Why Brazil, England, Portugal may not win 2026 World Cup

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By Ayobami Okerinde

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today across the United States, Mexico and Canada, attention will be on who emerges champion on July 19.

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The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the three North American countries, has already generated off-field global headlines, including controversies around visa issues, denial of officials’ access to the United States, security concerns and ticket prices.

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As talking points shift to the players, coaches and supporters, attention will also be on three leading countries, Brazil, England and Portugal, who face a historical hurdle in their bid for glory.

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Brazil are targeting a record-extending sixth title; England are chasing a second World Cup crown, while Portugal are still searching for their first-ever title. However, history presents a tough challenge, as no foreign coach has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1930.

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In history, only two managers, Sweden under England-born George Raynor in 1958 and the Netherlands under Austrian manager Ernst Happel in 1978, ever managed to reach the final.

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Of the 48 teams heading to the tournament, 31 are led by foreign coaches. Argentina has the largest representation among managers with six, followed by France with five, Spain with four and Germany with three.

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With this record, Brazil, England and Portugal, all of whom head into the tournament under foreign coaches, face a tough task. Brazil is led by Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti; England is coached by German manager Thomas Tuchel, while Portugal remains under Spanish coach Roberto Martínez.

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Ancelotti leads a Brazil squad regarded among the most talented in world football, while Tuchel is tasked with winning England’s first major trophy in 60 years.

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Portugal, meanwhile, will look to their talented young squad led by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who may be playing in his final World Cup.

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While all three nations boast strong squads and coaches who have excelled at the highest level, history suggests the road to the title could be more difficult than expected.

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