With fewer than 100 days remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this article offers an in-depth analysis of the major contenders and the three co-host nations, predicting their potential rosters and starting lineups. The piece provides an initial projection of their starting XIs, taking into account current player form and fitness, and also forecasts their likely squads and preferred tactical formations. A key aspect of the analysis involves dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of each country expected to compete for the top honors in the tournament. The article highlights that, despite their strong positions, every contender is likely to have some vulnerabilities on the pitch. The publication serves as a comprehensive overview of the teams' preparations as the World Cup approaches. It acknowledges that significant changes are anticipated in the coming weeks, which could be influenced by player injuries or the emergence of new talent. ESPN's writers present this initial assessment as the first in a series of updates, providing crucial insights for football enthusiasts. The article includes specific country-by-country analyses for nations such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, and the USA. For Argentina, for instance, the article projects a squad featuring goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, and Geronimo Rulli; defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentin Barco, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, and Nicolas Otamendi; midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and Nico Paz; and forwards Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, and Giuliano Simeone. As the reigning champions, Argentina's primary objective is to maintain their status at the pinnacle of world football, with the 38-year-old Lionel Messi potentially participating in his final World Cup. The article also places the tournament within its broader context, noting that it is set to be the largest in football history, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 competing teams. The predictions are grounded in current form, player experience, and prevailing tactical trends, offering a preliminary look into the probable starting XIs for the top teams. The overarching aim is to provide a detailed, high-level perspective on the contenders' preparations and prospects for the tournament.