Probable Lineups and Squad Selection Dilemmas for Top Teams in 2026
As the football world gears up for the next installment of international tournaments and club competitions, coaches of top teams are facing tough squad selection dilemmas. With an influx of talented young players, established stars, and seasoned veterans, predicting the probable lineups for 2026 is an exciting exercise. In this article, we’ll delve into the likely starters and conundrums that top coaches face.
Spain
Luis Enrique’s side has been an embodiment of flexibility, and that won’t change in 2026. Ansu Fati’s resurgence could lead to him being favored on the left flank over established wingers like Jesús Navas. In central midfield, Koke and Sergio Busquets may lose their grip on starting roles to younger midfielders like Nico González and Álex Collado.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3):
- Unai Simón (GK)
- Álex Telles (RB)
- Pau Torres (CB)
- Aymeric Laporte (CB)
- Jordi Alba (LB)
- Koke (DM)
- Álex Collado (CM)
- Sergio Reguilón (RM)
- Ansu Fati (LM)
- Robert Lewandowski (ST)
Brazil
Tite has made his selections in recent times, but an upcoming crop of players might lead to changes in his preferred 4-3-3 system. Vinicius Jr. could usurp Neymar on the left, while Casemiro’s resurgence in midfield may displace Fernando Torres.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3):
- Alisson Becker (GK)
- Álex Sandro (RB)
- Éder Militão (CB)
- Thiago Silva (CB)
- Renan Lodi (LB)
- Casemiro (DM)
- Lucas Paquetá (CM)
- Roberto Firmino (RM)
- Vinicius Jr. (LM)
- Neymar (ST)
France
Didier Deschamps is likely to retain his experienced core, but he may hand a debut to one of his exciting young forwards like Kylian Mbappé, Kingsley Coman, or Moussa Dembélé. N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba, while stalwarts, may lose starting berths to younger options like Eduardo Camavinga or Houssem Aouar.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Hugo Lloris (GK)
- Benjamin Pavard (RB)
- Presnel Kimpembe (CB)
- Dayot Upamecano (CB)
- Ferland Mendy (LB)
- N’Golo Kanté (DM)
- Paul Pogba (DM)
- Kylian Mbappé (RF)
- Antoine Griezmann (LF)
- Olivier Giroud (ST)
Germany
Joachim Löw has had his share of conundrums, especially with the current generation of stars approaching their 30s. Ansu Fati’s ability to play in a variety of roles might persuade Löw to partner him with Timo Werner upfront, allowing Serge Gnabry and Marco Reus to play together in a trident.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Manuel Neuer (GK)
- Joshua Kimmich (RB)
- Niklas Süle (CB)
- Antonio Rüdiger (CB)
- Lucas Klostermann (LB)
- Joshua Gbondélé (DM)
- Thiago Alcântara (DM)
- Jamal Musiala (RF)
- Ansu Fati (LF)
- Timo Werner (ST)
The aforementioned lineups and squad dilemmas are likely, but they can change significantly between now and the 2026 tournaments. The unpredictability of football will always ensure a new layer of intrigue as top teams continue to evolve and select the best squad to succeed on the biggest stage.