JAKARTA - His name is prediction and analysis, so anyone is entitled to judge. I try to guide football crazy readers, especially the 2026 World Cup. All, based on the subjectivity of the author. Therefore, like it or not, please be challenged, debated, or even perhaps questioned.
"There are five countries in my opinion that have above-average player quality, which have a midfield quartet, or at least three players, who are able to dominate the midfield. Therefore, they are the ones who have the greatest chance of winning the 2026 World Cup title, which will take place, June 11-July 19, 2026.
Even so, all countries that were called to enter their national squad, were in a combat ready condition. The concept of the assessment is based on, consistent performance, in each club. And, I do not disclose the analysis. Not from statistical figures. The reason is, all the players who were selected, are guaranteed to have the statistical data of their coaches and assistants.
The question is, why should only the country that has the quality of the midfield quartet, which is considered the biggest, win the 23rd World Cup title?
Of the seven countries, which have won the World Cup title, namely Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, France and Spain, there are three countries that dominate the midfield position to be able to win the title. They are Brazil 1970, France 1998 and Spain 2010.
The biggest football stage in the sky, since it was held in 1930, has been held nine (9) times, belonging to Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), Uruguay (1930, 1950), Italy (1934, 1938), West Germany (1954), and England (1966), bringing the Jules Rimet Trophy, before being replaced by the FIFA World Cup (1930 - 1970). Jules Rimet 1942 and 1946 could not be held by FIFA, due to World War I and II.
When it was renamed the FIFA World Cup, the trophy has been held 12 times, namely since 1974 - 2022. West Germany (1974, 1990) was renamed Germany (2006), Italy (1982, 2014), Brazil (1994, 2002), France (1998, 2018), and Spain (2010).
Middle Line TrailThere are four characters of the midfield quartet that are considered the cornerstone of modern football. 1. Players who have the character of a destroyer. That is, destroy the concentration of the opponent's players, while carrying the ball. 2. Acting as a dynamo, that is, stabilizing and organizing the game. 3. Playmaker, organizing the rhythm of the game throughout 90 minutes. 4. Positioning as a wing midfielder, to give accurate passes, to the attacker, or in front of the goal as a goal scorer.
Brazil 1970Brazil 1970, when directed by Mario Zagallo, used a 4-3-3 formation. Wilson Piazza, number 3, was too perfect as a destroyer. Almost, all the attacks, when in the Group C qualifying round, were able to escort all the opponent's midfielders. Clodoaldo Tavares, as a dynamo, brought the attack to life every inch of the field. Gerson Nunes, as a defensive midfielder. impressed very flamboyant, playing the poet of the Brazilian midfield, one goal in the final against Italy, was his precise accuracy.
Meanwhile, Roberto Rivelino has special skills. The movement to dribble the ball is called "flip-flap". This style, later imitated, was Romario, Ronaldo Rozario, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
France 1998Flashback, about the midfield quartet outside the World Cup trail. Namely, there is a very phenomenal quartet of midfielders, when France became the European Cup champion in 1984. The "Les Blues" quartet, played by Alain Giresse (destroyer), Jean Tigana (dynamo), Michael Platini (playmaker), and Luis Fernandez (wing midfielder).
France 1998, is a drop of France 1984. In fact, Aime Jacquet's troops, scattered players who play as creative midfielders. There are eight (8) players who were called by the "Blue Continent Rooster" team. Like Patrick Vieira, Youri Djorkaeff, Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane, Robert Pires, Alan Boghossian, Emmanuel Petit and Christian Karembu.
However, the formation applied by Aime Jacquuet during the 1998 World Cup in front of his own public, was an impression of a rather unique formation, 3-5-2. And, there were five midfielders deployed, more than the quartet described above.
