Predictions of local experts for the 2026 World Cup: who are Azerbaijani coaches rooting for and who are they betting on?

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, discussions in the football community are becoming increasingly heated. This time, not only fans but also formerly well-known Azerbaijani footballers, now respected coaches, have shared their expectations for the tournament.

Who will they be rooting for at the upcoming World Cup, and which national team, in the experts' opinion, will win the planet's main trophy?

An Oxu.Az correspondent reached out to prominent figures in Azerbaijani football to learn their predictions for the upcoming tournament. The surveyed experts named their favorite teams and shared interesting thoughts on the potential winner.

Former forward of the Azerbaijan national team and current assistant coach of the U-20 national team Vagif Javadov stated that he will be supporting brotherly Turkey. At the same time, the well-known striker considers Argentina's national team the main favorite in the battle for the World Cup.

Legendary footballer of Baku's "Neftchi" and the USSR national team Igor Ponomaryov emphasized that his sympathies at this grand tournament will lie with Sweden and Brazil. At the same time, the specialist expects a very powerful performance from France, but hopes that the championship title will ultimately go to Spain.

Head coach of the "Shamakhy" club Azer Bagirov noted that for many years he has consistently supported the national teams of Brazil and Germany.

In the opinion of former Azerbaijan national team player and former coach of the "Araz-Nakhchivan" club Elmar Bakhshiyev, the national teams of Spain and Brazil stand out among the main favorites of the tournament.

Arif Asadov, who during his career served the national team both as a footballer and as head coach, admitted that he will be rooting for Turkey and Uzbekistan at the World Cup. The experienced specialist sees the most favorable chances for the championship title going to Portugal.

Fan favorite Zaur Ramazanov, who once shone playing for several of the country's leading clubs, was also among those who will support Turkey's national team. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that Spain's footballers will be the ones lifting the coveted trophy above their heads.

Former footballer and current head coach of the capital's "Sabail" Adil Shukurov will also cast his vote for the Turkish national team at the 2026 World Cup. According to his prediction, the gold medals of the championship will head to Spain.

As a reminder, the World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 at stadiums in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.