Ahead of a new edition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer fans are debating between their candidates and the players who could stand out in the tournament. However, artificial intelligence already has its favorites.
The amazing thing about this is that AI has not opted for stars such as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving them out of its Top 3 favorites, but has instead chosen new talents to win the tournament’s Golden Ball.
Youth or legacy?
With his sights set on the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, Messi will seek to defend the title he won in Qatar in 2022, while CR7 will attempt to bring home the cup for the first time in his career.
And although one might think that leaving these sports icons out of the debate might sound strange or far-fetched, for AI this is not a problem.
Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence, assured that the best player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be neither the former Barcelona nor the former Real Madrid player, according to “SoyFutbol,” and that the winner of the tournament’s Golden Ball will be a young star who has been shining brightly for years.
The 2018 world champion and 2022 runner-up, Kylian Mbappé is the AI’s favorite player, who also has a great present at Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of CR7 (and even breaking several of the Portuguese player’s records).
Rounding out the top three candidates for the Golden Ball is Lamine Yamal in second place. The promising 18-year-old star of Barça and Spain has dazzled with his talent. Completing the list is Vinícius Júnior, Kylian’s Brazilian teammate at Real Madrid.
This may come as a surprise to many fans given the prestige and respect accorded to Lionel and Cristiano and their contribution to the history of soccer. Even their rivalry has set a precedent. However, the AI’s choice also reflects a preference for a new generation that is not lacking in talent and is hungry for victory and success.
In this way, the 2026 World Cup could crown not only a new champion but also a new face to lift the tournament’s Golden Ball. With the countdown underway, these predictions fuel the eternal debate between legends and new stars and confirm that soccer, like life, always moves forward.
The World Cup in Argentina and Portugal for Messi and Cristiano
Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team will be in Group J, alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. They will make their debut against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16. They will then face Austria on Monday, June 22, and Jordan on Friday, June 26. Despite this, Leo has not yet confirmed his presence in the tournament.
Meanwhile, in Group K, Portugal will face Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the Intercontinental Playoff between Jamaica, Congo, and New Caledonia. On Wednesday, June 17, Portugal will play its opening match against the winner of the Intercontinental Playoff. On Tuesday, June 23, it will face Uzbekistan, and on Saturday, June 27, it will face Colombia.
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