With just over a year to go before the World Cup kicks off in North America, a picture is beginning to form of which teams are ready to contend — and which still have plenty of work to do. This list focuses only on nations that are either qualified, hosting the tournament, or currently ranked among the world’s top nine.
16. New Zealand
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Thanks to the expansion of the World Cup and Oceania’s guaranteed spot, New Zealand qualified with little resistance. However, with just one star in Chris Wood and few wins against major opposition in the last decade, their goal will likely be to finally earn a first-ever World Cup victory.
15. United States
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Mauricio Pochettino’s reign began with promise but has quickly unraveled with poor performances in the Nations League. While the U.S. has undeniable talent, they lack cohesion and form, and right now don’t look capable of surpassing their 2022 last-16 finish — despite being hosts.
Jesse Marsch has transformed Canada into a rising force, highlighted by a Copa América semifinal run. But a torn ACL for captain Alphonso Davies threatens their momentum. With Jonathan David in attack, Canada has potential, but a historic run will depend on Davies’ recovery.
Iran booked its place at the tournament with resilience and experience, powered by Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun. Political uncertainty may overshadow the headlines, but on the field, this is a disciplined team capable of progressing from the group stage for the first time.
12. Mexico
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Javier Aguirre is back, flanked by future boss Rafael Márquez, and has already led Mexico to a Nations League title. Yet inconsistency plagues El Tri, and while Raul Jimenez has found form, it’s unclear if this side can truly contend — or simply survive the pressure at home.
11. Belgium
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The Golden Generation is fading, but Belgium still leans heavily on aging stars like De Bruyne and Lukaku. There’s promise in emerging talents like Doku and Openda, but a shaky Nations League campaign suggests this is a team in transition, not contention.
10. Brazil
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Once feared, Brazil now look fragile. A humiliating 4-1 loss to Argentina underscored their decline, and while Raphinha and others offer glimpses of quality, the team lacks stability. Unless things change, Brazil may enter 2026 with the weakest squad they’ve fielded in decades.
The first team to qualify, Japan went unbeaten and conceded just two goals in the process. Led by a strong core that includes Mitoma and Endo, the Samurai Blue have momentum — but limited depth may hold them back from reaching the long-coveted quarterfinals.
8. Netherlands
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Koeman’s side remains tough to predict. With talents like Gakpo, Simons, and De Jong, they’re dangerous on their day — but their inconsistency, especially up front, could derail another promising run. A better striker solution may be key to a deeper finish.
7. Italy
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Still rebuilding after another disappointing Euros, Italy are showing signs of life under Luciano Spalletti. The defense is solid, the midfield works hard, and the emergence of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui up front adds hope. Don’t count out the four-time champs just yet.
6. Portugal
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Despite an aging Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal remain stacked with talent. Vitinha, Neves, and Mendes are top-tier players, but the inability — or unwillingness — to move on from Ronaldo might once again be their undoing on the world’s biggest stage.
Thomas Tuchel has taken the reins from Gareth Southgate and already secured early wins, but his England still feels familiar. Kane keeps scoring, and teen prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed — but transforming this squad into champions will be Tuchel’s toughest challenge.
4. France
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Deschamps may be under pressure, but France continue to grind out results. With Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise leading the attack and impressive Nations League performances in the bank, Les Bleus remain elite — though questions over depth and leadership linger.
3. Germany
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Julian Nagelsmann has rejuvenated Germany, even after the retirements of Kroos, Neuer, and Müller. Musiala is blossoming into a superstar, the midfield looks strong, and the defense is solid. With home soil no longer a factor, the next step is proving they can win when it counts.
2. Spain
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Reigning European champions, Spain have rediscovered balance under Luis de la Fuente. With Rodri and Pedri in midfield, Yamal and Nico Williams on the wings, and Laporte anchoring the back, they’re well-rounded — but they still need a reliable goal-scorer to complete the puzzle.
Even without Lionel Messi, Argentina just crushed Brazil and proved they’re still the best team in the world. Scaloni’s squad has depth, discipline, and belief — with or without their talisman. If Messi joins the 2026 journey, it’s a bonus. If not, they still might be unstoppable.
