FIFA World Cup 2026: Yahoo Sports Predictions—Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Shocks, Who Will Be Champion?

The wait is over. The biggest ever FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday with the Mexico-South Africa opener; USA-Paraguay on Friday. After that, Saturn will go into full swing in the first group stage. Ahead of the event, the Yahoo Sports football team has released their predictions—from Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, biggest upsets to eventual champions.

Champion competition and strong teams:

• Only eight countries have won the World Cup so far. This time too, the champion is likely to come from the same elite group. At the same time, there is speculation that even the Netherlands, after decades of disappointment, could aim for the title this time around.

• The depth and quality of France's squad—having talent that hasn't even featured in qualifying—shows them a major improvement. It is recalled that if Randal Kolo Mwani's 'one chance' had gone right in extra time at the end of 2022, we would now be talking about France aiming for a third successive title. Didier Deschamps brings a squad full of experience and depth with minimal changes; Names like Michael Ollis and Desiree Douay show the rise.

• Lionel Messi's fitness is crucial if Argentina are to continue as a machine. If he is healthy, they could make their first back-to-back titles since Pele's Brazil in 1958 and 1962 a reality.

• The rally situation suggests that the special thriller that some are hoping for—France vs. Argentina—may happen again at the end. In that case, there is also the argument that this time France may have the upper hand. Another view: Spain, led by Lamin Yamal, who celebrates his 19th birthday six days before the end, is also being tipped to win the title by beating Argentina.

Golden Boot, Golden Ball—Who Leads?

• Kylian Mbappé, who missed out on a hat-trick at the end of 2022, has a chance to erase those memories this time around. But to surpass him as the leading striker, there is Harry Kane. While 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich this season—seems a bit low for the England squad—Can's individual numbers place him high in the Golden Boot race.

• In some eyes, Michael Olis is a serious contender for the Golden Ball in terms of providing a complete game. Hat-trick against Northern Ireland in recent pre-season; The Bundesliga 'Player of the Season' award also reflects his quality.

• Miguel Oyarchabal leads team with 6 goals in qualifying for Spain; He took 2 of 3 penalties. Spain's less balanced opponents in the group stage, such as Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, will give Oyarzabal and teammates the chance to up their numbers.

• Lamin Yamale is a direct choice for the 'Best Young Player' title from many points of view. The reason for his fame and influence; But an injury like a hamstring problem is a concern. He is expected to be in the lead for the award, even if he falls short of his usual best.

Golden Glove:

• Goalkeeper award many times gives shocks due to small sample size (short tournament duration). This time, David Raya is the keeper named in the team that plays in a 'team goes a long way—but not like a wall' system.


Deceptions—Who's at Risk?

• Despite Spain leading the way in terms of data and performance, caution over the health of 18-year-old Lamin Yamal. He may shine on his first world stage; But not everything can be put on one young shoulder.

• Brazil — despite their prowess up front and in defense — rely on 34-year-old Casemiro and 32-year-old Fabinho in the middle, a long practice run in the American sun, which could prove frustrating.

Team USA—Criteria for Success:

• What does the US team (USMNT) mean by 'winning' in this World Cup? Never got past the quarter finals in the modern era. But this time all matches on the home side; Also reformed where 32 teams go into the knockout round. So a mere knockout is not enough; At least equal the 2002 quarterfinal record; Otherwise the team considers it disappointing.

Big Stage, Big Challenges:

• With a record 48 teams, 104 matches, 39 days, 3 countries (USA, Mexico, Canada) co-hosting this edition comes with background controversies. Politics, event management, economic issues—all will be discussed. But the Yahoo Sports team believes the magic of the ball will take center stage once the tournament begins.

Summing up the final prediction units:

• Champions League—France vs Argentina (Some: France win). Alternative view: Spain vs Argentina (Some: Spain title).

• Golden Boot—Gillian Mbappé or Harry Kane.

• Golden Ball—Many others in contention, including Michael Olis; Mbappé is strong.

• Golden Glove—David Raya is a 'dark horse'.

• Big disappointment—Spain or Brazil (health/midfield reasons).

All in all: A continuation of the Messi-Mbappé saga that gave the world a spectacular final in 2022, or a new-age Spain led by Lamin Yamal? Predictions are many; But the ground will tell the story.