Argentina icon Angel Di Maria names his favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina legend Angel Di Maria has named his favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

The recently retired Argentina star played a key role in helping the Albiceleste win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Speaking in an interview with Ballon d’Or, Di Maria named his favorites to win the tournament this summer.

He claimed France will be one of the favorites due to their talent, and Spain will also be a potential candidate. He also named former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, Portugal, as a team to look out for at the World Cup. He said:

“Recently, several have joined the mix thanks to players who have come through… France is one of the contenders because they keep producing players and remain at a high level. And I think Spain could also make a name for themselves; they’re in great form, though we’ll have to see how some of the injured players fare.

“Portugal is another side with good players… With João Neves and Vitinha, who bring a different touch to the game and make the difference. There are three or four teams that will be in contention.”

Di Maria gives his take on Argentina ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In the same interview, Di Maria spoke about how he thinks his country, Argentina, will fare at the World Cup. He insisted that the inclusion of new players will push the veterans and believes Lionel Messi will be the only undisputed starter for the South American giants this summer.

He said:

“I think the new generation can give that push to the older generation, who are still 28 or 29 years old – they’re not that old either… I think that young generation can offer a lot, because they push, because they’re looking for a place, because they want to play…

“And it all comes down, once again, to what Scaloni has always said: the only undisputed starter is Messi. The rest either play or they don’t. And he didn’t just say it. He said it and he stuck to it. Like when he picked Enzo (Fernández) for the World Cup – he picked him and he earned his place in the starting line-up.

“No one’s place is guaranteed, and that means the rivalry or competition within the squad is 100%, in every training session, in the squad camp, in the respect. That’s what keeps the national team at the level it’s at.”