2 months ago
18
Alexis Mac Allister snubbed England as he named his favorites to win next summer's World Cup, naming Argentina, Brazil, Spain and France as the teams to beat in North America.
Mac Allister won the tournament in 2022 as Argentina overcame France via a penalty shoot-out after a pulsating final — Argentina has actually won the last three major tournaments it has competed in, with the team having also won the Copa America in both 2021 and 2024.
Spain, meanwhile, goes into the World Cup as the reigning European champion after winning Euro 2024, while France has contested the last two World Cup finals. It comes after Mohamed Salah became the latest Liverpool player to qualify for the tournament next summer.
Mac Allister said that he included Brazil as one of his favorites due to the country's pedigree in the competition.
Brazil endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings after winning just eight of its 18 qualifiers, but it remains the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament a record five times.
"Spain, France, and Argentina are candidates," Mac Allister said. "You can add Brazil to that. They're making a comeback, and even though they might not be at their best right now, it's a team with great players, and now a great coach has arrived. Brazil has its history and its weight."
"Right now, I see that Spain and France are among the best teams in the world... along with us and maybe a few others that could join. They have a clear idea of play, but we always trust in ourselves."
Mac Allister is currently on international duty, with La Albiceleste scheduled to face Venezuela and Puerto Rico in friendlies over the coming days.
The game against Venezuela will kick off at 1am BST on October 11, while the game against Puerto Rico will kick off at midnight BST on October 14.
Argentina vs Puerto Rico was originally scheduled to take place in Chicago, but Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the city prompted the decision to be taken for the game to be moved to Florida.
With Liverpool not playing until Sunday, when Manchester United travel to Anfield, Mac Allister will have a much-needed extra day to recover between his international commitments and his return to club action.
English (US) ·