Spain national team and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella shared his thoughts on the teams that could achieve high results at the 2026 World Cup. The European champion highlighted two other teams alongside the traditional favorites.
According to the 27-year-old defender, there are always usual contenders in major competitions like the World Cup. It is natural: teams like Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, and Spain are mentioned as favorites in any tournament. However, Cucurella emphasized that some other teams could pose a serious threat this time.
In his opinion, the Netherlands national team has a chance to achieve a great result at the 2026 World Cup. Cucurella rated the Dutch as a team with a very strong squad. Indeed, this team has stood out in recent years for its blend of young and experienced players, physical conditioning, and tactical discipline.
"Favorites? There are always the usual contenders. But I think the Netherlands has a very strong team," said Cucurella.
The Spanish player's opinion is not unfounded. The Netherlands is always considered one of the teams capable of causing problems for any opponent in major tournaments. They have high-level players in defense, midfield, and attack. With such a squad, they can go far in the World Cup.
Cucurella also mentioned another surprise name. He said the Ecuador national team could also find success at the World Cup. The Spanish defender admitted he didn't believe in this team much before, but his opinion changed after his recent observations.
"Ecuador could also be successful. I didn't believe in them much before, but they have players who can do everything right," he noted.
This opinion about Ecuador is interesting. Because in the World Cup, it is often such teams—those that many do not take seriously, but play with discipline and spirit on the pitch—that create sensations. Ecuador has fast, physically strong, and competitive players. If they enter the tournament well-prepared, they can become an uncomfortable opponent in both the group stage and subsequent rounds.
At the same time, Cucurella ended his answer with a joke. While talking about the Ecuador national team, he laughingly said he hopes they return home soon. Although this was said in a joking tone, it also shows the competitive spirit in football.
"I hope they return home to Ecuador soon," Cucurella said with a laugh. This was reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Marc Cucurella's words could spark interesting discussions among fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Because the list of favorites in the World Cup is not limited to famous teams. Every tournament brings new heroes, unexpected results, and sensational victories.
As a defender for the Spain national team, Cucurella feels this competition well from the inside. As a European champion, he understands how the pressure is in major tournaments, what responsibility the favorite status carries, and how dangerous "invisible" opponents can be.
Recall that Marc Cucurella is a European champion with the Spain national team. He has played 23 matches for "La Furia Roja" so far. Therefore, his assessments are not just simple guesses, but the opinion of a player who has seen the big football environment and participated in high-level matches.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, such opinions will increase. Some will mention traditional favorites, while others will point to new forces. But one thing is certain: in the World Cup, it is not just names, but preparation, character, and composure in decisive moments that bring victory.
Cucurella, by focusing on the Netherlands and Ecuador, reminded fans once again: any team can be dangerous at the World Cup. That is the beauty of the tournament — on the pitch, the players themselves have the final say.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