There are two defensive midfielders played by captain Didier Deschamps and Christian Vieira, as destroyers, are considered very scary. Djorkaeff, controlling the engine of the midfield in a stable and consistent way, as a dynamo. Zinedine Zidane, playing a role as an attack regulator similar to Michael Platini. While Emmanuel Petit, is considered very iconic to play attacking midfield from the wings. Only one pure striker is left, Thierry Henry.
In fact, three of the players, Emmanuel Petit, Zinedine Zidane and Djarkaeff were able to score goals. What is extraordinary, the three French defenders, followed by contributing goals, such as Laurent Blanc, Bixente Lizarazu, and Lilian Thuram.
Spain 2010The style of play of the Spanish national team is identical to Barcelona's "miniature". Just imagine, in Barcelona, there is Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona junior), and Pedro (wing forward). And, only one defensive midfielder is left, Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid.
Vicente Del Bosque, was very lucky to get a "diamond" squad from Luis Aragones, when the "matador" team scored the Euro 2008 title. Its formation, has not changed much. From my observation, Del Bosque's tactics, 4 - 5 - 1. Its character, the descendants of "tiki-taka" which is accustomed to be practiced by Barcelona, from the science of "total football" Johan Cruyff, Frank Rikjaard and Josep Guardiola.
However, it still has more depth than the brilliant and genius midfield quartet. Especially, in the figure of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Combined two destroyer midfielders, played by Xabi Alondo and Sergio Busquet. Another Barca duet, is, Xavi, still irreplaceable as a playmaker, along with Andres Iniesta, who is too beautiful if he plays second striker. The "matador" team leaves one striker to alternate, between David Silva or Fernando Torres.
A "hanging" midfielder, similar to Emmanuel Petit (France 1998), or Roberto Rivelino (Brazil 1970) in the Spanish national team, leaves Pedro Ledesmas. The Barcelona player, determined to stabilize ball possession, with his dribbling and speed that always loves to twist from the sidelines. The goal, tearing the opponent's goal. This reminds, among Barca players, is a beauty that is always worth watching for a long time.
From the story about, who are the countries that are used as references, for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States. For fans of the world's bolamnia, especially this 23rd edition of the World Cup, it is the first time that FIFA has decided, the participating countries of the final round, no longer 32 countries. Instead, 48 countries. In total, viewers in Indonesia can watch 104 matches, up to the final.
Therefore, I chose four (4) candidate countries capable of winning the 2026 World Cup title, one "underdog" and another as a "dark horse". Those who have guaranteed quality, have a proven midfield team in their respective clubs. They are Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and France. Meanwhile, England and Japan, can be very scary, and ready to enchant 16 stadiums in three countries.
PortugalRoberto Martinez, has the opportunity to become the first coach for the "Selecao" team to present the title at the most prestigious tournament in the world - the 2026 World Cup. Portugal has five to six talented players, in the midfield position, as one of the requirements to win the event, which has been held for the 23rd time, since 1930.
The most charming and spectacular, in the Portugal line-up. Almost, all of his players, are able to play as a destroyer, a catalyst bridge. Very, very, playing the character of a playmaker. And, have the culture of a wing midfielder. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez is very confident, has a versatile midfield squad.
Just look, Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Vitinha and Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheus Nunes and Bernando Silva (Manchester City), Joao Palhinha (Tottenham Hotspurs), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP). If, Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), is the starter, then it will be more of a nightmare for the left-back of the opponent. Portugal, only once, has a wingback, who loves overlapping.
When, Portugal built a superteam, surpassing "the dream team" of the 1991 Portugal, in the figure of Luis Figo, Fernando Cuoto, Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Jorge Costa. In my opinion, Portugal deserves to be the 8th country to win the World Cup, after Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, France and Spain.
The big names of the two previous coaches, Luis Aragones and Vicente Del Bosque, who presented the Euro 2008 title, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, are considered very inspiring, for the coach of the national team Luis de la Fuente. Spain is very lucky, has a second "golden generation", after Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergei Bosquets, Xabi Alonso.
