With the recent international calendar wrapping up, attention is already turning towards the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds, which will be just a year away next summer. This makes it the perfect time to evaluate which teams are best positioned to compete for the title.
Thirteen teams have already secured their spot in the expanded tournament, including hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico. From Asia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia are joined by first-time qualifiers Jordan and Uzbekistan. New Zealand has qualified from Oceania, marking their first World Cup appearance in 16 years. Our initial assessment focuses on the top 32 teams expected to be in the mix.
1. Spain
Despite a recent loss in the Nations League final, the European champions showed their potential with a dominant performance against France earlier in the competition. Their ability to control matches, particularly through midfielders like Pedri, Rodri, and Martin Zubimendi, will be crucial in the North American summer heat. Combined with dynamic wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain presents a strong case as the team to beat.
2. Argentina
This is a close call for the top spot. The reigning champions have largely cruised through qualification, managing their reliance on Lionel Messi while he still delivers key moments. Their impressive 4-1 victory over Brazil in March demonstrated their strength even without their greatest player, and their Copa America win highlighted their capability for defensive solidity in major tournaments.
3. France
Just when their attack seemed unstoppable, Ousmane Dembele has emerged as a Ballon d`Or contender, adding yet another threat. Even with potential injuries, Les Bleus possess incredible depth to field a competitive squad. The main question is whether coach Didier Deschamps can optimally utilize their vast talent for what is expected to be his final major tournament.
4. Brazil
Individually, Brazil boasts elite players in nearly every position. However, they have struggled to perform as a cohesive unit, lacking a clear tactical identity compared to their historical teams. The arrival of superstar facilitator Carlo Ancelotti offers hope that he can quickly mold this talented group into a genuine contender before the tournament begins.
5. Portugal
If tournament wins are a measure of potential, Portugal’s second Nations League title, secured by beating Germany and Spain, reinforces their credentials. They have found a way to integrate Cristiano Ronaldo effectively without him being a defensive liability. The emergence of young stars from clubs like PSG further elevates Roberto Martinez’s squad’s potential.
6. England
Coach Thomas Tuchel seems focused on preparing England for the crucial knockout stages, even if it means a pragmatic approach to qualification. While they possess immense talent, particularly in midfield with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham and striker Harry Kane, other positions lack settled starters. Tuchel faces the challenge of selecting and organizing a team overflowing with options.
7. Germany
Similar to England, Germany has a wealth of technical players but faces questions at striker. The potential development of young forwards like Nick Woltemade, who might gain valuable experience as a starter at Stuttgart, could be key for Julian Nagelsmann’s side heading into the World Cup.
8. Netherlands
Draws against Spain in the Nations League highlight the Netherlands’ ability to compete with the world’s best. A talented midfield featuring emerging players like Xavi Simons, Tijani Reijnders, and Ryan Gravenberch supporting Frenkie De Jong is a major strength. The performance of forwards like Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen in the Euros suggests they can deliver on the big stage again.
9. Uruguay
Uruguay began World Cup qualifying strongly under Marcelo Bielsa, with notable wins against Brazil and Argentina showcasing his tactical impact. However, their recent momentum has slowed with too many draws. For them to truly threaten, striker Darwin Nunez needs to rediscover his best form.
10. Morocco
The 2022 World Cup semifinalists appear even stronger now. Recovering from a disappointing AFCON exit, they have built an impressive winning streak. With key players like Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss, and Achraf Hakimi, and qualification likely secured soon, Morocco has the potential to aim higher than their previous historic run.
11. Norway
First, Norway must navigate qualification after a long absence from major tournaments, which poses a significant psychological hurdle. However, they are getting results and boast two world-class talents in Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, supported by strong players from top European leagues. Despite the qualification challenge, Norway is already being touted as a potential dark horse for 2026.
12. Italy
Italy has a history of overcoming unconvincing preparation to perform well in tournaments, but their current squad, particularly the attack, lacks the depth of previous generations, as seen in a heavy recent defeat. Finding a reliable goalscorer remains a key challenge for the Azzurri.
13. Egypt
Cruising through qualification, Egypt seems to have found a strong attacking partner for Mohamed Salah in Omar Marmoush. If the rest of the team provides a solid foundation, this attacking partnership could be the recipe for a successful international campaign.
14. Belgium
Talk of the “golden generation” being over has been ongoing, and the declining availability of Kevin De Bruyne underscores that this era of sustained success is nearing its end. However, De Bruyne and others can still produce moments of magic, suggesting Belgium could still be a difficult opponent on their day.
15. Japan
Emerging as the strongest team in Asian qualifying, Japan possesses an impressive and rapidly developing squad with players like Hiroki Ito, Kaoru Mitoma, and Ao Tanaka making names for themselves. Coach Hajime Moriyasu proved his tactical acumen in 2022. With a favorable draw, Japan could realistically target a quarterfinal spot or further.
