Capello picks World Cup favourite and highlights another issue with host venues

Fabio Capello has given his predictions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but says that the varying climates between the host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada will have an impact on how each individual match will be played.

The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday evening in a newly-expanded 48-team set-up across North America, kicking off with Mexico vs. South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca at 20.00 BST.

Mexico City is one of 16 host venues for the 2026 tournament, along with stadiums in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, Boston, Vancouver, Toronto, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

Capello, writing in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column, explained why having such a vast mixture of host cities is not ideal from a footballing perspective.

“The first underestimated aspect that comes to mind is how much of a difference there will be between the host cities and how that will affect things: In the north, in Canada for example, the games will be played at a much higher pace than those that will be played in Mexico, Miami and other warmer areas,” Capello explained.

“The temperature will affect a lot, although fortunately there are five subs available. In general, it will be a World Cup where technique and individual quality will come to the forefront.”

Capello went on to assess the favourites for the 2026 title, and picked France as the most promising-looking side of the European nations.

“In front of them all, there is France, which is dominating at club level with PSG winning in the Champions League, and they have big champions in their national team. They have the mentality, desire and determination. With Olise and all the others in attack, there’s enough quality to fill two teams.”

Didier Deschamps’s side are not the only ones to have caught Capello’s eye, though.

“Among the favourites, I would also have Spain, which has a great system and also showed the right mentality during the last EUROs.

“I’m also very interested in England because Tuchel has picked the team that he wanted, leaving out some interesting players like Maguire. Plus, he has Kane, who is really decisive at the moment.

“I wouldn’t put Germany among the favourites, but I’m curious to see where the level of German football is at the moment more than anything, a personal curiosity of mine.”

Italy might not be at the 2026 World Cup, but they are still represented by three head coaches of other nations, including Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil.

“Then there are the South Americans. Ancelotti’s Brazil are very interesting, he’s a great coach who knows everything about football and how to get into the players’ heads. He doesn’t have one single system or method, and he’s very strong psychologically. He could make the difference.

“Argentina, if they play well, have a lot of players who can decide matches, from Lauutaro down, including Nico Paz, who I like a lot and could surprise a few.”