The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began last night, with Mexico securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match.

The tournament is set to continue until 19 July, when the grand finale will take place in New Jersey.

Several Manchester United players have been active in recent international friendlies, with as many as 12 being called up to represent their respective countries in this prestigious global event.

In a light-hearted feature on the club’s official website, United players were asked to share their thoughts on which teams they believe could emerge as the tournament’s underdogs.

Joshua Zirkzee tipped his teammate Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco as the team to watch, believing they could once again impress on the world stage.

Calling Morocco an underdog might be debatable, as the North African side are the reigning AFCON champions and famously reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Portugal defender Diogo Dalot named the Netherlands as his surprise pick, while Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens backed his own nation, saying, “Belgium is a bit of an underdog so I’ll take us.”

Portugal captain Bruno Fernandes delighted many UK-based supporters by choosing Scotland as his surprise package for the tournament.

Interestingly, Carrington academy graduate Tyler Fletcher has recently earned a senior call-up to the Scotland squad as a replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour.

Meanwhile, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte selected South American neighbours Ecuador as the team capable of springing a few surprises.

When Fernandes was asked to predict the eventual winners of the World Cup, he unsurprisingly chose his own country, Portugal.

Asked about his preferred opponent in the final, Fernandes said, “I don’t mind. I’d pick anyone if I get into the final; that’s a problem to think about later.”

After pausing for thought, he added with a smile, “Morocco. My friend Nous Mazraoui is there. We still have something left from the last World Cup. I want to beat him this time and get the better of him!”

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images