It’s the start of a football feast – an expanded format of 48 teams playing 72 group games from 11 June until 27 June in America, Mexico and Canada before 32 progress to the knockout stage. By the time the final whistle blows in the final at New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, we’ll have witnessed 104 matches!
As we count down the hours to the 8pm kick-off in Mexico City – remembering that Heung-Min Son’s South Korea follow against Czech Republic at 3am on Friday morning – we asked 20 Spurs legends – 11 of whom played the World Cup – a simple question, with a tricky answer…
Who wins the World Cup, and why?
Here’s what they had to say – and make sure you have your say in the comments!
Darren Anderton
Played at the 1998 World Cup with England
It's a tough one. I want to say England – and we can do it, for sure. However, I really like the French. I just think that they've got such a good mentality now. They've had nightmares in the past, like every team has, but I think that's the squad that stands out to me - they're going to be the team to beat. Then, you always think when it's over here, North America, South America, it's the South American teams that will win it. So, for me, Brazil and Argentina, you've got to look at them as well, but I think the best team all round is probably France.
Paul Allen
FA Cup winner at Spurs
Obviously, I will be cheering on England and would love to see us win it. Outside of England, I think France could be the team to beat, with their current squad and previous World Cup history. I think they are strong contenders. They have depth and talent within their squad and will be physically strong and competitive.
Ossie Ardiles
Played at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups with Argentina, winner in 1978
You have to mention the usual suspects – so, for South America, it's always Brazil and Argentina. Brazil aren’t great right now though. This is why Carlo Ancelotti is in charge, and they are trying to see he can make some kind of miracle, because don’t forget they only qualified in the last game in South America qualifying. So, Argentina is the best, but I would never, ever write Brazil off. In Europe, you are talking specifically Spain and France. Also, Portugal, they have a super team. It’s not just about Ronaldo, they have a super midfield with the two guys from PSG (Neves and Vitinha), wonderful, plus Bruno Fernandes. I think they are going to be there, definitely.
Seb Bassong
Played at the 2010 World Cup with Cameroon
I have mixed feelings, but I would say Portugal, simply because for me they have an amazing squad and they have been working on that squad for a long time. Cristiano Ronaldo has to be on the bench, not start the game. They have such a wonderful bunch of kids, talented, that have been winning the Champions League with PSG, for instance, and so many others. So, my take would go on Portugal.
Dimitar Berbatov
League Cup winner at Spurs
France - great players. Or… England – it’s about time.
Colin Calderwood
Played at the 1998 World Cup with Scotland
I think one of the African teams might win it – Ghana, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egpyt, Morocco, Tunisia. They’re out of everyone’s focus a little. They all have the physicality you need, and I just think they're all good teams. Don’t forget Morocco reached the semi-finals last time in Qatar. The African Nations tournament this year was also really good. I just think they’re all so strong, physical, athletic, good players. Also, the emotion those countries bring to the World Cup helps the tournament massively in terms of atmosphere. It just shows how passionate people are about football all over the world, it’s lovely to see.
Michael Dawson
Member of England 2010 World Cup squad
I'd like to say England, and they certainly could do it. I’ve actually given us more of a chance in the previous two tournaments, which is a little strange when we've got a manager who is a serial winner in Thomas Tuchel! I think we've an incredible squad, incredible manager, but I think we’ll come up just short. France are my favourites, but if our big players turn up, if Harry Kane has a tournament of his life, for instance, why can't England win it? It’s all about big players in big moments and that's why I just look at France, I just think they can score the big goals at big times, they been there before and at the moment, I’d just go for them.
Eric Dier
Played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with England
I hope England win it, because they've got a great manager and they've got Harry Kane. I also think they've got some of the best players in the world in a few positions. They’ve also built up a lot of experience over recent tournaments and have a lot of players in the squad who have won trophies, players who have managed to get over the line - maybe that could be the difference.
