Kobbie Mainoo has backed England to win the 2026 World Cup, saying the squad and staff believe it too and insisting the road to the trophy is still there for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Mainoo’s confidence came with a caveat, though: he said success will not come easily.
The United midfielder, 100%, said playing at a World Cup is something he has dreamed of since he was really young. He called it “very special” and “unbelievable,” adding that he has wanted to play in the tournament all his life because it is the biggest stage in football. For readers searching his name now, it is that direct belief in England’s chances that stands out most, alongside a fresh forecast that puts the team in a strong position before a ball has been kicked.
Opta’s supercomputer gives England a 67.76% likelihood of finishing top of Group L, and only two nations are rated more likely to top their groups. On paper, that makes England one of the pre-tournament favorites heading to the 2026 World Cup. Mainoo said the team will try to approach it in the same way as the Euros, with the goal of winning, and that he believes the whole camp shares that ambition.
But the numbers do not hide the uncertainty. Group L appears split in two halves, and Croatia is described as England’s biggest threat in the early stages. Dropping to second in the group would be seen as a massive shock, which is why the projection matters now: it is a sign of how highly England are rated, but not a guarantee that Tuchel’s side will glide through the opening round.
That is what leaves the story open. Mainoo has said the dream is real, and the forecast backs him up, but England will still have to turn those expectations into results when the 2026 World Cup begins. The next test is not the confidence in the camp; it is whether England can make the group-table optimism hold up when the matches start.
