USMNT legend Tim Howard predicts the World Cup winner

 The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and USMNT legend Tim Howard has made known his favorite to win the tournament.

Much of the focus remains naturally on the USMNT and its chances on home soil, but the biggest question in international soccer right now is: which country will go home with the trophy?

Howard, the most capped goalkeeper in US men's soccer history, recently shared his thoughts on that debate in an interview with Athlon Sports. 

Tim Howard Names Spain as His World Cup Favorite

When asked to pick his World Cup favorites, he pointed to two familiar powers, but gave the edge to the reigning European champions.

“I have Spain and France against the field,” Howard told Athlon Sports. “If I had to pick one, it would be Spain.”

The former Manchester United and Everton goalkeeper knows a thing or two about World Cups. Howard made 121 appearances for the USMNT during his international career and started for the United States at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Spain does come into the 2026 tournament as one of the favorites following its UEFA Euro 2024 title win and the undeniable emergence of a talented young core that are already considered today as the best players in the world. To name a few: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Gavi. 

France is also seen as a contender for the title after winning the 2018 edition and reaching the 2022 World Cup final and maintaining one of the deepest squads in football.

Howard also shared optimism about the United States’ chances, saying “I sort of have them going into the quarterfinals, which is I think, ambitious, but the breakdown of the group stages, and if you finish first and you then get a third-place team. I think the road or the journey there is feasible."