World Cup 2026: Alex Iwobi names one-time winner as favourite, snubs Spain, Portugal

Alex Iwobi has picked England as his favourite to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Three Lions made a powerful start to the tournament under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Soccernet.ng reports.

England, World Cup winners in 1966, currently lead Group L after defeating Croatia 4-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round in North America. The result was particularly significant because it is England's first World Cup victory over a FIFA top-15 ranked nation since their famous win against Argentina at the 2002 tournament.

Captain Harry Kane delivered a captain's performance with two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net. The attacking display immediately pushed England into discussions alongside defending champions Argentina, Spain, Germany and France as leading contenders for the title.

Several traditional football powers have enjoyed strong starts to the competition. Germany have been particularly impressive, collecting six points from their opening two matches after a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao and a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Argentina opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Algeria, inspired by a Lionel Messi hat-trick, the first of the tournament.

France also began strongly with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Spain recovered from a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde by thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0. Brazil bounced back from a draw against Morocco to defeat Haiti 3-0, while Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.

World Cup: Alex Iwobi explains why England are his favourites

Despite the strength of the other contenders, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi believes England possess the depth and quality needed to go all the way.

“I personally believe England have a great, great chance,” he told SkySports. “I mean they got so many stars in the team, so much ability. Even the ones that are not starting, anyone that comes off the bench can hurt the opposition team.

“So, I'll say England, but I also believe in France. Of course the attacking threat that France have is scary but I'd actually hope England win it.

“Hopefully, hopefully it's coming home. Premier League is home (referring to Arsenal's title win after more than two decades. So hopefully the World Cup is coming home as well.”

Tuchel's squad selection has attracted attention throughout the tournament. The German coach surprisingly left out high-profile names such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, preferring a system built around pace, direct attacking football and tactical discipline.

At the centre of that plan is Kane, who arrived at the World Cup after scoring 58 goals for Bayern Munich during the club season. Bellingham continues to be the creative force in midfield, while Arsenal's Declan Rice provides balance and defensive security. Bukayo Saka offers width on the right flank, and Rashford's pace has flourished under Tuchel's attacking approach.

Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers have also emerged as important figures, giving England extra speed and energy in wide areas. At the back, John Stones leads the defence, while experienced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains England's trusted number one with more than 85 international appearances.

England's next World Cup match is against Ghana, with the Black Stars backed by a former Nigeria international to pick up a positive result against the Three-time Lions.