World Cup Favorites: Los Angeles Times Sportswriters
In the the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place this summer, Spain is the “best team” of the 48 in the tournament, according veteran Los Angeles Times soccer reporter Kevin Baxter.
Baxter recently appeared with other Los Angeles Times journalists during a panel discussion about the World Cup. The event, featuring L.A. Times staff members with extensive experience covering the World Cup, was held at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the USC campus in Los Angeles.
Asked to predict an ultimate winner, Baxter said Spain is the best team in the field. He added that the U.S. does not have a very good team but should beat Australia to advance out of its four-team group. In addition to the U.S. and Australia, the other Group D teams are Paraguay and Türkiye.
L.A. Times reporter Eduard Jesus Cauich said defending champion Argentina could be the team to beat again. Argentina is led by 38-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, pictured, who also plays in the U.S. for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer competition.
“There are proven to be winners,” the reporter said of Argentina. “I can see Messi lifting the trophy again.”
Jad El Reda, who also covers the World Cup for the L.A. Times, noted that Spain is the favorite but added that Portugal is a “dark horse” that could make some noise.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the top six favorite teams are:
- Spain +500
- France +500
- England +650
- Brazil +800
- Argentina +850
- Portugal +1100
World Cup Schedule, U.S. Opening Game
The year, the World Cup is being held from June 11-July 19 in 16 cities—11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. Teams from the host nations automatically qualify for the tournament, while teams from other counties qualify in pre-tournament competition.
The World Cup is held every four years. This is the first World Cup to include 48 teams from around the globe, up from 32.
The U.S. opens its schedule against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 6 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. According to the FIFA website, tickets start at $3,300. However, on the Vivid Seats website, the lowest ticket price on May 1 was $1,442.
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