Who will win World Cup 2026 and will Lionel Messi claim the Golden Ball?

By admin — In News — July 8, 2026

   ​World Cup 2026 has reached the quarter-final stage, leaving eight nations in the running for football’s ultimate prize in North America—the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The quarter-finalists still chasing glory this summer are France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland. Each side remains hopeful of lifting the iconic trophy on July 19, as the tournament events intensify and the dream of global glory drives players and fans alike.
As part of the latest SB Nation Reacts edition, we want to hear from you. Which team do you believe will be crowned world champions as we near the climax of the competition? Who do you think will capture the Golden Ball as the standout player of the tournament? Lionel Messi currently sits among the favorites to win the Golden Ball, leading the scoring charts, but multiple big-name contenders are in the mix. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, among others, remain strong candidates for the award, and their performances could shape the final outcome.
Cast your vote in the poll below and share your thoughts in the comments. We’re eager to hear your predictions on who will lift the World Cup trophy and which star will claim the Golden Ball. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, your hub for fan insights, spirited discussion, and up-to-the-minute reactions as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for the latest survey results and community reactions as the competition moves toward a thrilling conclusion.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

Image Credit: Getty Images

All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.