World Cup: Supercomputer predicts 2026 winner as England look to end 60 years of hurt

Spain have been tipped to repeat their 2008-2010 feat by winning the World Cup this summer after lifting the European Championship two years ago.

The likes of Lamine Yamal and Rodri see the champions of Europe come into the tournament as firm favourites, although victory is far from a given.

Argentina will hope to become only the third nation to ever retain the World Cup, after Italy and Brazil.

Many eyes will be on England, who, under the management of Thomas Tuchel, will hope to end their 60-year wait to win a major international tournament.

This summer will also provide Cristiano Ronaldo with his last chance to lift the iconic trophy, with Lionel Messi also set to bow out on the major international stage later this year.

Supercomputer ranks World Cup favourites

Tuchel has already been placed under some pressure as England boss after a lacklustre display in Saturday's friendly against New Zealand.

Harry Kane's goal saw the Three Lions win 1-0 in Florida, but the German will hope to see a more convincing performance in Wednesday's final warm-up against Costa Rica before the World Cup kicks off.

England's first game will be against Croatia, with Ghana and Panama to come thereafter.

Opta's supercomputer has handed Tuchel's side a 10.58 per cent chance of going two better than they did in 2018 by winning the tournament.

Favourites, Spain, have been given a 15.59 per cent chance, with France between the two nations with 12.75 per cent of repeating their 2018 feat.

Holders, Argentina, are at 10.43 per cent for retaining, while Portugal and Ronaldo have just a 7.02 per cent chance.

Further down the list are Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Columbia, with the chances then falling below two per cent.

How to watch England's games

England will kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June, at 21:00 BST.

The match will be available live on ITV1, STV and ITVX. The clash against Ghana will be at the same time on Tuesday, 23rd June, but will be on BBC One and BBC Iplayer.

The final group stage game will be at 22:00 BST on the 27th June, and available on ITV1, STV and ITVX.

The draw will reveal what comes after that, as England attempt to finally bring home the dreams of the nation.