Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is backing England to ‘make the last step’ and win the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
Pep Guardiola Backs England for World Cup Glory
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants England to win the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions sealed their spot at the tournament by topping their qualifying group with a perfect eight wins from eight, without conceding a single goal throughout the campaign.
Consequently, they are among the favourites to triumph in North America next summer.
Thomas Tuchel said he hopes to ‘make England’s dreams come true’ after being appointed last year, and Guardiola is backing the German to do exactly that ahead of Friday’s draw.
The likes of Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino, Andrea Bocelli, Kevin Hart, Robbie Williams and more will all be in attendance as Harry Kane and co discover which group they are in.
England have been allocated a spot in Pot 1, meaning they will be the highest-seeded side in their group, and they will be drawn alongside a team from each of Pot 2, Pot 3 and Pot 4.
Scotland are in Pot 3, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have been allocated positions in Pot 4 should they make it through the World Cup play-offs in March.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s clash against high-flying Sunderland on Saturday, Guardiola was asked to select his favourite to win the tournament.
The Catalan responded: “The same ones. Everybody knows. We will be in agreement about the candidates if we name the same four or five candidates. Everybody knows it.”
He continued, sharing his hopes for England: “I would like England to be there. I don’t want to pretend to be too nice but I have been here for many years and been part of the country.
“I would love Thomas [Tuchel] and the people to make the last step and do it.”
Not only has Pep embraced the culture of Manchester, he’s doing the same with the country as a whole.
Choosing England for the World Cup says a lot about his character. 🏴
Class 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/SZi6ma2tkT
— LB✌🏽 (@Londonblue_2) December 5, 2025
The FA made contact with Guardiola over potentially becoming the next England manager following Gareth Southgate’s departure in July 2024, however he opted to remain at the Etihad.
Subsequently, ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel was announced as the new manager in October 2024.
Several City Stars To Represent England at World Cup
City and Guardiola will be well represented at the World Cup, with several members of his squad expected to travel to Mexico, Canada and the United States with the Three Lions.
John Stones and Phil Foden, barring any injuries, are almost certain to be involved, while Nico O’Reilly and James Trafford are also being tipped to make Tuchel’s final World Cup squad.
All four were included in his latest squad for November’s qualifying match against Albania.
Five-time senior international Rico Lewis could also force his way into the reckoning should he start gaining some significant game time between now and next summer.
Elsewhere, Jack Grealish, whom City have sent out on loan to Everton for the season, is among the favourites to receive a recall in the England World Cup squad betting odds market.
He scored the winner in the Toffees’ league win away at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
