Former Germany international Gerald Asamoah has pointed to France and Spain as the standout contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also warning that traditional powerhouses Germany, Argentina and Brazil remain firmly in the mix.
The tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is already generating intense debate over which nation will emerge victorious in football’s biggest competition.
Asamoah, who was born in Mampong, Ghana, and moved to Germany at the age of 12, speaking to Flashscore.com in an interview as the tournament builds up, said, “France is a strong side and also Spain.”
“I wouldn’t put Germany right at the top, although they can always surprise. Then you have Argentina, with great team spirit, especially with Lionel Messi. Brazil are always unpredictable, you never quite know what you’ll get from them. But if you ask me, I think it could come down to France and Spain. Spain, in particular, are very good at building a team.”
Gerald Asamoah made history in 2001 as the first African-born Black player to represent Germany at the senior level.
Over his international career, he earned 43 caps, scored six goals, and featured in two World Cups, finishing runner-up in 2002 and third on home soil in 2006.
With the expanded 48-team format set for its debut, expectations are rising for one of the most unpredictable and competitive editions of the tournament in modern history.
