Toni Kroos may have hung up his boots, but he still has plenty to say about football.

The former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder won the league in both Germany and Spain a combined seven times. Add to that his record-setting six Champions League titles, as well as the 2014 World Cup, and you have one of the most successful players of all-time.

He appeared on Brazilian legend Romario’s YouTube channel to share his predictions for the 2026 tournament, and let’s just say not everyone will agree with him.

One pick in particular caught people off guard, and the teams he left out were among some of the biggest nations in world football. Of course, Kroos is entitled to his opinion, but that won’t stop a fair few supporters from taking issue with what he had to say.

The Four Teams Toni Kroos Backed

Spain are the most straightforward pick on the list. Few nations have managed to reinvent themselves the way Spain have. After the golden generation of Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Ramos dominated world football between 2008 and 2012, many wondered whether they could ever reach those heights again. Under Luis de la Fuente, the answer has been a resounding yes. The reigning European champions, currently top of FIFA’s world rankings, arrive at the 2026 World Cup as the bookies’ favourites.

France need little justification either. Winners in Russia in 2018 and finalists in Qatar four years later, Les Bleus have been in most people’s picks to win either the World Cup or Euros for the last decade. On paper, you could make a strong case that they are the best squad at this tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side has depth in every position and will be hellbent on taking home the trophy this year after penalty heartbreak in 2022.

Portugal is an interesting selection. Kroos is a former Real Madrid teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, and his backing of Portugal feels partly personal, but it isn’t without merit. Roberto Martinez has built a squad that merges Ronaldo’s experience with a talented young core, and recently tasted international success, winning the Nations League title.

The headline pick is Morocco, but Kroos might have a point. The Atlas Lions became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022, and they’re the reigning AFCON champions, albeit in rather controversial circumstances. Their technical improvement and standout players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz make them a genuine dark horse.

Kroos’ Notable World Cup Omissions

The absences are just as thought-provoking as the picks. Argentina, the defending world champions, are nowhere to be seen despite following up their World Cup win with a Copa America triumph. Lionel Messi’s side then qualified as CONMEBOL group winners and arrive in North America targeting back-to-back titles for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Brazil get a diplomatic apology from Kroos, “Sorry to Romario,” but still don’t make the cut. Given Brazil’s turbulent qualifying campaign and the upheaval surrounding their squad in recent years, it’s less surprising than the Argentina omission. But there’s cause for hope when your manager is Carlo Ancelotti.

Germany, Kroos’ home nation, are also left out of his picks. For a man who won the World Cup with them in 2014, that’s quite the verdict on how far the national team has fallen from its peak. Unlike Spain, their golden generation weren’t replaced by top-bracket talent in the same way. That isn’t to say there aren’t some quality players still in their side, though.

Interestingly, England, who Messi himself named among his tournament favourites, don’t feature in Kroos’ thinking either. The Three Lions go into the World Cup with the best striker in the world as their captain, a player who knows what it takes to win the Golden Boot. But Kroos has no care for that and has no intentions of believing it’ll be coming home.

Manchester United are on the lookout for a left-back this summer, and TeamTalk reports that there are a few alternatives to Lewis Hall on the cards.

It comes as the Red Devils prepare for a new season that will be busy in comparison to the previous campaign, with Michael Carrick guiding the club back to the Champions League, adding even more games to the schedule.

As a result, strength in depth is vital, and left-back has been a problem position in years gone by, with Luke Shaw‘s fitness battles underlined by the lack of a long-term challenger to his position.

Newcastle star Hall has emerged as a top candidate to fill that role, but Man United are looking at alternatives who could be cheaper, including a Barcelona star who has been on the radar for a little while.

Manchester United Eye Alejandro Balde

As Man United start to put their plans in place, Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has emerged as an alternative to Hall, according to TeamTalk.

It’s claimed that the Premier League giants made contact earlier this year about a possible switch for the Spaniard, and his situation is described as being “alive”.

The 22-year-old is entering the final two years under contract at Barcelona, with doubts persisting over his future at the Nou Camp as the club look to address the balance in the squad.

A move for Julian Alvarez and Anthony Gordon could end up helping Man United, with funds needing to be raised to complete both deals, and leading to Balde’s availability.

It remains to be seen whether the club will pursue a move, as Hall is still described as the “dream target” for the position, but it could be a move out of necessity during a transfer window that will need to have funds spread across the team.

What Would Balde Bring To Man United?

If Man United pivot to sign Balde instead of Hall, they could land a player who is not only able to add quality now, but has plenty of promise for the future.

The 22-year-old has shown signs of his ability throughout his career at Barcelona so far, offering mobility and athleticism that allows him to start attacks, get involved further up the pitch, and recover well to defend when needed.

Given how vertical United can be in the way they attack, it’s the sort of profile that could suit the team, with Shaw not quite able to offer the same from left-back.

Balde has been described as a “cheat code” in the buildup phase, an area that the Old Trafford hierarchy is looking to address with the addition of midfielders.

There are some concerns over his physicality, with the full-back suffering several ankle and muscular problems throughout his career, with two of the latter keeping him out for ten games last campaign.

It could be a risk for Man United, but one they may be keen to take if it helps unlock the side moving forward.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has identified who he wants as his first signing at Anfield after taking over as manager.

The Spaniard has signed a two-year deal to take over from Arne Slot, who was sacked last week following a disappointing campaign in which the Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and without a trophy.

Now all attention turns towards bolstering the squad, with key players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all departing at the end of the season, and Iraola is ready to make some additions to get the squad back in competitive shape.

Liverpool Eyeing Alex Scott Deal

According to a report by Sports Boom, Iraola has identified Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as the man he wants to be the first signing of his Anfield revolution.

Scott, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, has enjoyed a sensational campaign with the Cherries, which has seen his reputation skyrocket, and a number of top clubs pay close attention to his contractual situation.

Bournemouth are desperate to keep hold of the 22-year-old, and are planning to offer him a new contract to reflect his status as a key player. However, it’s understood that Scott is open to a new challenge at this stage of his career, and a new deal at the Vitality Stadium is looking more unlikely.

Liverpool are paying close attention to the situation, and are considering making a move to test the resolve of Bournemouth when it comes to their asking price. It has been reported that he is valued as highly as £60m, but Liverpool are looking at a deal closer to £40m, according to Jamie Dickenson.

Alex Scott Perfect for Liverpool Midfield

Last season Liverpool struggled with their midfield setup, and were regularly overrun despite having quality options like Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, and Scott would come in as a direct replacement, bringing energy, quality, and great skill.

Depending on the price of the deal, it would be the perfect first signing for Iraola. Bringing in someone who knows his methods and tactics already will help with adaptation, and Liverpool would have a top young talent ready to make an impact.