Messi names World Cup 2026 favorites, warns of tough rivals

Argentina fans are right to dream of a second consecutive World Cup title, according to Lionel Messi, though the star cautioned that teams like France and Spain appear "in a better position." In a YouTube interview with journalist Pollo Álvarez, the Argentine captain acknowledged the challenges ahead.

"There are many players dealing with injuries or a lack of physical readiness, but when the group comes together, it has always proven capable of competing and fighting for victory," Messi said.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner pointed to France as a formidable opponent, noting the team that lost to Argentina in the 2022 Qatar final is "in a great state again" and boasts "a large number of players at the highest level." He also tipped Spain, Brazil, and Portugal—which he called a "highly competitive team"—as strong contenders, while emphasizing that Germany and England always remain dangerous.

Future participation uncertain

The Inter Miami star, who turns 39 in June, has not yet officially confirmed his participation in the next World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Despite the uncertainty, Messi stressed he has set no timeline for his career, driven by his ongoing passion for competition.

"I love playing football, and I will continue until I can no longer play," he said. "I am a competitive person—I love winning at everything… I don't even let my son beat me at video games."

Three opening ceremonies planned

The upcoming World Cup will feature three opening ceremonies, one in each host nation—Mexico, the United States, and Canada—each packed with star-studded performances. On Friday, FIFA confirmed global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa will take part.

Mexico's festivities begin 90 minutes before the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca, renamed "Estadio Ciudad de México" for the tournament. The show will feature Colombian star J Balvin, Mexican rock band Mana (multiple Grammy winners), pop star Alejandro Fernández (son of ranchera legend Vicente Fernández), Latin pop star Belinda, singer-songwriter Lila Downs, South African singer Tyla, and traditional Mexican cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules.

Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in its own opening match on June 12 in Toronto, where artists including Morissette, Bublé, Alicia Cara, Eliana, Jessie Reyez, and Nora Fatehi are scheduled to perform. Later that same day, the United States opens its campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, in a major sports-and-music event headlined by pop star Perry, who performed at the 2015 Super Bowl halftime show.

Joining her will be rapper Future, Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink, Brazilian star Anitta, Rima, and Tyla, with additional names to be announced later, according to FIFA. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "The opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale that the 2026 World Cup will reach." Other global artists contributing to the six-week event include Venezuelan reggaeton star Danny Ocean and Los Angeles-based DJ Sangue, of Bangladeshi-American origin.