The major reason I think Portugal will win the World Cup is because of their world-class midfield.
If you look back at recent history, every champion was defined by their midfield engine room:
Germany 2014: Built on the absolute dominance and creativity of Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
France 2018: Driven by the perfect balance of Paul Pogba’s vision, N'Golo Kanté’s work rate, and Blaise Matuidi's tactical discipline.
Argentina 2022: Completely transformed once Enzo Fernández stepped into the starting lineup alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.
When you control the center of the pitch, you dictate the entire tournament.
There’s no greater midfield trio in the world than Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.
With the incredible depth, creativity and balance, Portugal will win the 2026 World Cup.
I am a core Messi fan and he is obviously the GOAT but I know Messi did not deserve any of the two World Cup Golden Balls he has.
You may not agree with me, but read further.
In 2014, Messi had zero goals in the knockout stage and ghosted when it truly mattered.
Thomas Müller scored five goals, created chances in every game, and led his team to World Cup victory.
Di María, Mascherano, and Higuaín all had bigger real impacts than Messi, who ghosted throughout the knockout stage and missed a sitter in the final.
In 2022, Messi scored three penalties and even missed one.
Mbappé finished the tournament with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final, yet he did not win the Golden Ball.
Argentina’s best player in last world cup was Emiliano Martínez, who kept three clean sheets in seven matches and made crucial saves, including the heroics against Netherlands during shootouts and also that Kolo Muani chance.
Martínez’s final performance was far more decisive than Messi who scored a tap-in and a penalty in the final.
In both 2014 and 2022, Messi was not among the top two best players in either tournament.
The hardest pill for Man Utd and premier league fans to swallow is that Lamine Yamal is already a better footballer than Ryan Giggs ever was.
Lamine Yamal > Ryan Giggs.