100 Days to the World Championship: Highlighting the Most Interesting Teams

2026-03-03 18:35 © Reuters

Football fans have received a symbolic number – there are only 100 days left until the 2026 World Cup.

On this occasion, the website "FoxSports” has highlighted the 12 most interesting teams for the upcoming fiesta.

Argentina

Best achievement in World Cup: champions (1978, 1986, 2022)

The current world champions aim to become the first country since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to defend the title. Will "La Albiceleste” do it? The team is still coached by Lionel Scaloni, and led into battle by Lionel Messi – such a squad can never be counted out. Although the captain will turn 39 during the tournament, it is an experienced and talented team, skilled at winning major tournaments (they also won the "Copa America” in 2021 and 2024).

Brazil

Best achievement: champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

In the last two World Cups held in North America, Brazil returned home with the trophy. However, the most successful national team of all time has not added a sixth star to its legendary yellow jerseys for almost a quarter of a century. Brazil last triumphed in 2002. The current 24-year drought is the longest in their history. Brazil always has enough talent to win, and now the team is led by legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who should help unleash Vinicius and other players.

Canada

Best achievement: group stage (1986, 2022)

Four years ago, Canada ended a 30-year absence by returning to the World Cup. Although in Qatar the Canadians lost all three matches, the team played solidly. Now Canada will host men's World Cup matches for the first time in history, meaning the pressure to perform well in Toronto and Vancouver will be even greater. Under the guidance of coach Jesse Marsch, the team will aim not only for their first victory but also for qualification to the knockout stage.

Colombia

Best achievement: quarter-finals (2014)

Although Colombia did not qualify for the tournament in 2022, they could be a surprise this year. In South American qualifiers, the team finished third – only behind Ecuador and Argentina, surpassing even Brazil. A large fan support is expected for matches in Mexico and Miami, where the Colombians will face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

Curaçao

Best achievement: debut in 2026.

This Dutch territory became the smallest nation by population (about 185,000) and area to ever qualify for a World Cup. Just participating is already a huge achievement for Curaçao.

England

Best achievement: champions (1966)

England is still seeking its first title since 1966. The team has talent and experience, and is now coached by Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel. Among the leaders are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer.

France

Best achievement: champions (1998, 2018)

France won the 2018 Championship, and in the 2022 final lost to Argentina after penalties. With Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé in attack, the French are among the favorites.

Mexico

Best achievement: quarter-finals (1970, 1986)

Playing at home, Mexico hopes to improve on its 2022 result, where it did not get past the group stage. In previous home tournaments, they reached the quarter-finals. Much hope is placed on young talent Gilberto Mora and experienced forward Raúl Jiménez.

Morocco

Best achievement: semi-finals (2022)

Morocco, which became a sensation at the 2022 Qatar Championship, was the first African and Arab country to reach the semi-finals. The team will aim to repeat or even improve such a result.

Portugal

Best achievement: semi-finals (1966, 2006)

Portugal has never played in a World Cup final. Will it happen this year? The team is led by Roberto Martinez, and much fan attention will be focused on 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's performances on the field.

USA

Best achievement: semi-finals (1930)

For the first time since 1994, the World Cup will be held in the USA. Under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership, the team hopes to perform well. The current squad, featuring players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, is considered the most talented in history. The coach encourages them to think ambitiously: "We have to win.”