World Cup Countdown: 10 Months Out and the European Season’s Shape on the Road to World Cup 2026
Summary: As the top European leagues kick off their 2025-26 campaigns, a set of key storylines is emerging that could influence World Cup qualification and preparation for 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From France’s attacking depth and England’s midfield conundrums to Italy’s next-generation striker, Belgium’s injury concerns, and Portugal’s evolving attacking group, plus the United States’ home stretch and developing transfer narratives, the season ahead promises to reshape the global chessboard ahead of the World Cup kickoff.
The Big Thing: Five Story Lines to Watch in Europe This Season With One Eye on the World Cup
1) Could breakout Premier League seasons vault Rayan Cherki and Hugo Ekitiké into France’s starting XI?
France’s manager has often favored trusted veterans, but the load of attacking talent around Mbappe, Dembélé, and Olise is staggering. Young stars Hugo Ekitiké and Rayan Cherki both burst onto the scene with notable Premier League debuts, after standout campaigns in Europe. If they sustain form, Deschamps faces a balancing act between a pragmatic tournament setup and unleashing a new generation. The potential inclusion of the emerging duo could redefine France’s forward options ahead of 2026, even as the veteran-heavy approach remains in play.
2) What version of Cole Palmer will we see this year, and where does he fit in a crowded England midfield?
Palmer has been a headline act for two summers running, facing different pressures: at Euro 2024 he didn’t start, despite scoring in the final; this season he arrived with Chelsea hot on a Club World Cup title. England’s midfield is stacked with Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Palmer, and deep-lying contributors, plus Kane’s tendency to drop deep. Palmer’s domestic form will be critical for cementing a starting role next summer, particularly after a mixed start to the current season.
3) Can Francesco Pio Esposito develop into Italy’s next great young attacker?
Italy has struggled to produce consistent goals since the Euros, with Retegui and Kean competing for the No. 9 slot. Esposito, 20, thrived on loan at Spezia and has returned to Inter, where he’ll contest minutes with Thuram and Lautaro Martínez. Inter’s confidence in him—along with a reported interest from Napoli—signals a belief he can be a long-term solution to Italy’s goal-scoring questions and could redefine the national team’s attacking dimensions.
4) How do Romelu Lukaku’s and Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness affect Belgium’s World Cup hopes?
Belgium’s fortunes hinge on Lukaku and De Bruyne, even as a crop of young attackers grows—Fofana, De Ketelaere, and Doku among them. An ankle/quad issue for Lukaku and De Bruyne’s continuing injury history raise concerns about whether Belgium can maximize its golden generation in 2026. While other talents offer depth, the health of these two veterans will largely determine Belgium’s ceiling in the buildup and the tournament.
5) How will Portugal’s attacking group shape up, and where does 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo fit into the picture?
Portugal’s forward line is crowded and complex, with Gonçalo Ramos in and out of starting duties at PSG, Ronaldo’s age prompting questions about minutes, and Diogo Jota’s status adding another layer. Ronaldo has been a mainstay for Roberto Martínez’s setup, but the balance between Ronaldo and the rest of a deep, versatile attack remains unsettled. The broader question is how Portugal navigates a deep pool of attackers while maintaining a coherent, effective front line ahead of the World Cup.
State of the States
The United States men’s national team is quietly navigating a crucial phase as it prepares to host the World Cup. Recent public exchanges involving Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah have punctured the usual quiet confidence, with both reframing past criticisms from former players. The USMNT is balancing preparation for friendlies against South Korea and Japan with a broader look at a squad still redefining itself a year before kickoff.
Summer transfer notes paint a picture of a team reshaping its core around young and experienced talents alike:
– Tim Weah moved from Juventus to Marseille, joining a high-octane attack environment with Champions League exposure.
– Matt Turner left Nottingham Forest for Lyon, then went on loan to New England, returning him to regular playing time to sharpen his form.
– Johnny Cardoso joined Atlético Madrid, stepping into a rebuilt midfield under Diego Simeone.
– Patrick Agyemang moved from Charlotte to Derby County, a signal of MLS-to-EFL bridges forming for midfield depth.
– Malik Tillman joined Bayer Leverkusen, stepping into a Ten Hag-coached system and filling the space left by Wirtz’s departure.
– Giovanni Reyna’s status remained unsettled, with a potential move to Parma discussed but not finalized.
For Ricardo Pepi and Josh Sargent, there’s a window of opportunity in Europe to position themselves for a late push into the USMNT mix, should form and fitness align.
Stock Watch
– Stock up: Richarlison’s form for Brazil continues to suggest he could be the No. 9 Brazil relies on if injury and fitness cooperate. A strong start for Tottenham, including eye-catching goals, positions him well for a lead role in the run-up to 2026.
– Stock down: Vinícius Júnior’s early-season dip at Real Madrid has raised questions about form and role. A quiet start to the season—and a recent absence from Brazil duty—has intensified scrutiny on whether he can reclaim elite-level output and leadership for Brazil.
– Stock up: Spain’s dynamic wide duo—Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams—remain on an upward trajectory after starring at Euro 2024 and carrying domestic form into the new season. Their continued rise could redefine Spain’s attacking options for years to come.
– Stock down: Swedish forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres have started the season with mixed results. Sweden depends on those two upfront and on Kulusevski for creativity, so a slow start could complicate their approach to World Cup qualifying.
Awards Spotlight
– The “Asking the Right Questions” Award goes to Mohamed Salah for a concise, pointed tweet highlighting the silence around a troubling incident in UEFA’s tribute period and prompting broader reflection on what was left unsaid.
– The “Fine Wine” Award goes to Chris Wood, who has continued to demonstrate how a veteran striker can age gracefully and still influence the game at a high level, reminding teams that experience remains a valuable asset even as the sport evolves.
Extra Time Conclusions
Three major windows loom as international qualifiers approach in September:
1) Africa’s heavyweights wobble. Senegal, Nigeria, and Cameroon sit behind pace-setting rivals in their groups, a reminder that Africa’s format rewards consistency over the long haul. With only the group winners earning direct tickets, a late charge or a slip can have outsized consequences, making the upcoming fixtures critical for those nations.
2) South American qualifying heats up. CONMEBOL’s last rounds are shaping a dramatic finish, with Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador already in or near the top, while Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia battle for the remaining direct or playoff spots. Expect a September flurry of decisive matches as the final positioning takes shape.
3) Europe’s giants finally join the race. Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal begin qualifying in September after recent Nations League campaigns, with each expected to start on strong footing. The highlighted September matches—Slovakia vs. Germany, Ukraine vs. France, Turkey vs. Spain, Hungary vs. Portugal, and Serbia vs. England—are potential turning points for those groups, setting the early tone for European qualification.
A Forward-Looking Note
The 2025-26 season is more than a domestic competition—it’s a prelude to North America’s World Cup. The next several months will determine not only domestic legacies for Cherki, Ekitiké, Palmer, Esposito, and a host of others but also the readiness of the United States and other major nations to contend on football’s biggest stage. The blend of rising stars, veteran leadership, and the inevitable surprises of a long qualifying cycle will keep fans engaged as the calendar inches toward the World Cup kickoff in 2026.
Additional value and perspective
– Watchlists for fall: Monitor Europe’s five key storylines as we move into September’s early qualifiers, and track how injuries and club form influence national-team call-ups.
– U.S. focus: The international window in September will be a key barometer for the USMNT’s tactical evolution and depth ahead of hosting duties.
– Narrative momentum: The season’s headlines—young talents breaking through, aging stars balancing risk and reward, and teams navigating congested calendars—will shape the storylines that define World Cup qualification and preparation over the next year.