Who Should Win (Or Should Have Won) the World Cup?

You wouldn’t know it from talking to many Americans, but the world’s largest sporting and cultural event is coming to a close soon, right here in America. The World Cup Final will be played on Sunday, July 19th at 12PM at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Although the US National Men’s Team were disappointingly knocked out in the Round of 16, they should be commended for their spirited performance, and in getting more Americans than ever interested in Soccer. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is engaging in the world's biggest debate, which happens once every four years: who should win the World Cup?

As of this writing, 6 teams are still in play:

Les Blues, the French national team is widely regarded as the tournament’s most complete team, a deep squad led by superstar players, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and N’Golo Kante. France has won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018. They are the first team to make it to the semi-finals, having beaten the very strong Morocco team.

La Roja, the Spanish national team are the reigning European champions, known for their possession-style play, with elite midfielders featuring Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri and Dani Olm. Spain has dominated the group stage and is considered a top contender to win the World Cup. They have advanced to the semi-final stage, where they face France.

La Selección, the Argentinian team, are the defending champions and remain a formidable force. Superstar player, Lionel Messi, is the all-time top scorer in the World Cup, with 20 goals spanning six tournaments from 2006 to 2026. Other strong players are Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez. Were is not for a dramatic come-from-behind win against Eqypt, led by Messi himself, Argentina would not even be in contention.

The Vikings, the Norwegian team, has advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in its history, stunningly defeating the much-vaunted Brazilian team 2-1. Lead by star player Erling Haaland, The Vikings execute a highly disciplined, low-volatility brand of football. The team are the clear underdogs in their quarter-final match against England, but given their performance already in this World Cup, they remain a real dark horse to win.

The Three Lions, the English team, features a star-studded lineup, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. England won the World Cup all the way back in 1966, and have since been trying to reprise their former glory. They are a serious contender to win the Cup.

Rossocrociati, the Swiss team, has never advanced past the quarter-final stage, but they are a highly disciplined, extremely fit side with a long history of upsetting major nations in knockout football. Another real dark horse to win the World Cup.
So who do you think should win the World Cup? Or which already knocked-out team should have won? Join us at SFDebate for this once-every-four-years global debate that the football-made half of the planet will be having! We will be discussing all things football/soccer. By the date of this debate, the final two teams would have been decided. We can discuss these two teams or any others you would like.

How this Debate will Work
Anyone is welcome to make a short 3-minute presentation on why their preferred team should win/should have won, and try to convince others of their position. We will then open the discussion up to the floor. At the end of the debate, we will go around the room, and in true SFDebate fashion, see if anyone’s changed their mind as to the projected winning team. Everyone is encouraged – but not required – to contribute. This event is free.