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Portugal and Netherlands among teams eyed for first World Cup title
FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup field to 48 teams. Several nations without a prior title are viewed as possible winners.
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FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams. The change was presented as a way to increase opportunities for new champions. Only eight nations have won the men's World Cup since the tournament began. Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco, Senegal, and Japan are among the teams without a title that have drawn attention ahead of the event.
Portugal Portugal reached the quarter-finals in 2022.
The team has a squad that includes Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Rúben Dias. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make his final appearance for the national team at the tournament. Roberto Martínez is the current manager.
Other contenders The Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals in 2022.
The team has depth in defense and midfield but lacks a consistent goal scorer. Morocco finished fourth in 2022. Senegal also reached the round of 16 that year. Japan has advanced past the group stage in recent tournaments but has not reached the quarter-finals.
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