Italy's absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant moment as they fail to qualify for the third consecutive tournament. The defending European champions, Spain, are currently favored to lift the trophy, followed closely by England, France, Argentina, and Brazil. France has shown strong performances in recent tournaments, reaching the finals in both 2018 and 2022. Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers in football history, is optimistic about his team's chances, highlighting the need for a solid defense alongside talented forwards. He also cautioned that with 48 teams participating, the tournament could see unexpected outcomes, mentioning strong contenders like Senegal and Morocco. As the competition approaches, the landscape of favorites remains competitive and unpredictable.