Toni Kroos picks favourites to win 2026 World Cup; makes stance clear on Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal and Lionel Messi’s Argentina

Germany legend Toni Kroos has backed Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal as a favorite for the FIFA World Cup over Lionel Messi's Argentina. The former Real Madrid midfielder does not see the defending champions among the top five contenders next summer.

Speaking on Brazil legend Romario's YouTube channel, Kroos named Spain, France, Morocco, and Portugal as his picks for the World Cup. He does not see Germany and Brazil, along with Argentina, as among those who will come out victorious in the 2026 edition. He said:

"Spain, Portugal and France. Morocco could be a surprise because technically they have improved a lot in recent years. Germany and Brazil are not in the top 5. Sorry (to Romario) for not saying Brazil, but if they win it, it's worth it."

Kroos is also not a fan of the 48-team tournament, saying that it will reduce the quality of the tournament. He predicts a big scoreline in the group stage games and said:

"I'm against it. It's good that many nations can participate, but I think we need to take better care of the players and the quality of the tournament. With so many teams, in the group stage we're going to see a lot of very clear matches, 4-0, 5-0, 5-1, and those are not games fans really want to watch. I care about good, high-quality matches, not a 5-0 or 6-0."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be creating history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they play. Both players will become the first footballers to feature in six editions of the tournament.

Lionel Messi snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal among his World Cup favorites

Lionel Messi spoke to ESPN earlier this month, naming his favorites for the FIFA World Cup. He snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal when naming the sides that will trouble Argentina at the tournament and said (via WeAreMessi):

"Favourites to win the World Cup? There are very good teams, like Spain, France, England, and Brazil, and Germany. Everyone wanted to win against Argentina, and now that we have become the last world champion, the goal has become more challenging but we won't stop competing, no doubt about that."

Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two players are predicted to meet in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals if they top their respective groups and win their Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches.

Edited by Sripad