Argentina ended their 36-year wait for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, with Lionel Messi and co lifting the trophy in Qatar. La Albiceleste defeated France in the final, and the current generation had a weight lifted off their shoulders.
While they will be lookin got make it back-to-back titles this summer, they are set to face sides who are hungry for success. While all teams are going in expecting to win the big prize, some sides have much more riding on them.
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We take a look at the five nations who will face added pressure as fans expect them to go all the way this summer.
#5 – Spain (Last FIFA World Cup win: 2010)
Lamine Yamal was in sensational form at the EURO 2024 when he made his big tournament debut for Spain. He is now set to make his debut at the FIFA World Cup, and all eyes are on him.
The teenager is regarded as one of the best players in the world, and it will not be a surprise if the poster boy has two defenders marking him at all times. Spain are currently the top-ranked team in the FIFA rankings and will undoubtedly be among the favourites for the title.
La Roja last won the title in 2010, but the last two editions have been forgettable. They exited in the Round of 16 both times, and Luis de la Fuente will be desperate to deliver.
#4 – Brazil (Last FIFA World Cup win: 2002)
Brazil is among the most supported teams at the FIFA World Cup, with a large section of support coming from outside the country. The Selecao have not managed to light up the place since 2002, and that will be Carlo Ancelotti’s task this summer.
No foreign coach has ever won the FIFA World Cup, and the Italian will be hoping to create history. The fan pressure is always on the players, as they are expected to bring home the trophy for the sixth time, and the 24-year wait has left them frustrated.
No nation in the world is more obsessed with football than Brazil, and given the squad selected by Ancelotti, this summer might be the magical one.
#3 – France (Last FIFA World Cup win: 2018)
France won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2022. However, the quality of the side is such that everyone expects them to create history and make it a hat-trick of finals.
Les Bleus have one of the best sides heading into the summer tournament, and many believe they could easily meet in the final if the squad were split into two. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise will be leading the attack, and all three have been in fine form this season.
Didier Dechamps has already announced he will step down this summer, and the players will hope to give him one of the best send-offs. If they make the final once again, he will also be the first coach to reach three successive finals.
#2 – England (Last FIFA World Cup win: 1966)
“It’s coming home” has been playing in England for the past 30 years, but their wait for the FIFA World Cup trophy has now reached 60 years. The Three Lions are always expected to be among the best sides in the tournament, but something or other has always stopped them from going all the way.
They reached the final of the last two editions of the Euros, but in the FIFA World Cup, they have never reached the final since winning in 1966. Thomas Tuchel has been handed control this year, and the German manager has already put himself under immense pressure by leaving out some important players.
The media and fans are expecting their side to win every time they take the pitch, and that has reached a new level this summer, as they are excited about the talented squad. Harry Kane has tasted success since leaving Tottenham, and adding silverware with the national team could easily cement his place in the greatest footballers from England conversations.
#1 – Portugal (Never won the FIFA World Cup)
In 2022, it was clear that the Argentina players were doing everything that can to win the World Cup for Lionel Messi. They were determined to give it their all on the pitch, and this year, that might just be the case with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Al-Nassr captain has insisted that winning the tournament is not his dream, but deep down, every footballer wants to get his hands on the coveted trophy. The 41-year-old is already regarded as one of the greatest ever, but many have argued for the past 4 years that Messi has taken over since the World Cup win.
Roberto Martinez has selected a great squad to help Ronaldo and millions of Portugal fans achieve their dreams this summer. It is now time for the players to step up and deliver under pressure and not crumble.
Edited by Sripad
