India's first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has tipped defending champions Argentina as one of the frontrunners to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, while also expressing hope that an Asian side can advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Gurpreet, speaking as part of the expert panel for ZEE5's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, offered his assessment on 16 June from New Delhi.

Argentina Among the Favourites, Says Gurpreet

Argentina are making their 19th overall and 14th consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, having previously lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986, and 2022. Gurpreet acknowledged that the competition remains wide open but placed La Albiceleste firmly in the mix.

'It's still early to make firm predictions, but Argentina have a great chance of defending their title. France, Spain, Portugal and Germany will also be among the favourites. But I am hoping that an Asian team reaches the last eight of this World Cup. Being part of the Asian football ecosystem, it is important that teams from the continent continue to rise, compete at the highest level and make a bigger impact on the global stage,' Gurpreet said.

Special Praise for Emiliano Martinez's Mentality

Gurpreet reserved particular admiration for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, crediting his resilience through difficult years as the defining quality that elevated him to world-class status.

'What separates Emiliano is his mentality. He went through difficult years without regular opportunities but remained resilient. When his chance came, he made the most of it and played a huge role in Argentina's World Cup triumph,' Gurpreet said.

The praise is notable coming from a fellow goalkeeper who understands the position's unique psychological demands. Gurpreet himself has spoken candidly about the mental burden that comes with the role.

The Weight of Goalkeeping: Gurpreet's Personal Reflection

'Being a goalkeeper comes with a different kind of pressure. If you make a mistake, it can cost your team a result, a trophy, or even a nation an important moment. Early in my career, nobody really taught me how to deal with that mental burden. It was something I had to learn through experience,' he added.

This candour reflects a broader conversation in Indian football about sports psychology and player development infrastructure — areas where the country has historically lagged behind its Asian peers.

The Historic Hurdle Argentina Must Clear

In the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, only 22 nations have been crowned champions. Of those, only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have successfully defended the title. Since Brazil's triumph in 1962, every reigning champion has failed to lift the trophy at the following edition — a streak spanning over six decades.

Lionel Messi's Argentina now have the opportunity to end that pattern and write a new chapter in football history. Whether they can, as Gurpreet believes they might, remains one of the tournament's most compelling storylines.