16. Ecuador
Despite a points deduction, Ecuador is currently second in CONMEBOL qualifying, boasting an incredibly stingy defense that has conceded only five goals in their last 16 qualifying matches. This defensive strength, anchored by Moises Caicedo shielding defenders like Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie, was also evident in the Copa America.
17. Croatia
A dominant recent win served as another reminder that this veteran Croatian side is not finished yet, despite frequent predictions of their decline and a remarkable record of not winning a tournament match in normal time since 1998. They have a knack for underperforming at Euros but excelling at World Cups, making it premature to dismiss them for 2026.
18. Mexico
The CONCACAF powerhouse has shown significant improvement in 2025, benefiting from Raul Jimenez`s resurgent form. Playing on home soil with potentially the most passionate crowds at the tournament will be a major advantage. Combined with a favorable draw, El Tri is well-positioned to aim for the quarterfinal stage they reached in their previous two times hosting.
19. South Korea
South Korea comfortably qualified, proving in 2022 they can advance from tough groups. While Heung-min Son may not be at his absolute peak, burgeoning talents like Lee Kang-in and Yang Min-hyeok provide exciting support for the team.
20. Ivory Coast
As AFCON holders, their qualification isn`t guaranteed yet in the competitive African section. Nigeria, for instance, still faces a tough path just to reach a playoff. Ivory Coast`s squad is in a transitional phase, with promising youngsters needing time to develop alongside experienced veterans. Their ultimate potential depends on this blend maturing by 2026.
21. Colombia
Colombia started World Cup qualifying strongly, showing they were hard to beat, but have accumulated too many draws recently. Nestor Lorenzo`s Copa America silver medalists have only won one of their last eight matches since a big win against Argentina in September, suggesting a need to regain winning form.
22. USA
This ranking might seem low, and a kind draw could see Mauricio Pochettino`s side reach the quarterfinals next year. The current USMNT is arguably the most talented ever and capable of surprises. However, many teams ranked above them possess true superstar players who can single-handedly influence knockout games. While Christian Pulisic had a strong club season, few US players have made the leap to consistent top-tier elite status expected after the 2022 World Cup, potentially limiting the hosts` ceiling.
23. Algeria
Vladimir Petkovic`s side has recovered well after an early qualification defeat, winning key away games and beating main rivals. A factor for their prospects might be how well their stars playing in the Saudi Pro League manage their energy levels ahead of the summer tournament, which could benefit players like Riyad Mahrez.
24. Iran
Iran comfortably navigated a relatively easy Asian qualifying group, with their only setback against a motivated Qatar side. Mehdi Taremi remains the key player for Team Melli, who consistently prove to be tough opponents at World Cups despite typically exiting in the group stage.
25. Sweden
Should Sweden qualify from their potentially tricky group, expect their ranking to rise significantly. Any team featuring attacking talents like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Dejan Kulusevski should be considered capable of topping their group and competing strongly.
26. Senegal
Currently trailing DR Congo in their qualification group, Senegal faces a significant challenge to secure a spot. However, if they qualify, they are arguably the second-strongest team in Africa, boasting a balanced squad with experienced players alongside dynamic younger talents like Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr.
27. Canada
With Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, Canada has potentially CONCACAF`s two most talented players. Coach Jesse Marsch has shown ability in building a team around stars. A strong run in last year`s Copa America offered promise, but a less convincing Gold Cup campaign without Davies has perhaps tempered expectations slightly.
28. Australia
The Socceroos navigated Asia`s toughest group impressively under new coach Tony Popovich, recovering from a poor start to beat Japan and hold their nerve against Saudi Arabia to secure qualification. While lacking the star names of the past, they proved in 2022 they can be a formidable collective unit.
29. Jordan
First-time World Cup qualifiers Jordan have been on a strong upward trend, reaching the 2023 Asia Cup final with wins over strong regional teams. Their attacking threat was evident in qualifying, with multiple players scoring freely.
30. Uzbekistan
Assessing teams at this level is challenging, but Uzbekistan secured their spot by finishing second behind Iran. Their defense, anchored by Manchester City`s Abdukodir Khusanov, was particularly solid in qualification, conceding only seven goals in 10 games, which is a good sign for a tournament setting.
31. Panama
As the highest-ranked non-host in CONCACAF, Panama is expected to qualify, either by topping their group or via the playoffs. Thomas Christiansen`s side looked strong at the Gold Cup, featuring players like Ismael Diaz in fine form, suggesting they can be competitive.
32. New Zealand
Ranking last among the initial 32 isn`t dismissive; their opponents in qualification were limited. However, New Zealand does have players like Chris Wood in excellent club form and a solid defensive core from MLS. A recent friendly win over Ivory Coast shows potential, but it remains difficult to fully gauge their strength based solely on Oceania qualifiers.
