2026 World Cup power rankings: from dark horses to dominant favourites
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest and most unpredictable yet. With 48 nations competing across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the race for global football’s greatest prize is wide open. Here’s how the top 20 contenders rank heading into the tournament—from outsiders with potential to the heavyweights expected to go all the way.
20. ecuador: youthful squad with quiet ambition
Ecuador may not be a headline name, but they’ve quietly built a resilient, youthful squad that punches above its weight. After a strong showing in South American qualifiers, they could be this year’s surprise package.
19. egypt: salah’s time to shine on the biggest stage
Egypt cruised through their qualifiers, and with Mohamed Salah leading the charge alongside Omar Marmoush, they have real attacking firepower. If they can carry that form into the tournament, the Pharaohs might just spring a surprise.
18. senegal: well-balanced and battle-tested
Senegal are no longer a mystery team—England fans still remember their 3-1 loss at Wembley. With Ismaïla Sarr and a disciplined core, the African champions have the depth and experience to make a deep run.
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17. switzerland: always steady, never flashy
Switzerland remain tournament regulars, consistently getting out of the group stage but never going much further. Their reliable, defensively sound approach keeps them competitive but may lack the flair needed to break into the top tier.
16. morocco: aiming to repeat 2022 heroics
The 2022 semi-finalists are back and better than ever. Morocco won all eight of their qualifiers and still have the core of the team that shocked Spain and Portugal in Qatar. Don’t write off the Atlas Lions.
15. denmark: quietly consistent with tournament pedigree
Denmark remain a dangerous team, especially after their run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals. Their mix of discipline and creativity makes them tough to beat, though they’ll need a touch more quality to break into the top ten.
14. croatia: modrić’s final bow
This could be Luka Modrić’s final international tournament, and the Croatian legend will want to go out on a high. Croatia are ageing, but with experience comes composure—and they still have enough quality to challenge on their day.
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13. norway: haaland and Ødegaard power the dream
Norway haven’t qualified since 1998, but with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in top form, the hype is real. Their 11–1 thrashing of Romania shows they’re serious—if they qualify, they’ll be a dangerous outsider.
12. belgium: golden generation gone, but hope remains
Belgium’s 'Golden Generation' never quite delivered, and this campaign feels like a transition. Still, with enough talent to be competitive, the Red Devils can’t be completely ruled out just yet.
11. colombia: rising again in South America
Colombia have found stability and momentum again after missing the last World Cup. With a fresh core and strong qualifying performances, they’re back in the mix and could trouble bigger names.
10. uruguay: bielsa’s fearless revolution
Marcelo Bielsa has overhauled Uruguay’s approach, blending traditional grit with high-energy, attacking football. Wins over Brazil and Argentina in qualifying prove they’re no fluke, with Valverde and Núñez leading the charge.
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9. italy: unpredictability remains their greatest strength
Italy can win it all—or crash out in the group. After missing the last two World Cups, Gli Azzurri are back under Gennaro Gattuso, mixing defensive steel with flashes of flair. They’re dangerous when underestimated.
8. germany: searching for consistency under nagelsmann
Germany have the talent and tactical depth to go far, but recent stumbles show they’re still in transition. Musiala and Wirtz are world-class prospects, and if they click, Germany could rise fast.
7. netherlands: confident, composed, and cohesive
Ronald Koeman’s team are in excellent form, with Virgil van Dijk anchoring the back and young talents like Xavi Simons lighting up the attack. They’ll be desperate to avenge their Euro semi-final loss to England.
6. brazil: talented but turbulent
Brazil scraped through qualifying in unusual fashion, finishing fifth—but Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival changes everything. With Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo leading the line, the Seleção still have the tools to win it all.
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5. portugal: ronaldo’s last ride with a loaded squad
Cristiano Ronaldo is heading into his final World Cup, and Portugal have one of the deepest squads in the world. Roberto Martínez has silenced doubters and crafted a team capable of going all the way.
4. argentina: still a force, even with less pressure
Lionel Messi’s fairytale World Cup win in 2022 changed the narrative—this time, the pressure’s off. With a new wave of talent led by Franco Mastantuono, Argentina remain contenders and could give Messi a perfect send-off.
3. england: new leadership, same old dream
Thomas Tuchel has brought a fresh edge to England, already making bold decisions that paid off in a 5-0 win over Serbia. With Bellingham, Kane, and a deep bench, this might finally be their time.
2. france: depth, experience, and a last hurrah for deschamps
France may have cooled since 2022, but their talent pool remains second to none. Kylian Mbappé leads a frightening attack, and even if performances have dipped, they still find ways to win.
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1. spain: the new kings of europe and world football
After conquering Euro 2024 with wins over Europe’s best, Spain have made their case as World Cup favourites. Luis de la Fuente has created a fast, technical, and fearless team, with Lamine Yamal and Rodri at the core. La Roja are peaking at the perfect time.
