Highlights from the Euro 2024 and Copa America tournaments, along with expectations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Covering 16 cities across four timezones in three countries, the next World Cup anticipates being the largest yet, with a vast 48-team pool battling it out for over five weeks. Insights arising from this past summer's championships have already identified potential top contenders and emerging talents that might dominate the upcoming World Cup match.

Looking towards the 2026 World Cup final, expected to take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 19th, we can already make some early predictions based on current performances.

Spain, coming off their fourth Euro title after the final against England, setting them as the competition's most successful nation, is likely to remain a dominant force. Their victory was no chance occurrence with Luis de la Fuente's team. With young promising talents such as Barcelona's 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, barely 22 years old during their match against England, it seems evident that Spain will only grow stronger.

With star players such as Pedri and 19-year-old Gavi set to join their ranks, victory could indeed be within Spain's grasp. Provided Captain Álvaro Morata, 31, does not retire soon, Spain could have a robust and experienced squad in 2026 prepared to take on the biggest names in football.

Speculation around Lionel Messi's final act at a World Cup also arises. Now 39, and having made a successful transition to MLS with Inter Miami, Messi seems prepared for his "Last Dance" at the World Cup. Messi's recent string of successes with Argentina hold the team in good stead to be among the favourites at the next World Cup. After decades of international failure, the story could take a twist, with Messi ending his career with a powerful performance on the world's largest football stage.