Beckham, Klinsmann List Top 2026 FIFA World Cup Contenders

Former England captain, David Beckham, has tipped England to end their long wait for World Cup success by winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Beckham, who starred for both Real Madrid and Manchester United during his playing career, also identified Japan as the tournament’s potential surprise package.

Speaking to ABC News, Beckham said England’s 60-year wait for a second World Cup title should come to an end.

“I am always going to say England,” Beckham noted.

“It’s sixty years now since we [England] last won the World Cup, so it is about time that we win [again this year].

“It is never easy. There is always a surprise in a World Cup with either a player or a country that emerges.

“I think the Japanese team has got a really strong team, they could be kind of a secret.”

Beckham’s backing comes as former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann named Portugal and Brazil as his leading candidates for the title.

The former Bayern Munich forward believes Portugal’s squad unity around captain Cristiano Ronaldo could mirror the spirit that helped Argentina lift the trophy in Qatar.

Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Klinsmann said, “My two favourites are Portugal, because I see a little bit of similarities to Argentina and Qatar, where everybody played for Messi.

“Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team. It’s an incredible team of quality. With a very, very good coach, Roberto Martinez.

“I think Brazil also has a shot at it, and England has absolute quality, equality if they have the belief.”