Erik Edman
Played at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups with Sweden
Everyone says France because of the quality and depth of the squad they have, but I hope Spain will win it. I like the way they play, and they also have a playing style that probably can cope with the heat! After watching them beat Sweden 3-1 recently, I think Norway can go quite far, they look solid and have both pace and power up front, and will be good at set plays which very often has a decisive impact on games in a World Cup.
Micky Hazard
FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs
Argentina – it’s Lionel Messi’s final appearance at the World Cup. He will be so up for it, and if he fires, any team fires.
David Howells
FA Cup winner with Spurs
I've a strong feeling for Brazil. I just feel, in the continent where it is, under the conditions that they're going to have to play under, it's going to be very difficult for a European team to win. I feel like the support Brazil will get, and the players they have in their team, in their squad, strength in depth, a winning manager in Carlo Ancelotti - a manager who knows how to win. I've just got a strong feeling that Brazil will be the team to beat, so they're my tip for the World Cup.
Chris Hughton
Played at the 1990 World Cup for Republic of Ireland
For me, France. It’s about the quality of players, of course, but mostly the experience of winning in recent years.
Martin Jol
Took Spurs back into Europe as manager, 2004-07
Favourites for the World Cup are Spain and France, because of the quality in their attack. My dark horses or outsiders will be Portugal, England and Brazil (if Ancelotti can create a winning mentality). If you really want one winner of the World Cup, I will give it to Spain. For me, England shot themselves in the foot because of (Cole) Palmer, who could have been a difference maker to really give the Three Lions a chance to win the World Cup – then I would have made them a favourites as well!
Ledley King
Played at the 2010 World Cup with England
I think there are four teams that probably feel like a good chance. I'd say France, Spain, England and Argentina, with Portugal as my dark horses. I think England's tournament will be the next Euros, I think we win that one. So, if I had to pick one for this World Cup, I would probably have to go for Spain.
Paul Miller
FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs
I believe France will win the World Cup as they have top players in all the big positions. Plus, most of their team are consistent trophy winners for their clubs, so they know what it takes to get over the line.
Gus Poyet
Capped 26 times by Uruguay
I go three or four natural candidates, a couple I like. France are very, very strong – sometimes you don't know if the starting XI is the best or the four or five changes that come from the bench, and that's a great advantage. They are big. They are strong. They have the speed, the technique. I mean, they’ve got everything! Then I would say Spain, Argentina. I also fancy England more than ever. For the first time, in my opinion, it's more of a team than individuals. Okay, Harry Kane is there, the leader, and there are more – but it's more about the team. Also, if Thomas Tuchel achieves what I think he's trying to achieve, to make a team play in a certain way, then England have everything. I have to say also, I like Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil. He’s more than a coach, plus the quality of the players.
Graham Roberts
FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs
I’m going for France as they have best squad. Also, I think they have players all over the pitch who can score – forwards, midfielders, and they’re strong at the back, so they have everything!
Erik Thorstvedt
Played at the 1994 World Cup for Norway
I’ll go for France. They are just stacked with good players, and a manager that has been with them for a long time.
Kevin Wimmer
Capped nine times by Austria
France are always amazing, but I will go with Brazil, I’ve watched their friendly against Panama (Brazil won 6-2) and they have so much individual quality, plus Carlo Ancelotti. If they can make a team together on the pitch I think they have some of the highest quality individuals and they can do it. Look, maybe France will win it, but I will go for Brazil because I like the style of football they play, it’s very joyful to watch and they have amazing players. Also, I hope it goes well for Sonny and South Korea. I’m still good friends with Sonny and I hope he can make an impact as always, hopefully they’ll get out of their group.
Jan Vertonghen
Played at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups for Belgium, bronze medal in 2018
I'm saying Belgium, of course, sorry, I have to! Why? I think they have a group who's very well aligned, better than the than the previous years, in my opinion. Everyone is on the same page. I’m just convinced that something can be special. Obviously, the bigger favourites are probably France and Portugal, but I believe Belgium can do it and that they can grow into the tournament.