Distinguished former Argentine international Oscar Ruggeri has singled out Spain, France, and England as the three most formidable obstacles to Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup trophy in 2026. Evaluating the global landscape of the sport, the retired defender noted that while his home nation remains a top-tier force, these three European powerhouses possess an exceptional depth of individual talent capable of altering the tournament’s outcome.
During an interview with BOLA VIP regarding the teams most likely to contest the title currently held by the Albiceleste, Ruggeri provided a nuanced take on the potential frontrunners.
“For me, Spain, France, and England — I see very good players in them, I’m not sure about them as a unit — but I will still put them in,” Ruggeri remarked.
The 1986 World Cup winner did not stop at the favored trio, extending his analysis to traditional giants who often thrive under tournament pressure. He suggested that Germany possesses a unique ability to progress deep into competitions regardless of their initial form, while also predicting a resurgence for their South American rivals, Brazil.
“The Germans. We get frustrated, but somehow, they might not show much early on, and then you see them among the top four. And I think Brazil will improve,” he observed.
The upcoming global showpiece, scheduled for this summer, will be a historic multi-national event hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Argentina enters the competition as the reigning world champions, having secured their third star in Qatar four years ago, and all eyes will be on whether the nations identified by Ruggeri can successfully dethrone the holders on North American soil.