When Spain won the Euro 2024 title, De la Fuente already had a rough outline of the 4-5-1 formation. The five midfielders of the "Matador" team are occupied, Rodri (Mancheters City), Fabian Ruis (PSG), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Nico William (Athletic Bilbao), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
However, when heading to the 2026 World Cup, Spain added playmakers, such as Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Pedri and Ferran Lopes (Bercelona). In fact, if there are no obstacles or injuries, the Barcelona midfield quartet will fill the "La Roja" team in the face of the second World Cup title, after 2010.
ArgentinaThe blessing is, every time you watch the Argentine national team. The majority of the players, do not have the ideal height posture, like the average European player. Just look, two of its legends, Maradona and Messi, only have a height below 170 Cm. Fortunately, the Argentine architect, Lionel Scaloni, does not feel inferior, with his squad.
Argentina in the last five years, has talents in the midfield, which exceeds all countries that qualify for the World Cup. "The White and Sky Blue team" is too complicated to determine who deserves to fill the midfield quartet, if using a 4-4-2 formation, or 3-4-3 adopted by Scaloni.
Currently, there are Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) who are difficult to be displaced by anyone. Both, able to play as a destroyer, dynamo and playmaker. Both players, used to not feel humble, with their posture, around 170 centimeters.
The next choice, Leandro Paredes, moved from AS Roma to Boca Junior and Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), will compete for a position with the "young guns" who have risen in the Argentine squad. Namely, Nico Paz (Como/21 years old) and his son Diego Simeone, Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/23 years old). Both young people, this is able to bring their respective clubs to the top of a surprising achievement.
Argentina is very consistent, since the 2021, 2024 Copa America champions, and of course as the 2022 World Cup champions in Qatar, have the quality of their players, who are very energetic, scary and confident. The clock has been tested. Mental, mental champion.
France has Didier Deschamps, who felt the 1998 World Cup, as a champion. Deschamps, also became one of the midfield engines of "Les Blues" when the champion. As a coach, Deschamps, has made France as the 2018 World Cup champion, and runner up of the 2022 World Cup.
Since the initial writing, I have given an example. The footsteps of a very legendary midfield quartet, in the figure of Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana, Michael Platini and Luis Fernandez, when France won the European Cup in 1984. Then, the trickle was passed down to Didier Deschamps, Patrick Vieira, Djouri Djaorkaeff, Zinedine Zidane, and Emmanule Petit (1998).
At the 2018 World Cup, France again had an "epic" quartet in the form of Paul Pogba, N'golo Kante, Blaise Mutuidi, Antoine Griezmann, and Samuel Umtiti, who were pulled as destroyers, duetting with Kante. They, accustomed to being able to stabilize the rhythm of the attack. France, only left two attackers, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in front alone.
The new French 2026 quartet combination is still a nightmare for anyone. Considering that the French middle quartet, appearing as a "ghost" at the 2022 World Cup, as a finalist.
This time, France only left Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, while Eduardo Camavinga, was cut because of his bad mentality. Even if at this time, France is maintaining N'golo Kante, and Deschamps is adding to his touring power, has a midfield quartet, must give a role to Warren Zaire-Emery and Desire Douo (PSG), who successfully led PSG to win the UEFA Champions League, for the second time.
England (Underdog)Since I covered the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Always dubbed England, as "underdog specialist" In fact, since the 1990 World Cup semi-finalists, then failed to qualify in USA'94. "The Three Lions" have the names of world football celebrities when competing in the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Will the nickname "underdog" remain, since the 2018 semi-finalists and the 2020 Euro finalists?
The English midfield line, in fact, is very scary, the 2026 World Cup season. Thomas Tucel, as a tactical strategist, besides being confused, who is worthy of being chosen using numbers 9 and 10. Also super dizzy seven rounds, with the attack organizers.
In the England squad, most of the players are characterized as playmakers, in the form of Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze (Arsenal). Cole Palmer (Chelsea), and Phil Foden (Manchester City), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid).
