The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become one of the most talked-about events among students at John Dewey High School.
As the tournament continues and teams compete for soccer’s biggest prize, students throughout the school have been debating which country has the best chance of becoming world champions.
From classroom discussions to conversations in the cafeteria and hallways, the World Cup has captured the attention of many students who enjoy following international soccer.
With so many talented teams participating in the tournament, predicting the eventual winner is no easy task. Nations such as Argentina, France, Brazil, England, Spain, and Germany are all considered strong contenders.
However, every World Cup produces surprises, making predictions both challenging and exciting.
Each student that we spoke to had a different prediction about who would win the World Cup, and each provided thoughtful reasons to support their choice. Their responses reflected not only their knowledge of soccer but also their enthusiasm for one of the most popular sporting events in the world.
Senior Erick Hernandez who predicts that Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hernandez explained that Argentina has consistently been one of the strongest teams in international soccer and has a history of performing well on the world’s biggest stage. He believes that the team’s experience, leadership, and winning culture give them an advantage over many other countries.
“Argentina knows how to handle pressure,” Hernandez said. “When they get into important matches, they stay focused and play with confidence. They have a strong team and a lot of talent.”
Hernandez also pointed out that Argentina’s recent success in international competitions has helped establish them as one of the favorites. According to him, the players understand what it takes to compete at the highest level and have developed strong chemistry through years of playing together. He believes that these factors will help Argentina make a deep run in the tournament and eventually lift the World Cup trophy.
Junior Irving Rojas selected France as his prediction to win the tournament. Rojas explained that France possesses one of the deepest rosters in world soccer and has talented players at nearly every position. He believes that their balance of offense, defense, and athleticism makes them one of the most complete teams in the competition.
“France has so many great players,” Rojas explained. “Even if one player has a bad game, they have other players who can step up and make a difference. That’s what makes them dangerous.”
Rojas also noted that France has consistently been successful in major international tournaments over the past decade. Their ability to compete against elite opponents and adapt to different styles of play impressed him. He believes that France’s combination of skill, teamwork, and experience could allow them to outperform other contenders and capture another World Cup title.
Senior Mohamed Bouchaab believes that Brazil will emerge as world champions. Bouchaab highlighted Brazil’s rich soccer history and tradition of excellence as major reasons for his prediction. He described Brazil as a nation that lives and breathes soccer and pointed to the country’s long list of legendary players and successful World Cup campaigns.
“Brazil always plays exciting soccer,” Bouchaab said. “They have talented players who can create opportunities and score goals from almost anywhere on the field.”
Bouchaab believes that Brazil’s attacking style of play makes them one of the most entertaining teams to watch. He also argued that their confidence and creativity can help them overcome difficult opponents in the knockout stages. According to Moe, Brazil’s passion for the sport and commitment to excellence make them strong candidates to win the tournament.
Although Hernandez, Rojas, and Bouchaab each selected different teams, all three students agreed that the World Cup is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. They emphasized that international soccer brings together countries from across the globe and allows fans to witness some of the highest levels of competition in sports.
The interviews also revealed that many students at John Dewey High School closely follow soccer and enjoy discussing match results, player performances, and tournament predictions. During lunch periods and after-school activities, students often gather to debate which teams are strongest and which players are most likely to have a major impact on the tournament.
Several students who were not formally interviewed also shared their opinions. Some believed that England could finally win another World Cup, while others thought Spain or Germany could make a surprising run. A few students even predicted that an underdog nation could exceed expectations and shock the soccer world. These differing viewpoints demonstrate how unpredictable the World Cup can be and why it remains such a popular event among sports fans.
Teachers have also noticed the excitement surrounding the tournament. Many educators observed students discussing matches before class and checking scores throughout the day. Some teachers commented that the World Cup encourages students to learn more about geography, culture, and international events while following their favorite teams.
In response to this, Assistant Principal of ENL and Foreign Language Ms. El Amri coordinated a watch party on Tuesday, June 16th, 20226 so that students and staff could watch the highly anticipated France vs. Senegal match, where France won 3-1.
Students were treated to complimentary food and swag, as well as broadcasts of the game in English and Spanish.
The popularity of the tournament at John Dewey High School reflects soccer’s growing influence in the United States and around the world. With millions of fans watching matches and supporting their countries, the World Cup serves as more than just a sporting competition—it is a global event that brings people together through a shared passion for the game.
As the tournament continues, students at John Dewey High School will be watching closely to see whether their predictions come true. Hernandez hopes Argentina can continue its winning tradition. Rojas believes France has the talent to dominate the competition. Bouchaab remains confident that Brazil’s skill and history will carry them to victory.
Only time will reveal which nation will ultimately be crowned the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion. Until then, students at John Dewey High School will continue debating, analyzing, and supporting their favorite teams. Regardless of who wins the trophy, the excitement and discussions generated by the World Cup have already made it one of the most memorable topics of conversation throughout the school year.