It's mid-November, and qualification for the 2026 World Cup -- to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer -- is in its final dramatic stages, with many automatic spots to be filled over the next week and several other nations vying for a spot in March's intercontinental playoffs.
Before we get there, though -- and before we get to the World Cup draw, which will be held in Washington D.C. on Dec. 5 -- let's ask ourselves a simple question: If the World Cup started today, who would win it?
ESPN FC's writers and analysts were asked exactly that, so here's how they feel about the state of the tournament right now and which teams look ready to walk away with the trophy.
SPAIN (7 votes)
Last World Cup win: 2010
FIFA rank: 1
Mark Ogden: The 2026 World Cup is going

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