A supercomputer has projected the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain emerging as the most likely champions.
The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams.
A total of 12 groups comprising four teams each will compete across 104 matches, with the competition running from June 11 to July 19. The final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Based on 10,000 pre-tournament simulations conducted by the Opta Supercomputer, Spain topped the list of favourites, winning 16.1 per cent of the simulated tournaments.
France, England and Argentina were also rated highly, each claiming the title in more than 10 per cent of the simulations.
Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium rounded out the top ten contenders.
The simulations, however, suggest that co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada have only a slim chance of lifting the trophy.
