not, and Argentina have repeatedly shown resilience under pressure.
Their coach, Lionel Scaloni, has also created a culture built on sacrifice and collective responsibility.
There are no passengers in the squad. Every player defends, presses, and works for the team.
Perhaps Argentina's greatest weapon, however, is belief.
The burden of waiting for a World Cup title has disappeared.
The scars of past failures have healed.
They now play with the confidence of champions rather than the fear of contenders.
For opponents, that is a frightening prospect.
Picture Argentina walking onto a packed stadium under floodlights.
The sky is dark, the noise deafening, and thousands of blue-and-white flags ripple like waves across the stands.
The famous chants echo from every corner as players link arms before kick-off.
There is a calmness in their eyes, the look of a team that has already climbed football's highest mountain and knows the path better than anyone else.
That is why many believe Argentina could once again stand at the summit of world football when the final whistle of the World Cup blows.
Not because they have the biggest stars, but because they have become something even more dangerous: a team that knows how to win.
Dark Horse: Morocco
I think Morocco are dark horses because they combine strong tactical discipline, solid defensive organisation, and proven experience from their impressive 2022 World Cup run, where they reached the semi-finals.
They are a difficult team to break down and very effective in knockout-style matches, especially when playing against stronger opponents.
Their squad also features high-quality players competing in top European leagues, which gives them composure and confidence on the big stage.
With leaders like Achraf Hakimi, creative influence from Brahim Díaz and Hakim Ziyech, defensive stability from Sofyan Amrabat, and the reliability of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Morocco have enough match-winners to cause major upsets and potentially go far again in the tournament.
Team of Choice: Argentina
In 2010, while I was in Standard Six, I found myself on the receiving end of classroom mockery when Germany knocked Messi and Argentina out of the World Cup.
That teasing continued through 2014 and 2018, but things improved in 2022.
Now, I just want to see them win a second title so I can have the last laugh against those who tormented me more than 16 years ago.
Furthermore, as already stated, experience makes Argentina a team to watch.