This tournament could be the World Cup “Last Dance” for several players, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, a former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper doesn’t believe either of them will be crowned champion this time around.
Former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller doesn’t see Argentina or Portugal as favorites and has suggested other teams that could take home the prestigious trophy. In his view, the next champion will come from Europe.
Neither Messi nor CR7: Keller’s favorites
Kasey played in four World Cups (1990, 1998, 2002, 2006) and was a key player in the historic quarterfinal run at Korea-Japan 2002.
With 65 days to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many fans, analysts, and players have their favorite candidates to lift the trophy, and Keller is no exception. However, he has left out two soccer icons.
Speaking with Jackpot City Casino (via Tribal Football), the former goalkeeper stated that he doesn’t see Argentina defending the title they won in Qatar 2022 and that there are several teams better than Cristiano’s Portugal:
“Can Ronaldo win the World Cup this summer? I don’t see Portugal winning the World Cup. I think they’re good. I look at a few teams. We look at the squad France has; if they get it together, then watch out. Obviously, Spain is very strong. I really like England’s squad-they have to be one of the favorites,” Keller said.
“I don’t see Argentina being able to repeat their success. With no expectations, can Brazil step up when they haven’t necessarily been playing well?” he added. “I personally look at Spain, France, and England. I just hope that with all this hype, it doesn’t become too much. We know English fans get a little excited when they start to have a bit of success,” he warned.
While Spain, France, and England are the favorites among many soccer fans, Keller’s analysis is also shaped by the generational context: both Messi and Ronaldo would be 38 and 41 years old, respectively, when the World Cup begins. In fact, Leo would turn 39 during the tournament, on June 24.
However, there’s no denying the expectations that Argentina and Portugal are generating. La Albiceleste won its third World Cup title in the last edition in Qatar after defeating France in the final on penalties and arrives in the United States, Mexico, and Canada as the defending champion. For its part, Portugal has never won the World Cup and is placing its full trust in Cristiano’s final attempt to lift the prestigious trophy.
While CR7 has confirmed that he will participate in this year’s World Cup and that it will be his final tournament, Messi has not yet confirmed his participation, and there are significant doubts surrounding his decision.
Meanwhile, Argentina will lead Group J and will play its opening match against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, at Kansas City Stadium. Then, at Dallas Stadium, they will play against Austria on Monday, June 22, and against Jordan on Saturday, June 27.
Portugal is in Group K and will play its first match on Wednesday, June 17, against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On Tuesday, June 23, they will face Uzbekistan, and on the 27th, Colombia.
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