Toni Kroos tips Spain for 2026 World Cup, says Messi keeps Argentina hopeful

Retired German football star Toni Kroos has tipped Spain to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying that La Roja's playing style makes them extremely difficult to face, especially when they take the lead.

Speaking on his "Kroos und Kroos" show with his brother Felix on TikTok, Kroos said the Spanish team is able to dictate the tempo against opponents. He added: "If Spain goes ahead by a goal, it becomes very hard to stop them or come back against them."

The former Real Madrid midfielder went further, suggesting that an early Spanish goal could decide the match: "If Spain leads 1-0, the game could end three or four goals to none, because Argentina won't find solutions."

Despite clearly favoring Spain, Kroos stressed that Lionel Messi gives Argentina a unique advantage. He noted that while Argentina may not be collectively superior to some top teams, they have a strong mentality and a player capable of making the difference.

He added: "As a team, Argentina is not better than Germany, but they have an incredible mentality, and Messi is the one who led them to the final."

Kroos concluded by praising Messi's continued high-level performances at age 39, admitting he thought the 2022 World Cup would be the Argentine star's last appearance in the tournament.