Guardiola Backs England to “Make the Last Step” and Win 2026 World Cup
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his desire to see England finally end their World Cup drought by winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
England eased through qualification and will compete in Group L alongside Ghana, Croatia, and Panama at next year’s tournament — one that many believe is the perfect opportunity for the Three Lions to deliver on years of potential.
Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, Guardiola tipped England to be among the favourites, while stressing that their moment to shine might finally be here.
“The same ones. Everybody knows,” Guardiola said when asked about the top contenders, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“We will be in agreement about the candidates if we name the same four or five candidates. I would like England to be there.I don’t want to pretend to be too nice, but I’ve been here for many years and been part of the country. I would love Thomas and the people to make the last step and do it.”
The Three Lions last reached a World Cup final in 1966 — the year they lifted the trophy on home soil. Since then, despite boasting generations of star talents, near-misses and heartbreak have defined their journey.
Opinion: England — So Close for So Long, Is This Finally the Year?
Pep isn’t just talking football — he’s talking hope.
For a nation that breathes the sport, England have lived through:
✨ Golden generations that faded too soon
💔 Penalty shoot-out nightmares
⚽ Tournament exits filled with “what ifs?”
But now, there’s a different energy around the Three Lions:
Young stars like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are already world-class.
Leadership under Thomas Tuchel is set to inject tactical ruthlessness.
And a squad brimming with hunger has proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best.
England don’t lack talent anymore — they lack that final step Pep talked about:
the killer instinct to turn dreams into trophies.
If there’s ever been a moment for England to rise from “almost” to champions, it is 2026.
The world will be watching.
And maybe — just maybe — football is ready to come home again.
