Henry, Ibrahimović and Lalas Split on 2026 World Cup's Standout Group

Three prominent figures in world football - Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexi Lalas - each named a different group as the most compelling at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reflecting sharply different views on where the tournament's most consequential early matches will be played. Their assessments were delivered on "FIFA World Cup Live" broadcast coverage ahead of the competition, which features 12 groups, the largest field in World Cup history under the expanded 48-team format.

Ibrahimović, now a senior executive at AC Milan and a former Sweden international, singled out Group L, which pairs England and Croatia - two nations that met in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup - alongside Ghana and Panama. "Group L. We have England. We have Croatia … Then, we have Ghana with big talents. Let's see what they bring," he said. "We have Panama. Unfortunately, in this group, I think they will be a punching bag for England and Croatia, and Ghana might disturb them and take some points." England, who have not won a major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup, were beaten by Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 final.

Henry, France's all-time leading scorer and a member of the country's 1998 World Cup-winning squad, pointed to Group I - which includes France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq - while also flagging Group C. "You have to think about Senegal and Norway, who are my two dark horses in this competition," he said. "It's going to be tough for Iraq. I do think that the three teams will go forward, so I'm looking forward to that one, and there's another one: Group C. Obviously, Brazil and Morocco, but, somehow, the first game, Haiti against Scotland, I do somehow think that Haiti can create an upset with that one." France, who lost to Argentina on penalty kicks in the 2022 World Cup final, are among the tournament favourites in a group Henry acknowledged he could not view without bias.

Lalas, a former United States international and FOX Sports analyst, directed attention to Group D, in which the United States face Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. His case rested on expectation rather than spectacle. "I think for the first time at a World Cup for the U.S. men's team, that [the country] should not settle. [The country] should expect this U.S. team, given the talent, given the depth, given the experience, to win this group," he said. "We have not said that before. I don't think that's Pollyanna. I think that's realistic." The United States open their group campaign against Paraguay on a Friday night. The 2026 tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.