Toni Kroos knows what it takes to win the FIFA World Cup, and he has made some bold predictions for the 2026 edition. The German legend has named his four favorites to lift the trophy, including a surprising dark-horse pick.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Among Toni Kroos’ FIFA World Cup Favorites
Kroos was speaking with Brazil legend Romario on his YouTube channel when the two World Cup winners discussed the 2026 edition. The former Real Madrid midfielder was asked to name his favorites, and he was quick to select Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
The 35-year-old also chose 2022 finalist France, while UEFA Euro 2024 winner Spain was his third pick. The former Germany star gave South American nations, including defending champion Argentina and record winner Brazil, no chance next summer.
Instead, he selected Morocco as his dark-horse choice for 2026 and said, “Portugal, France, Spain, and Morocco.”
Those comments may come as a surprise to Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who told Marca last week that his team is not among the favorites. Martinez believes only nations that have previously won the tournament can truly be considered favorites and said:
“This is where you see the difference between being a favorite and a candidate. I think that only those who have previously won a World Cup can be favorites. On a psychological level, knowing that a previous generation has won that tournament gives you special strength, but, even so, I have incredible confidence in this group of players because of the way they live the national team.
“The reference of Eusébio, who finished third in the ’66 World Cup, is the most beautiful thing they can have. It is a stimulus and the group is prepared for such a challenge, although we know the difficulty it entails.”
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has named a different favorite for the 2026 World Cup. He believes Brazil is the frontrunner and that any team capable of beating the Seleção would go on to lift the trophy. He told Press Box PR:
“Portugal have got good players. I always think of Brazil at the World Cup. The Brazilian players — I had the two young lads, twins, Rafael and Fabio. They were first-rate in training every day, never wore [tracksuit] bottoms. They have a toughness about them, Brazilians. You see them on the beach for hours and hours every night playing. I think whoever beats Brazil will win the World Cup.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Cana,da and Mexico.
