Retired German star overlooks reigning champions in controversial prediction
Former German midfielder Toni Kroos surprisingly left defending champions Argentina off his list of World Cup 2026 favorites.
On Romario’s YouTube channel, he named Spain, Portugal, France, and a surprising Morocco as the four champion contenders. The exclusion of Lionel Messi’s Argentina has sparked debate among football analysts.
“Spain, Portugal, France, and perhaps a surprise pick – Morocco,” Kroos stated. “Germany is always there, but I wouldn’t put them in the top five favorites. Like Brazil, if they surprise us, that would be wonderful.”
The Moroccan Wild Card
His choice of European powers Spain, Portugal, and France was not controversial. However, naming Morocco as a genuine champion contender was a bold move. The Atlas Lions have never reached a World Cup final, making his champion prediction particularly audacious.
However, Morocco’s recent trajectory suggests this isn’t mere speculation. Their talented squad is building momentum. Kroos sees their potential for a historic breakthrough at the upcoming tournament.
Argentina’s Case for Back-to-Back Glory
The decision to exclude Argentina seems particularly striking given their current form. Messi’s squad topped South American qualifying convincingly, demonstrating the resilience rarely seen from defending World Cup winners. Unlike many previous champions who experienced post-tournament decline, Argentina has maintained competitive intensity while smartly refreshing their roster.
Key veterans like Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, and Rodrigo De Paul still perform at elite levels. Argentina now pursues a feat unseen for over six decades. No nation has successfully defended the World Cup title since Brazil achieved consecutive victories in 1958 and 1962.
Portugal’s Golden Generation
Kroos’s faith in Portugal reflects their evolution beyond the Cristiano Ronaldo era. Manager Roberto Martínez develops a balanced team. He combines experience with emerging talents like Vitinha and João Mendes. Their attacking prowess and midfield control have positioned them as serious champion candidates.
Ronaldo now functions as an impact player. He is no longer the focal point of a cohesive team. This suggests Portugal has finally built a system to win their first World Cup crown.
The 2026 tournament promises intense competition, with Kroos’s predictions highlighting both established powers and potential breakthrough nations. Time will tell if his unconventional picks are prophetic. Argentina may also defy his expectations.This is the most intriguing question for the new, expanded 48-team format.
