The countdown is almost over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow, as the world’s top footballers head to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for a festival of football expected to deliver unforgettable moments. While some nations will be content just to make it out of the group stage, others know that anything short of lifting the trophy in late July will be seen as failure. Fans can look forward to over five weeks packed with intense drama, emotional highs, and gut-wrenching lows.
At GOAL, we take pride in our insight into the beautiful game, so we asked our team of writers and editors to share their forecasts for the tournament. From who might win the Golden Boot and Golden Ball to which sides could surprise or disappoint, we’ve covered every angle ahead of the biggest World Cup ever staged.
Today, our UK writers weigh in on one of the most debated topics — just how far England will go this summer. Here’s what they think...
‘Conditions will take a heavy toll’
Mark Doyle: I see England reaching the quarter-finals. Once again, the draw appears favourable for them, with a group they should comfortably top and a relatively straightforward round of 32 tie. Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium could await in the last 16, but the Three Lions should have enough quality to handle the co-hosts. By that stage, Thomas Tuchel’s squad might have built up enough confidence and momentum to dream of going all the way. However, I suspect the conditions — particularly if a quarter-final in Miami is on the cards — will prove punishing for players who spend their seasons in the physically demanding Premier League.
‘Pay the price for worrying lack of depth’
Krishan Davis: The World Cup is being touted as another golden chance for England to end six decades of pain, but I fear more heartbreak in North America. They should progress from the group stage and the new round of 32, but a potential last-16 meeting with Mexico on home soil at the Azteca would be a huge challenge. Even if they clear that hurdle, giants like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain are likely waiting down the line, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Tuchel’s men stumble against any of them. There’s always debate about squad selection before a major tournament, but I genuinely believe England’s lack of depth and limited tournament experience could cost them dearly.
‘Come up short again’
Stephen Darwin: My heart tells me England can finally do it; my head says otherwise. Thomas Tuchel is already under scrutiny after some contentious squad decisions, and if England don’t start strongly, the criticism will come fast. They relied on luck during the last Euros, and I can’t see lightning striking twice in the intense heat of a North American summer. England should make it to the quarter-finals, but with many key players having endured draining club campaigns, I think they’ll fall short once again.
‘Quarter-final with Brazil looks extremely difficult’
Amee Ruszkai: England have become consistent performers at major tournaments in recent years, but the route to the latter stages this time looks far more complicated. Despite all the discussion surrounding the squad, the omissions and surprise picks don’t really change the starting XI, and Tuchel’s idea of relying on impact substitutes makes sense — it’s worth trying something different to push this team beyond its usual limits. That said, a potential quarter-final clash with Brazil looks incredibly tough and could be where England’s World Cup journey ends.
‘Come unstuck against half-decent opposition’
Chris Burton: I’m calling another quarter-final exit. England will likely breeze through their group, grind out results in the early knockouts — perhaps even win a penalty shootout — before eventually falling to a solid opponent. Tuchel’s squad lacks genuine game-changers off the bench who can alter the course of a match when things aren’t going their way. They’ll once again learn the hard way what happens when Plan A stops working.
‘Decent run to the final four’
Peter McVitie: The group featuring Croatia, Ghana, and Panama could test Tuchel’s side, but failure to progress would be a disaster. A first-place finish could open a path to the semi-finals, at least, where the real quality of a team featuring Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice would be put to the test.
‘Vibes just seem off’
Tom Maston: Maybe I got too used to the rhythm of Gareth Southgate’s England, but something feels off under Thomas Tuchel. Despite an impressive qualifying campaign, results in friendlies against stronger teams haven’t been encouraging, and most of the starting line-up hasn’t played together since November. For all the criticism Southgate received for relying on his favourites, Tuchel appears to be doing the same, and it’s hurting the balance of the team. This has the feel of a disappointing campaign that could end with elimination to Mexico in the last 16 — or to Spain at the same stage if Croatia edge England to top spot in the group.
