Soccer
As the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an end across the United States, Canada and Mexico, former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami has shared his thoughts on the teams he believes can and cannot win the tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite impressive performances from England, Germany and the Netherlands in the opening round, Odegbami believes none of the three European powers have what it takes to lift the trophy on July 19.
The Nigeria football legend made his views known in his Vanguard newspaper column while reviewing the teams that have caught his attention ahead of the Round of 32.
The Netherlands finished top of Group F with seven points. The Dutch side opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan before crushing Sweden 5-1. They completed their group campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City to seal first place and set up a Round of 32 clash against Morocco in Monterrey.
Germany also won Group E despite a surprise defeat in their final match. Julian Nagelsmann’s team started with a huge 7-1 win over Curaçao before beating Ivory Coast 2-1. However, they suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador after conceding a decisive goal in the 77th minute.
England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, entered their final Group L match against Panama already assured of qualification. The Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opener before being held to a disappointing goalless draw by Ghana.
Yet, none of these performances have convinced former Green Eagles star Odegbami.
Soccer World Cup 2026: Why Odegbami thinks heavyweights will fall short
While many see England, Germany and the Netherlands as serious contenders, the Nigerian icon believes each team has major weaknesses that will stop them from becoming world champions.
Writing in his column, Odegbami said:
“On the whole, as the last matches of the Group stage are to be concluded this weekend, a few teams have stood out, albeit it temporarily, to me – France, Argentina, Holland, Mexico.”
He then explained why he is not backing England, despite stars like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
“England don’t have enough great talent in their overrated team.”
Despite England’s strong start against Croatia, Odegbami feels the squad has been rated too highly and lacks the exceptional quality needed to go all the way through seven matches and win the World Cup.
The former Nigerian captain was equally critical of Germany despite their six-point group-stage haul.
“Germany are loaded with many young players and an aged goalkeeper. They can’t win big.”
Germany’s youthful squad has impressed in moments but Odegbami believes a lack of experience in key positions could become a major problem once the knockout rounds begin.
The 72-year-old also questioned the Netherlands’ ability to finish the job despite their attractive football.
“Holland are dangerous, look good during this championship but have no history and experience to cross the finish line unscathed.”
The Dutch have looked among the most entertaining teams so far, scoring 10 goals in three matches, but Odegbami believes history suggests they may struggle when the pressure becomes highest.
Soccer Why France are Odegbami’s favourite to win World Cup 2026
While ruling out England, Germany and the Netherlands, Odegbami believes France currently look like the strongest team left in the tournament.
Didier Deschamps’ side stormed through Group I with a perfect nine points from three matches.
France opened with a 3-1 victory over Senegal before defeating Iraq 3-0, with captain Kylian Mbappé scoring twice. Les Bleus then completed an outstanding group campaign with a 4-1 win over Norway, inspired by a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé.
The French now prepare to face Sweden in the Round of 32 at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30.
France’s impressive form continues a remarkable period of consistency. They won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, finished runners-up to Argentina in Qatar in 2022 after a dramatic 3-3 final, and also reached the quarter-finals in 2014.
France’s attacking strength separates them from every other team in the competition, says Odegbami, who also fancies Messi-inspired Argentina.
“Where would I wager my bet? The frontline of France appears to me to be a little bit sharper, faster and more inventive than all the others. With Mbape and Dembele, the French look unstoppable by most defenses.
“I can’t wait for the Group of 32 to start! Thats when the men will be separated from the boys.”
While England, Germany and the Netherlands have impressed during the group stage, France remain Odegbami’s strongest pick to become world champions in 2026.
Read MoreImhonlamhen