Every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings together some of the best soccer players and national teams in the world. With the 2026 tournament approaching and Seattle set to host several matches, many SPSCC students may find themselves following the World Cup for the first time. With 48 teams competing, there will be plenty of matches, storylines, and memorable moments. Here are a few teams worth keeping an eye on when the tournament begins.
🇦🇷 Argentina
As the defending World Cup champions, Argentina will enter the 2026 tournament with high expectations. Their dramatic victory over France in the 2022 World Cup Final helped Lionel Messi complete one of the greatest careers in soccer history. Although Argentina’s squad is older than it was in 2022, many fans will be watching to see if Messi can make one final World Cup appearance and help lead Argentina to another deep run. With a talented core of experienced players and the confidence of a reigning champion, Argentina remains on the favorites for the title.
Player to Watch: Lionel Messi
(Lionel Messi playing for Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Hossein Zohrevand, licensed under CC BY 4.0.)
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain enters the tournament as the reigning European champions and one of the youngest squads among the favorites. Much of the attention will be on Lamine Yamal, who played a major role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and has quickly become one of the brightest young stars in the world.
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal
(Spain national football team in 2025. Photo by Biso, licensed under CC BY 4.0.)
🇲🇦 Morocco
Morocco enters the 2026 World Cup looking to build on one of the most impressive runs in tournament history. During the 2022 World Cup, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semifinals, helping put African soccer in the global spotlight. Much of the attention will be on Achraf Hakimi, who recently helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League and remains one of the best full-backs in the world. With a talented squad and a proven ability to compete with soccer’s biggest nations, Morocco could once again be one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.
Player to Watch: Achraf Hakimi
(Morocco players Neil El Aynaoui, Yassine Bounou, and Achraf Hakimi before a match against Paraguay in March 2026. Photo by Abdelali Bentarki (CC BY 4.0)).
🇧🇷 Brazil
No nation has won more World Cups than Brazil. Known for producing some of the most talented players in soccer history, Brazil always enters the tournament as one of the favorites. After more than two decades without a World Cup title, fans will be hoping the Seleção can return to the top of world soccer
Player to Watch: Neymar Jr.
(Brazil’s Neymar celebrates during an international match. Photo by Agencia de Noticias ANDES, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)
🇫🇷 France
France has been one of the most consistent national teams in the world over the past decade. After winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the final in 2022, they once again enter the tournament as one of the favorites. With a deep roster filled with world-class talent, France has the potential to make another deep run.
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappé
(Kylian Mbappé celebrates during France’s 2022 FIFA World Cup match against Australia. Photo by Hossein Zohrevand (CC BY 4.0).
🇺🇸 United States
As one of the host nations, the United States will have the advantage of playing in front of home crowds throughout the tournament. Soccer continues to grow in popularity across the country, and the 2026 World Cup could become a major moment for the sport in America. Expectations are high for a talented young squad looking to make an impact on home soil.
Player to Watch: Christian Pulisic
(The United States Men’s National Team before a match against Belgium in March 2026. Photo by Bryan Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0).
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast enters the tournament as one of Africa’s most exciting teams. After winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, the Elephants have continued to build momentum heading into the World Cup. They are also the youngest team at the world cup with an average age of 25.4 years old, giving fans a chance to watch several rising stars. Much of the attention may be on young talent Yan Diomande who’s caught the attention of many top European clubs. Ivory Coast’s combination of youth and confidence could make them a dangerous team capable of surprising more established nations.
Player to Watch: Yan Diomande
(Ivory Coast national team players before a match. Photo: Happiraphael (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or someone watching the World Cup for the first time, the 2026 tournament promises plenty of memorable moments, star players, and exciting storylines. With Seattle hosting matches just a few hours away from SPSCC, there’s a unique opportunity to experience and learn about one of the world’s biggest sporting events closer to home than ever before. From defending champions and rising stars to potential underdogs, the road to the 2026 World Cup is already shaping up to be one worth watching.