One week to FIFA World Cup: Top seven teams likely to win the trophy

The wait is almost over. In just seven days, the world will focus on the FIFA World Cup again. This tournament has given us unforgettable moments, surprising outcomes, and legendary champions.

For Nigerian fans, there is a familiar feeling of sadness. The Super Eagles will not be part of the tournament again after failing to qualify for the second World Cup in a row. They lost in the playoffs before Qatar 2022 and couldn't qualify this time around.

But Nigeria's absence won't stop fans from following the tournament. From Lagos to Kano, Port Harcourt to Enugu, millions of Nigerians will support their favourite teams and players while hoping to see history unfold.

As the tournament gets closer, several countries are seen as strong contenders. Argentina is the reigning champion, but other nations have incredible talent and high expectations built over the years.

Here is a closer look at the seven teams likely to win the World Cup.

Argentina: The Champions still leading the way

Argentina enters as the current champion, having won the World Cup three times: in 1978, 1986, and 2022. They have also finished as runners-up three times: in 1930, 1990, and 2014. This makes six appearances in World Cup finals for them.

They come into this tournament filled with the confidence that only champions have. They hope to make it to their seventh final.

Their win in Qatar 2022 ended a 36-year wait for World Cup glory. It completed one of football's great stories as Lionel Messi finally won the one trophy missing from his amazing career.

Argentina has continued to grow instead of declining after their triumph. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, they have become one of the most disciplined teams in international football.

Star power

Messi is still the face of the team, but fans believe they no longer depend only on him. The squad includes top players from Europe: creative midfielders, dynamic attackers, and solid defenders.

The team's biggest strength is collective responsibility, with every player knowing their role.

Tactical identity

Scaloni's strategy focuses on strong defense, aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and controlling midfield.

They can control possession but can also defend deeply and strike back quickly. This makes them hard to prepare for.

Biggest strength

Their mentality is a key strength. This group has shown they can overcome tough situations, whether in penalty shootouts or high-pressure knockout matches.

Potential weakness

Age is a concern. Many key players like Lionel Messi, Nicholas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Otamendi are in their 30s. Keeping peak performance for a month-long tournament might be tough.

World Cup winning probability

9/10

Argentina has experience, belief, tactical unity, and possibly the strongest winning mentality in international football right now.

France: The Tournament specialists

France has won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018, and has been runners-up twice as well, in 2006 and 2022. No country has matched their consistency in major tournaments over the last decade.

They won the World Cup in 2018, reached the final in 2022, and have often gone far in European Championships.

Star power

France has unmatched squad depth. Their team includes world-class players in nearly every position. Stars like Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ousmane Dembele are just a few examples.

Even players who do not make the squad would start for many other countries. Their attack is powerful, and their midfield and defense combine speed with skill.

Tactical identity

Coach Didier Deschamps has been criticized for being too pragmatic, but his style brings results.

France does not dominate possession for the sake of it. They defend tightly, exploit space quickly, and attack fiercely during transitions.

Biggest strength

Their biggest strength is squad depth. If injuries happen, France can replace key players without losing quality.

Potential weakness

They can be complacent against smaller teams. France sometimes underperforms against weaker opponents, and internal tensions have appeared in past tournaments.

World Cup winning probability

8.8/10

France has everything needed to win again. This is a team that believes in itself.

Portugal: The most talented squad in their history

Portugal has never won the World Cup. They have not reached a World Cup final either, despite having some of football's greatest players.

Their best finish was third place in 1966. They fell to Morocco in the quarter-finals in 2022, which was their closest attempt to the trophy in the last decade. But that could change this year.

Why this team is different

Portugal's current generation might be the strongest ever. Previous teams often relied on one star player, but this squad has elite quality all over.

Star power

The mix of youth and experience is impressive. Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth World Cup, while midfielders like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves shine. The Portugal squad has a top creative unit heading into the World Cup.

They have skilled midfielders, creative playmakers, sharp forwards, and experienced defenders. Not many teams can match their versatility.

