Sabaleta: Spain, France, and England Likely Stronger, but...

Pablo Zabaleta believes Spain, France, and England are stronger than other teams in the 2026 World Cup, but they do not have Lionel Messi.

"The national teams of Spain, France, and England are likely much stronger than the rest, but they don't have Messi (smiles)," said Zabaleta to TF1. The Albiceleste will debut in the 2026 World Cup on June 17 against Algeria. In the second round of the group stage, Argentina will face Austria on June 22, followed by a match against Jordan on June 28. The Argentine national team is the reigning world champion.