World Cup 2026 History Points to a Familiar Shortlist

The countdown to the crowning of a winner at the World Cup rarely begins with the opening match. Long before a ball is kicked, conversations gather momentum in cafés, offices and living rooms across the globe. Predictions are exchanged, favourites debated and dark horses identified. Every tournament arrives with a sense of possibility, yet history suggests the list of genuine contenders is often smaller than it first appears. The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be…