Tactical identity

Portugal can control possession, counterattack, press hard, and defend tightly. This adaptability makes them a threat in knockout matches.

Biggest strength

Their technical quality is top-notch. Every player can handle pressure and create brilliant moments.

Potential weakness

Portugal sometimes struggle to turn their dominance into goals, especially against teams that defend well.

World Cup winning probability

8.5/10

This could be the tournament where Portugal finally reaches their first World Cup final.

Brazil: Football’s eternal giants

Brazil is the most successful nation with five World Cups: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. No country has more football prestige than Brazil.

The Seleção is synonymous with World Cup success. Fans see winning as their birthright because of their history in the tournament.

Star power

Brazil keeps producing top talent at an incredible rate. They will aim for a sixth World Cup title with a full arsenal.

Their attack is full of flair, creativity, and unpredictability. Few teams have more players who can decide matches on their own.

Tactical identity

Today’s Brazil is more balanced than in the past. While attacking football is still their focus, they now emphasize defense and tactical discipline under Carlo Ancelotti.

The traditional Jogo Bonito style is less prominent now, making way for solid tactics.

Biggest strength

Their biggest strength lies in individual brilliance from players like Neymar Jr and Vinicius Jr. Brazil can win games even when the team does not perform well together.

Potential weakness

Defensive focus has been a problem. They have struggled against well-organized European teams in recent tournaments.

World Cup winning probability

8.2/10

Never underestimate a nation that has won five World Cups.

England: Seeking to end 60 years of hurt

England has won the World Cup once, in 1966. Their long wait for another title has become one of football's biggest stories.

But this generation has consistently fought for major titles, often falling short. They lost to France 2-1 in the quarter-finals last time.

Star power

England has some of the best finishers in their history. Players like Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Ollie Watkins are all in good form for the tournament.

Their squad includes proven goal scorers, elite creators, strong midfielders, and rising young stars.

Biggest strength

This England team has depth and attacking options. They can threaten opponents through open play, set pieces, and counterattacks.

Potential weakness

Pressure is a major challenge. Few nations face the scrutiny England does during major tournaments due to fan expectations and ambitions.

World Cup winning probability

7.8/10

England has the talent. The challenge is managing expectations, especially with coach Thomas Tuchel leaving fan favorites like Harry Maguire and Phil Foden at home.

Spain: Masters of possession

Spain has won the World Cup just once, in 2010, when their golden generation dominated football and collected many trophies.

Their current team represents a modern evolution of that style.

Tactical identity

Spain focuses on ball control, positional play, and technical skill. Few teams can claim to control matches better.

Biggest strength

Their midfield quality is a bit lacking based on recent form. However, Spain's ability to dominate possession often stops opponents from finding their rhythm.

Potential weakness

They struggle to convert chances into goals. They often create many opportunities but fail to score enough.

World Cup winning probability

7.5/10

Spain could quietly become one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, steadily building momentum.

Germany: The sleeping giant

Germany, known for their effectiveness in tournaments, has won the World Cup four times: 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014. They have also been runners-up four times, making eight World Cup finals.

But recent struggles have led many to overlook them. History shows that could be a big mistake.

Tactical identity

Germany is one of the most organized teams in football. They combine tactical discipline, physical intensity, and tournament experience.

Biggest strength

Germans are known for their mental toughness. They usually improve as tournaments progress.

Potential weakness

Inconsistency has been a problem. Their performances have fluctuated since winning the 2014 World Cup, disappointing both fans and experts.

World Cup winning probability

7/10

Germany may not be the favorites, but few nations understand tournament football better than them.

Verdict

With Nigeria absent, millions of Super Eagles fans will watch the World Cup as neutral spectators. This may make the tournament even more exciting.

Will Argentina defend their title? Can France reclaim their crown? Is this finally Portugal's year? Will Brazil end a 24-year wait? Can England, Spain, or Germany write a new chapter in football history?

In seven days, we will start to find out. The World Cup promises drama, heartbreak, heroes, and unforgettable moments.