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After 5-4 Win v France, I've Seen Enough: Spain Will Win the 2026 World Cup - Here's Why

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Crispin Leyser | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 2:33 PM ET

I like a nice mystery thriller. The suspense; the twists; the reveal! So it is with some disappointment that the “mystery” of who will win next year's World Cup has already been solved. It’s Spain.

In a bonkers 5-4 win over France, Spain advanced to the Nations League final where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the final on Sunday, 3pm ET.

The Nations League is not a hugely prestigious event and even if they lose that game it wouldn’t change my opinion that Spain are going to win in 2026 when it really matters. A huge part of that is pretty obvious to anyone with eyes. Lamine Yamal.

The Bigger the Stage.....

At 16 he helped Spain with the European Championship.

At 17 he's dazzled in the Champions League and was instrumental in Barcelona win La Liga. He scored two of those five Spain goals in the semi final win over France.

At 17, he’s considered a serious contender for the Ballon D’Or. The previous youngest winner of the coveted award was Ronaldo Nazario who was 21.

When the World Cup comes around in 2026 he will be 18. The bigger the stage the better he seems to play. There's no bigger stage than the World Cup.

The Supporting Cast...

One world class player alone is not enough. Norway has Erling Haaland but not the supporting cast to match. Unfortunately for everyone else, Spain is stacked all over the pitch.

In Pau Cubarsí (18) and Dean Huijsen (20) they have two of the most talented and composed center backs in the world. Both young, they will be a year wiser and better in 2026.

In central midfield sit Pedri and Rodri (just returning from injury) who are widely considered the best two central midfielders in the world. Rodri is the current holder of the Ballon d'Or.

Then throw in Nico Williams, Gavi, Olmo, Balde, Zubimendi and more - all players valued at over $50m. Spain has star quality in every department and a clear playing style that knits those talents together to devastating effect.

Other Contenders?

Sure France has Mbappé, Doué and Dembélé; Brazil has Vinicius Jr and Raphinha and a new coach (Ancelotti); England has Bellingham, Rice and Kane.

But it simply doesn't compare to the riches of Spain. With Lamine Yamal and other young stars, Spain look set to dominate world soccer for years to come.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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