The 2026 World Cup is approaching with five powerhouses drawing the attention of fans and analysts: Brazil, Argentina, Spain, the United States, and France. Based on recent performances in qualifiers, the 2024 Copa América, Euro 2024, and friendlies during the last FIFA dates, it's already possible to project probable lineups, understand the main battles for positions, and map out how each coach can adjust their team before the group stage begins. Below, you'll find a practical and up-to-date guide to arriving at the 2026 World Cup knowing who is likely to be a starter, which tactical formations have gained traction, and who is vying for a place in the starting XI.

2026 World Cup: Probable lineups and analysis of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, USA and France.

Brazil: Vini Jr. as the protagonist and Endrick gaining space.

The Brazilian national team has undergone significant renewal since 2024, accelerated by inconsistent results in the World Cup qualifiers and the need to consolidate a backbone around young players in excellent form in Europe. The most common formation has been 4-3-3 (or 4-2-3-1 in some matches), prioritizing width on the flanks and intensity in pressing after losing possession.

likely starting lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Alisson (alternative: Ederson)
• Defense: Danilo; Marquinhos; Éder Militão; Guilherme Arana (alternatives: Yan Couto, Gabriel Magalhães, Ayrton Lucas)
• Midfield: Bruno Guimarães; João Gomes; a supporting playmaker (alternatives: Andreas Pereira; Lucas Paquetá, if eligible)
• Attack: Rodrygo; Endrick or Richarlison; Vinícius Júnior

Points to consider: Neymar remains an unknown quantity due to recent physical issues and may be used situationally. Savinho (due to his start in Europe), Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli are vying for minutes on the wings. In midfield, the playmaker role may vary depending on the game profile: more control with Andreas, more attacking runs with Paquetá (if available), or even a physical trio with André/João Gomes to close down spaces.

Argentina: Championship-winning structure with adjustments around Messi.

Current world champion and 2024 Copa América champion, the Albiceleste retains its winning structure, sometimes with a 4-3-3 formation, sometimes with a flexible 4-4-2, protecting Lionel Messi between the lines and valuing the right flank with Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul. Ángel Di María retired from the national team after 2024, opening space for younger wingers.

Probable starting lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
• Defense: Nahuel Molina; Cristian Romero; Lisandro Martínez (or Nicolás Otamendi in rotation); Tagliafico (or Marcos Acuña)
• Midfield: De Paul; Enzo Fernández; Alexis Mac Allister (alternatives: Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso)
• Attack: Messi; Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez; Nico González or Alejandro Garnacho

Points to note: the battle in defense between Otamendi's experience and Lisandro's aggressiveness remains alive. In attack, the combination of Julián and Lautaro changes the dynamic: with Julián, more mobility and pressure on the opponent's build-up play; with Lautaro, a more covered area and the presence of a classic center forward. Garnacho gained traction through consistent minutes at a high level.

Spain: the Euro 2024 champion generation with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams

La Roja arrives at the final preparation cycle for 2026 supported by a fluid 4-3-3 formation, dominant possession, and sharper transitions than in previous years. The midfield trio, with Rodri as the pillar and mobile midfielders (Pedri, Gavi, and/or Fabián Ruiz), feeds very aggressive wingers: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

Probable time-base (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defense: Carvajal; Robin Le Normand; Aymeric Laporte (alternative: Pau Cubarsí/Íñigo Martínez); Cucurella or Grimaldo
• Midfield: Rodri; Pedri; Gavi or Fabián Ruiz (alternatives: Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo inside)
• Attack: Lamine Yamal; Álvaro Morata or Mikel Oyarzabal (false 9); Nico Williams

Points to consider: Morata remains the reference point, but Oyarzabal and even Dani Olmo can offer variations as a false 9, maintaining intensity in the press. In defense, the rise of young players like Pau Cubarsí adds quality in passing and coverage. On the left flank, the choice between Cucurella (more defensive) and Grimaldo (more offensive) dictates the balance of the back line.

United States: Promising generation seeks consistency.

With a solid foundation in major leagues, the US national team (USMNT) tends to maintain the 4-3-3 formation with dynamic midfielders and vertical wingers. The next step is to transform talent into consistency against elite opponents, something crucial in the World Cup on home soil.

Probable starting lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Matt Turner (alternatives: Ethan Horvath, Gaga Slonina)
• Defense: Sergiño Dest or Joe Scally; Chris Richards; Cameron Carter-Vickers (or Miles Robinson); ⁤Antonee Robinson
• Midfield: Tyler Adams; Weston McKennie; Yunus Musah (alternative: Luca de la Torre; Gio Reyna as a number 10 in specific matches)
• Attack: Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun (or Ricardo Pepi/Haji Wright);‌ Tim Weah

Points to consider: the definition of the starting number 9 is still a hot topic – Balogun offers attacking threat to the back line, while Pepi and Haji provide a distinct presence in the box. Gio Reyna can move centrally to increase creativity, shifting Weah to compete with Reyna/Pulisic on the wings. On the right flank, Scally has taken on a leading role when Dest has been absent and has broadened the options available.

France: deep squad and multiple formations around Mbappé

Les Bleus arrive at the World Cup with one of the deepest squads on the planet, capable of alternating between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations without losing competitiveness. Mike Maignan has established himself in goal; in attack, Kylian Mbappé is the center of attention, while the midfield boasts the new elite generation.

likely starting lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defense: Jules Koundé; Dayot Upamecano; Ibrahima Konaté (or William Saliba); Theo Hernandez
• Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni; Eduardo Camavinga; Antoine Griezmann (or Adrien Rabiot/Warren Zaïre-Emery depending on the game plan)
• Attack: Ousmane Dembélé or Kingsley Coman; Marcus Thuram or Randal⁣ kolo Muani; Kylian⁤ Mbappé

Points to consider: with Olivier Giroud out of the main attacking cycle, the reference point in the area could be Thuram or Kolo Muani, both with strong pressure and attacking depth. Griezmann remains vital as a connector; if the game demands more control and marking, Rabiot or Zaire-Emery come in to strengthen the midfield, freeing Mbappé to receive the ball further up the field on the left side.

What could still change by the 2026 World Cup?

• Injuries and playing time: the final stretch of the 2025/26 season in Europe could redefine some hierarchies (especially at full-back and central defense).
• Tactical Plan B: teams with solid variations – such as France (4-3-3/4-2-3-1) and Spain (mobile 9) – tend to respond better to adverse scenarios.
• Open competition: Brazil (right winger and number 9), Argentina (left-footed center-back and number 9 partner), USA (center forward and right back), Spain (full-backs and number 9), France (center forward and third midfielder).
• Young talents on the rise: names like Endrick, Lamine Yamal, Garnacho, Zaïre-Emery, and Pau Cubarsí could transform their status from "option" to "undisputed".

We want to hear from you: what would your starting XI be for each team in the 2026 World Cup? Leave your lineup in the comments and tell us where you would make changes - who comes in, who goes out, and which tactical formation makes the most sense for Brazil, Argentina, Spain, the United States, and France in this World Cup.