World Cup Favourites Ranked: Haaland's Norway to England's Endless Quest for Glory
As the expanded 48-team World Cup looms in North America, we've ranked the top 10 favourites from SI Soccer's insights, spotlighting dark horses like Haaland's Norway and Colombia, down to powerhouses such as Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and England. Each nation boasts star power but carries baggage – from inexperience to managerial doubts. Expect European and South American dominance amid potential shocks.
World Cup Favourites Ranked: Haaland's Norway to England's Endless Quest for Glory
The FIFA World Cup is ballooning to 48 teams this summer in North America, giving minnows a rare sniff at the big time. But let's be real, when the whistle blows, it'll be the usual suspects from Europe and South America slugging it out for the trophy. Drawing inspiration from SI Soccer's hot take, here's our pub-style rundown of the top 10 favourites – starting from the cheeky outsiders and climbing to the proper heavyweights. Buckle up; it's going to be a wild ride.
10-8: The Plucky Outsiders Ready to Ruffle Feathers
10. Norway
Blimey, Erling Haaland is turning Norway into everyone's nightmare. The Scandinavians stormed qualifiers with Martin Ødegaard pulling strings, plus Alexander Sørloth, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Julian Ryerson adding firepower. They've walloped Italy twice – talk about statement wins. Sure, they've zero World Cup nous since the last century, but that attack could terrorise defences. Dark horse? More like a Viking raid.
9. Colombia
Colombia never lie down. Néstor Lorenzo's lot nabbed third in qualifying and hit the 2024 Copa América final. Luis Díaz is flying high after bossing it at Bayern Munich, backed by South American steel. Recent slips against Croatia and France stung, but they've knockout pedigree from 2014 and 2018. Expect grit, goals and maybe a giant-killing or two.
8. Germany
Remember when Germany were invincible? Post-2014 glory, they've wobbled, but Julian Nagelsmann has gems like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger. Missing Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer hurts, though. Patchy form means they're unpredictable – could flame out early or sneak to the semis. Die Mannschaft: still got bite, just not the bark of old.
7-5: Talented Titans with Question Marks
7. Netherlands
The Netherlands have birthed legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Dennis Bergkamp and Arjen Robben, yet no World Cup gong despite three runner-up spots. Ronald Koeman, another nearly-man, masterminded a Euro 2024 semi. Rock-solid backline, silky midfield, but strikers? Dodgy. They can smash anyone on their day – overconfidence is the only worry.
6. Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo grabs headlines, but Roberto Martínez's success hinges on Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes. This golden generation screams potential, echoing Euro 2016 vibes. Martínez flopped with Belgium's stars before, mind. Ronaldo's chasing that fairy-tale end, but the squad depth could finally deliver Portugal's first world title.
5. England
Ah, England – perennial bridesmaids since 1966. Thomas Tuchel's got Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, yet recent drab draws with Uruguay and a loss to Japan raised eyebrows. Pragmatism stifling flair? Criminal. They've the tools for glory, but choke under pressure is the national curse. Lift the lid, lads, or it's another quarter-final sob story.
The top four? That's for part two – think Brazil, Argentina, France and Spain pulling the strings. With expansion, upsets loom, but these lads are built for the knockout grind. Who's your pick to go all the way? Grab a pint and debate.