Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney says England, France and Spain are the strongest contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on BBC Sport, Rooney identifies the three countries as favourites to win the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He also predicts that England and Spain will reach the final, adding that England are the team most likely to lift the trophy. The reports from both outlets present Rooney’s comments as a set of leading contenders rather than a full tournament forecast, focusing on which national teams he believes have the best chance. Neither source indicates that Rooney’s assessment is based on official team form or formal criteria, but both attribute the selections to his on-air remarks on BBC Sport. Overall, the coverage is consistent that Rooney’s top three picks for the 2026 World Cup title are England, France and Spain, with an expected final between England and Spain.