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Senior Polytechnics staff in Akwa Ibom demand implementation of NBTE rule on duty delineation • UCL: They are second favourites – Lineker predicts Arsenal vs PSG final • How 397 inmates regained freedom within three years in Lagos • Tatum Bank board, management pay courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu • Berger Paints raises dividend by 37.5% as shareholders applaud profit growth • MTN, Airtel record over N1.5tn combined data revenue as smartphone adoption fuels demand • APC will collapse without power – ADC • Turkish delight for Villa and the Premier League relegation battle | Football Weekly – video • قوى مناهضة للحرب تعقد اجتماعات في نيروبي لبحث مستقبل السودان • Usalama wa nyama hatarini, machinjio ya Kisakasaka Z’bar • PDP Senator Zanna loses 2027 return ticket in Jigawa • في تذكّر “صلاح حسن أحمد” والرّاحل”عبدالله الشقليني” أيام السبعينات في جامعة الخرطوم • Police arrest two suspects over abduction of cocoa institute’s workers, dismiss Ibadan mass kidnapping reports • Ashanti Region: Woman arrested over alleged death threats against President Mahama and wife • 'If you're busy, don't go to Parliament' — Brako-Powers condemns absenteeism • NHIA directs ride-hailing, logistics firms to provide health insurance coverage • Man sues ex-wife over refusal to leave after divorce • تقرير: فشل خطة أمريكية إسرائيلية لتنصيب نجاد في قيادة إيران • Gov Radda Secures APC Ticket, Receives Katsina Delegates’ Endorsement For Second Term • Akon eulogises Michael Jackson, says Nigerians are most intelligent people on earth • Senior Polytechnics staff in Akwa Ibom demand implementation of NBTE rule on duty delineation • UCL: They are second favourites – Lineker predicts Arsenal vs PSG final • How 397 inmates regained freedom within three years in Lagos • Tatum Bank board, management pay courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu • Berger Paints raises dividend by 37.5% as shareholders applaud profit growth • MTN, Airtel record over N1.5tn combined data revenue as smartphone adoption fuels demand • APC will collapse without power – ADC • Turkish delight for Villa and the Premier League relegation battle | Football Weekly – video • قوى مناهضة للحرب تعقد اجتماعات في نيروبي لبحث مستقبل السودان • Usalama wa nyama hatarini, machinjio ya Kisakasaka Z’bar • PDP Senator Zanna loses 2027 return ticket in Jigawa • في تذكّر “صلاح حسن أحمد” والرّاحل”عبدالله الشقليني” أيام السبعينات في جامعة الخرطوم • Police arrest two suspects over abduction of cocoa institute’s workers, dismiss Ibadan mass kidnapping reports • Ashanti Region: Woman arrested over alleged death threats against President Mahama and wife • 'If you're busy, don't go to Parliament' — Brako-Powers condemns absenteeism • NHIA directs ride-hailing, logistics firms to provide health insurance coverage • Man sues ex-wife over refusal to leave after divorce • تقرير: فشل خطة أمريكية إسرائيلية لتنصيب نجاد في قيادة إيران • Gov Radda Secures APC Ticket, Receives Katsina Delegates’ Endorsement For Second Term • Akon eulogises Michael Jackson, says Nigerians are most intelligent people on earth

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Football

Haaland’s Norway to Ronaldo’s swansong: Who are the most likely first-time World Cup winners?

The Guardian Football about 4 hours 1 mins read

Eight nations have won the World Cup. An expanded field and a grueling schedule means a new champion could emerge from the pack this summer

When Fifa expanded the field for the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, the sales pitch included giving more nations a chance at glory. In reality, the favorites are nearly always former champions.

To date, only eight nations have won the men’s World Cup. And yet, few of the former champions arrive at this summer’s tournament in their finest form. Spain are a justifiably popular pick as the reigning European champions have plenty of world-class talent. Argentina will hope to defend their title from 2022 after following it up with the Copa América in 2024. France, who top our power rankings, have reached the last two finals, and Kylian Mbappé claims this squad is the best he has been a part of.

This article was sourced from an external publication.

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