Maybe, there are still Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White (Nothingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), James Garner (Everton), Curtis Jones (Liverpool) who are ready and able as destroyers.
The question is, does Thomas Tucel have the luck to concoct a midfield quartet formation? After Cole parmer and Phil Foden were cut? If with the new material, it is considered suitable, England can get to the finalists. However, if the mess cooks his troops. Then, getting into the top 32 is just resigned.
Until now, the tagline "Coming Home" since it was chanted at Euro 96 to the 2022 World Cup has not been considered sacred. Therefore, at the 2026 World Cup, the English national team, has been equipped with a song by The Beatles, titled "Come Together." Can it, boost the spirit and motivation of the players?
Japan (Black Horse)The ambition to build a national team, reaching its peak at the 2026 World Cup, is the determination, mission, vision of the coach and the staff, as well as all the players. Architect Hajime Moriyasu, wants his peak achievement at Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, July 19, 2026, towards the ambition of the final match of the world's most prestigious event.
Since 1998, Japan has never missed a World Cup final round, until 2026. Their best achievement, four (4) times in the last 16, in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022.
Is it right, Japan is the 2026 World Cup champion? The answer is, very appropriate, as the "black horse". Two countries who have ever won the World Cup, in a friendly match were defeated. Brazil, 2-3, England lost 0-1.
The quality of the players, especially in the midfield line, has 10 players, not all of whom can be selected. Keito Nakamura (Reims), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kaishu Sano (NEC Nijmegen), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Cristal Palace), Takumi Minamino (Monaco), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Junnosuke Suzuki (Copenhagen), and Ao Tanaka (Leed United). And, of course, the Japanese captain, Wataru Endo (Liverpool), who has recovered from injury.
If, many African countries, which have already flaunted as teams capable of inspiring, such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco.
Therefore, the "Blue Samurai" is the only one, who has the opportunity as a "black horse" to dismiss all the ambitions of the championship candidates under the sky. The most popular branch party, which is ready to be watched by about 4 billion people around the world, became a silent witness to the Japanese "Samurai" team.
If you ask, why Brazil and Germany, not favored? From my observations, while watching the Bundesliga, or even, paying attention to Brazilian players in many European elite leagues. Kok, it feels like the players are poor in character destroyers, dynamo-stabilizers, playmakers. The creative midfielder is not as good as the other candidates. Likewise, the Netherlands, who have been runner-up three times, in the 1974, 1986 and 2010 World Cups. Sami mawon!
BelgiumRudi Garcia, as a strategist, has a mission and vision, combining experienced and junior players. His midfield squad, has been selected, namely Kevin De Burye (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Glasgow Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona), and Jeremy Doku (Manchester United).
BrazilCarlo Ancelotti, has chosen his midfielders. In fact, the Italian coach only brought five players in the ball operating line in the middle line. Like Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
NetherlandsCan Ronald Koeman build a team squad, with four players from Liverpool? Or, strengthen the midfield quartet, which is occupied by Ryan Gravenbergh (Liverpool), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord), Zavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), and Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool).
GermanyAs the owner of the DNA of the biggest tournament event, Germany, has a big chance, after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was able to roll the South American kings, Brazil and Argentina. Only, coach Julian Nagelsmann, was able to combine his midfield, as the "Panzer" team that used to be always taken into account.
Nagelsmann calling 26 players into the German squad, must have a veiled scenario. At the very least, Joshua Kimmich, as captain, assisted by Jamal Musiala, both from the same club, Bayern Muenchen, assisted by Florian Wirts (Liverpool), will be the scourge of the DNA of tournament specialists.
If there is a winger, who is assigned to sail deep in the midfield position. Then, Nagelsmann, will choose Leroy Sane (Galatasaray) or Leon Goretzka (Bayern Muenchen).
How, with your favorite team? The answer, please choose for yourself, and can mention the names of the candidates for the middle quartet. The law, it must be debated.
J. Erwiyantoro(Football Columnist)
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
