Ex-Real Madrid coach Names Four Favourites For 2026 World Cup Glory 

Former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has tipped four European giants as the strongest contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing their blend of star quality, depth and pedigree on the global stage.

Benitez singled out France, Spain, England and Germany as the teams most likely to lift football’s biggest prize, arguing that each possesses the talent and experience required to go all the way.

The Spanish tactician was particularly impressed by the wealth of attacking options available to France, highlighting players such as Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe. He noted that the French squad is so strong that several top-class players have been left out.

Spain also earned Benitez’s backing thanks to its exciting mix of youth and experience, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and a midfield anchored by Pedri and Rodri.

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While Germany may not boast the same level of star power, Benitez believes their rich World Cup history and winning mentality make them dangerous opponents.

England completed his list of favourites, with the former coach pointing to the influence of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as key reasons the Three Lions remain serious title challengers.

“France possesses an impressive array of talent,” Benitez told La Gazzetta, adding that Spain, Germany and England also have the quality to challenge for the trophy.

Ex-Real Madrid coach Names Four Favourites For 2026 World Cup Glory

World Cup: Vinicius Saves Brazil as Morocco Push Five-Time Champions to the Brink

For 21 nerve-racking minutes, Brazil stared at the prospect of a World Cup nightmare not witnessed in nearly a century. But when panic threatened to engulf the five-time champions, Vinicius Junior rose to the occasion, producing a moment of brilliance that rescued a 1-1 draw against a fearless Morocco side at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The Selecao were rocked when Morocco struck first in the 21st minute. A costly mix-up between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos gifted Ismael Saibari an opening, and the Moroccan midfielder calmly lifted the ball over the stranded Liverpool keeper from outside the box to send the African champions into dreamland.

The goal carried historic significance. It was the first time Morocco had ever scored against South American opposition at a World Cup, having drawn blanks against Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Rather than retreat, Morocco piled on the pressure. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men overwhelmed Brazil with wave after wave of attacks, firing 12 shots within the opening half-hour — the most the South Americans have faced in a World Cup match since meeting Mexico in 2018.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s side rattled and their proud 92-year unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches under serious threat, Vinicius delivered when Brazil needed him most.

Making his 50th appearance for the national team, the Real Madrid star gathered a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the penalty area, danced past his marker and unleashed a thunderous strike beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity 13 minutes before halftime.

Brazil nearly completed the turnaround moments later when Lucas Paqueta’s spectacular acrobatic effort forced a fine save from Bounou in stoppage time.

Inspired by the presence of Brazilian legends from the victorious 2002 World Cup squad — including Ronaldo, Kaka and Roberto Carlos — the Selecao emerged with greater purpose after the break. Yet despite enjoying more control, clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Raphinha came closest to snatching victory, narrowly missing Bruno Guimaraes’ dangerous low cross across the face of goal as Morocco’s resolute defence stood firm.

While Morocco were left wondering what might have been after coming so close to a famous victory, Brazil escaped with their remarkable opening-match unbeaten streak intact, extending a record that has now survived for an astonishing 92 years.

Mexico Defeat South Africa 2–0 in Chaos-Filled World Cup Opener

Co-hosts Mexico began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday in a dramatic and chaotic encounter that saw three red cards, multiple disciplinary flashpoints, and a record-breaking level of on-field controversy for a tournament opener. The match immediately set a harsh tone for the competition, with the dismissal count surpassing expectations compared to previous editions of the World Cup.

Mexico made a dream start when Julian Quiñones scored in the 9th minute after a defensive error from South Africa. The forward finished clinically after being set up by Erik Lira, sending more than 80,000 home fans into celebration at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The goal marked the first of the 2026 World Cup, placing Quiñones among a select group of players to score opening World Cup goals. The match became increasingly physical before halftime, with both teams picking up bookings and South Africa managing only one shot on target.

South Africa’s challenge worsened early in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The foul, which stopped Brian Gutierrez from going through on goal, left South Africa with 10 men and shifted the momentum firmly in Mexico’s favour. The decision was confirmed after referee consultation, with officials ruling it a clear professional foul.

Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through veteran striker Raul Jimenez. The Fulham forward scored with a composed header from a precise cross by Roberto Alvarado, marking an emotional moment as he netted his first World Cup goal in years following a serious skull injury sustained earlier in his career. The goal also saw Jimenez move further up Mexico’s all-time scoring charts, tying for second place.

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South Africa’s night deteriorated further in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review. The incident involved contact with Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado, and the referee ruled that the challenge warranted a red card under strict interpretation of head and face contact rules. The dismissal left South Africa with just nine players on the pitch as the game slipped further away from them.

Despite the chaos, Mexico also ended the match with a sending-off when captain Cesar Montes was shown a red card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Khuliso Mudau. While the decision was debated, officials ruled it a dangerous tackle that denied a potential scoring opportunity, ensuring both teams finished the match with reduced numbers.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised his team’s performance but admitted there was room for improvement, noting that nerves affected their first-half display despite the comfortable scoreline. South Africa coach Hugo Broos, however, defended his team’s effort, insisting they played well in spells despite being reduced to nine men, although his comments were met with criticism.

The match also delivered several historic milestones, including 17-year-old Gilberto Mora becoming the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup. The three red cards shown in the match set a new record for a World Cup opener, surpassing disciplinary figures from previous tournaments, including the notably cleaner 2022 World Cup.

With the win, Mexico topped Group A with three points, strengthening their position ahead of upcoming fixtures against South Korea and other group opponents. South Africa, meanwhile, will regroup for their next match despite suspensions and a heavy opening defeat that leaves them under pressure in the group.

The encounter, a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, ended with Mexico dominating proceedings in front of a jubilant home crowd at the historic Azteca Stadium, reinforcing their strong start to the tournament despite the disciplinary chaos that defined the night.

Mexico Defeat South Africa 2–0 in Chaos-Filled World Cup Opener