If the World Cup started now, who would win the Hercules Cup? This team is leading the way

If the World Cup starts now, who will win the Hercules Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America next summer, but if we assume that this globally watched football feast starts today, which team has the best chance of winning the championship?

Based on various indicators in the current international football world: recent record, lineup depth, overall stability and tactical maturity, the answer is very clear - Spain.

This "Matador Legion" is not only the number one favorite, but also the most complete, balanced and dominant national team in world football today.

Spain: The rising new king

As the defending champion of the 2024 European Cup, Spain has regained the top spot in the FIFA world rankings from Argentina a few months ago. Led by coach Luis de la Fuente, the team displayed amazing balance and energy.

Goalkeeper position: Unai Simon is stable and reliable;

Defense line: Laporte, Paul Cubasi, Lenorment, Huizen and others can rotate smoothly, and the full-backs include Cucurella, Grimaldo and Polo and other offensive and defensive players;

The midfielder is a dream: even though Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has not yet been injured due to injury Fully restored to form, Spain still has Pedri, Merino, Suvemendi and Fabian Ruiz - all top-level players;

The forward line is full of explosive points: 18-year-old Yamal and 23-year-old Nico Williams have repeatedly torn apart the opponent's defense with their speed, technology and breakthrough ability; Olmo and Oyarzabal provide precise finishes.

This team can not only press with high pressure and control the ball smoothly, but also has a variety of defense-breaking methods. In the past 18 months, they have defeated France, Germany, Italy and England - no other national team can produce such a dazzling resume.

Main contenders: Who can challenge Spain?

Argentina: Messi is still there, but he is no longer at his peak

As the 2022 World Cup champion, Argentina is still a force that cannot be ignored. Although the 38-year-old Messi went to play in Miami, he can still deliver key performances in the national team; the striker composed of Lautaro Martinez and Alvarez is still sharp; the midfielder consists of Enzo Fernandez, McAllister and DePaul forming a golden triangle; goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is still world-class.

However, Argentina's problems are becoming increasingly obvious: the defense is aging, the full-backs are mediocre, and the overall status in 2025 will fluctuate greatly. Although they are still very resilient in the knockout rounds, their lineup is slightly inferior to Spain in terms of thickness and integrity.

France: The strongest on paper, but in fact full of hidden dangers

The French team has the most luxurious lineup in theory: Mbappe has regained his peak form in Real Madrid, Chuameni and Camavinga control the midfield, Saliba is already the top central defender in Europe, and Deschamps' system has always been stable.

However, since the defeat in the 2022 World Cup final, the "Gaul Rooster" has gradually lost its spirit. They were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Cup. Their performance in the UEFA Nations League was mediocre and they frequently drew against weak teams. After Griezmann retired, the team's creativity dropped significantly and they relied too much on Mbappe's personal performance. They have the ability to go far, but lack the overall temperament that a champion should have.

England: Lots of talents, inner demons are hard to get rid of

Bellingham continues to shine at Real Madrid, Foden, Saka, and Kane are at the peak of their careers, and Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world today. The offensive firepower of the Three Lions is terrifying.

But the problem is - they have not yet proven themselves in strong dialogue. This year's World Cup preliminaries have been against weak teams, and their true quality remains to be tested. Can England withstand the pressure against tough opponents like Spain, France or Argentina? History tells us: psychological quality is still their biggest shortcoming.

Other potential spoilers

Germany: The new generation led by Wirtz is talented and rising rapidly;

Portugal: Veterans dominate + new stars emerge (such as João · Neves, Leo), both offensive and defensive;

Brazil: getting better under the coaching of Ancelotti, with new stars such as Esteban shining;

Netherlands: full of physical fitness, strong tactical discipline, always a tough nut to crack.

In addition, strong African teams such as Uruguay under Bielsa, Japan led by Mori Yasuichi, and even Morocco may cause an upset in the group stage. However, considering that the 2026 World Cup will be expanded to 48 teams, the schedule will be longer, and the intensity will be higher. The ones who will really have the last laugh will most likely still be the few giants with the strongest overall strength.

If the World Cup started today, Spain would be the team closest to the championship. They are young, united, technically superior, tactically flexible, and on the rise. There are no obvious shortcomings and there are super new stars who can change the game - this is the definition of a "perfect national team" in modern football.