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By Moiz Mustafa
June 10 (DailyMirror) - Ask Sri Lankan football fans who they think will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and you are unlikely to get a unanimous answer.
A recent Daily Mirror poll conducted across its website and social media platforms reflected exactly that. The results showed a mixed reaction among supporters, with votes spread across several leading contenders and no clear favourite emerging.
The passion for the game in Sri Lanka is undeniable. Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar believes the sport has never been more popular locally.
"With over 4,000 clubs, around 100,000 players, and more than two million daily viewers, football is already deeply rooted in Sri Lanka," Umar said.
That popularity was reflected in the Daily Mirror poll, where supporters were split across several contenders. Some backed Argentina because of Lionel Messi. Others put their faith in Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Many felt Spain and France have the strongest squads heading into the tournament.
That uncertainty is exactly what makes the World Cup special.
Predictions look easy before the opening whistle. Then one injury, one mistake or one penalty shootout changes everything.
Still, a handful of nations arrive in North America looking stronger than the rest.
If there is one team that looks ready to take over world football, it is Spain.
This is a side packed with young talent, but unlike many youthful teams, they already know how to win. Spain have enjoyed a remarkable run over the past few years and arrive at the World Cup with momentum and confidence.
Lamine Yamal has become the face of a new generation. The teenager plays with a fearlessness that is rare at any age. Alongside him, Nico Williams brings explosive pace while Pedri remains the heartbeat of the midfield.
Spain's football is fast, aggressive and exciting to watch. They attack with purpose and rarely allow opponents time to settle.
The only question is whether a relatively young squad can handle the pressure that comes with the latter stages of a World Cup.
Daily Mirror Sports Desk expert Callistus Davy is among those backing Spain to go all the way.
"Most Sri Lankan football supporters traditionally rally behind Brazil. But whether the South American giants will be among the leading contenders this time remains to be seen. Many experts are tipping France and Spain as the favourites to lift the trophy, but as history has shown, a lot can happen during a World Cup campaign.
"Personally, I am rooting for Spain because they have a well-balanced, all-round team with quality in every department. Their blend of youth, experience, technical ability and tactical discipline makes them a strong contender for the title."
France feels built for tournament football.
They have experience, depth and match-winners across the pitch.
Kylian Mbappé remains the player every defence fears. He has already delivered on the biggest stage and continues to be one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. Around him, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise give France even more attacking quality.
What separates France from many other teams is their ability to adapt. They can dominate possession when needed, but they are equally comfortable sitting back and striking on the counterattack.
Having reached the last two World Cup finals, they know exactly what is required when the pressure rises.
If there is one team capable of matching Spain's quality from top to bottom, many believe it is France.
The defending champions deserve their place among the favourites.
Argentina continue to play with the confidence of a team that knows how to win the biggest matches. There is a belief within the squad that cannot be ignored.
Lionel Messi remains the centre of attention. At 38, he may no longer be at his physical peak, but his influence on this team remains enormous.
Behind him is a strong core. Emiliano Martínez brings confidence in goal. Cristian Romero anchors the defence. Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez provide plenty of firepower in attack.
Argentina may not always be the most entertaining team, but they are one of the hardest teams to beat.
The question many fans are asking is whether Messi can inspire one final World Cup run, just as he did in Qatar four years ago.
For many Sri Lankan fans, Portugal's appeal begins and ends with Cristiano Ronaldo.
At 41, this could be his final World Cup. The competition remains the one major trophy missing from an extraordinary career.
However, Portugal are far more than a one-man team.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be one of the best creators in football. Bernardo Silva offers intelligence and control. Vitinha keeps the midfield ticking, while Nuno Mendes has developed into one of the finest full-backs in the game.
Portugal have the talent to challenge anyone.
Football enthusiast Zaid Zaakir is convinced this will finally be Portugal's year.
"Let me tell you why Ronaldo is lifting that trophy. The man doesn't age, he reverse ages. He still has a Greek-statue physique, gazelle-like athleticism and the hunger of a 17-year-old fighting for his first professional contract.
"People talk about tactics, systems and age curves. I talk about destiny. Some stories are simply too perfect not to happen. The GOAT has conquered every mountain put in front of him. Now he climbs the last one.
"It's written. It's destiny. The king completes the set."
Fellow supporter Sushmita Wijayaratna needed far fewer words to explain her prediction.
"Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. 'Nuff said."
Whether it is destiny or simply belief, Portugal have no shortage of supporters heading into the tournament.
Every World Cup seems to begin with the same conversation.
Could this finally be England's year?
The Three Lions certainly have the players to make a serious challenge. Harry Kane remains one of football's most reliable goalscorers. Jude Bellingham continues to grow into one of the game's biggest stars. Bukayo Saka provides creativity and attacking threat, while Declan Rice offers stability in midfield.
England are also incredibly dangerous from set pieces, an area that often decides tight knockout matches.
The quality is there.
The challenge is proving they can handle the expectations that follow them into every major tournament.
Putting Brazil sixth may feel strange.
This is, after all, the most successful nation in World Cup history.
Yet this Brazilian side enters the tournament with more questions than some of its rivals.
Vinícius Júnior is now the main attacking figure. Raphinha has become increasingly important, while Endrick is seen by many as one of the brightest young talents in world football. Neymar is also part of the squad, adding another fascinating storyline.
The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti has brought stability after a turbulent period. That alone could prove crucial.
Despite Brazil being ranked below some of their European rivals, there are still plenty of believers among Sri Lankan supporters.
Kumar Lopez is one of them.
"Statistics and supercomputers do not always tell the full story," he said.
Kumar believes Neymar's likely final World Cup campaign could inspire Brazil in much the same way Messi inspired Argentina in 2022. He also points to the experience within the Brazilian squad, the influence of Ancelotti on the touchline and the backing Brazil is likely to receive from Latin American supporters throughout the tournament.
His conclusion is simple.
"Vamos Brazil!"
Brazil may not carry the same aura as some of the great teams of the past, but ruling them out would be a mistake.
Few nations understand World Cups better.
The Daily Mirror poll highlighted just how open this World Cup feels.
Unlike some previous tournaments where one or two teams dominated public opinion, Sri Lankan fans appear divided. Argentina, Portugal, France, Spain, England and Brazil all have believers.
If recent form is the guide, Spain and France may have a slight edge.
If experience matters most, Argentina cannot be ignored.
If football scripts the perfect ending, Ronaldo and Portugal may have something to say.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain.
Across Sri Lanka, football fans will be staying up late, debating every result and following every twist as the race for the biggest prize in sport unfolds.
A Daily Mirror poll conducted across its website and social media platforms showed a mixed response among Sri Lankan football fans, with no clear favourite emerging. Supporters were divided between Argentina, Portugal, Spain, France, England and Brazil.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 12 to July 20 (Sri Lankan Standard Time), featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Sri Lankan fans can view the complete fixture list and match timings in Sri Lankan time through Daily Mirror's dedicated World Cup schedule guide. Click here
Yes. Daily Mirror's complete FIFA World Cup 2026 guide includes team previews, group-by-group analysis, fixtures, key players, tournament favourites, schedules and the latest news throughout the competition. Click here
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