AI Ranks the 15 Favourites to Win the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is less than a year away, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico preparing to host the planet’s biggest sporting spectacle. Fans across the globe are buzzing with anticipation, as 48 nations battle for glory in an expanded format that promises more drama than ever before.
While only one team can lift the trophy, AI has taken a closer look at the field and ranked the 15 sides with the best chance of triumph. From traditional giants like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany, to hopeful hosts like the USA and Mexico, the stage is set for a tournament that could define the next era of international football.
Here are the 15 nations most likely to win the 2026 World Cup, ranked from outsiders to outright favourites.
15. Colombia
Colombia may be outsiders, but they’ve already booked their place at the tournament. Their most famous run came in 2014 when James Rodríguez lit up Brazil with dazzling goals and a quarter-final finish. Since then, the team has struggled to make a similar impact, but their technical style always makes them dangerous.
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Without a true global superstar in his prime, Colombia will rely on collective grit and moments of magic. For fans, just reaching the knockout stages would already be a major achievement.
14. Croatia
The 2018 finalists remain one of football’s great overachievers. Croatia’s golden generation, led by Luka Modrić, proved they can go toe-to-toe with anyone on the world stage. But with key players now past their peak, repeating such feats will be difficult.
Still, Croatia’s resilience and tactical discipline make them a team no one wants to face. Even if they fall short, expect them to punch above their weight once again.
13. United States
As co-hosts, the US will have the backing of massive home crowds. Yet under Mauricio Pochettino, the team has endured a rocky start. With Christian Pulisic and a wave of European-based talent, there’s potential, but expectations remain uncertain.
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AI ranks them 13th—reflecting their ability to shock, but also their inconsistency. A deep run would electrify the nation and help cement soccer’s growth stateside.
12. Mexico
Mexico enters every World Cup with hope and heavy pressure. Co-hosting adds more weight, but also more excitement. Historically, El Tri have reached the Round of 16 consistently but struggled to go beyond.
With a balanced squad and passionate fans, Mexico could use home advantage to finally break their quarter-final curse. But as always, the question is whether they can deliver when it matters most.
11. Uruguay
A proud two-time champion, Uruguay has always punched above its size. Legends like Diego Forlán, Edinson Cavani, and Luis Suárez once powered them to glory, but their current side lacks the same firepower.
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Still, Uruguay’s defensive steel and tactical nous could see them cause problems. They may not be favourites, but no one takes them lightly.
10. Belgium
Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation” has faded, but there’s still quality left. Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership, combined with talents like Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, gives them creativity and pace.
With Rudi Garcia now in charge, Belgium faces transition. They’re outsiders, but their squad remains dangerous if they find form at the right time.
9. Italy
Italy’s recent World Cup record is shocking: they haven’t advanced beyond the group stage since 2006 and even missed the last two tournaments. Yet under Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri hope to rediscover their winning mentality.
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With their rich tradition and defensive strength, Italy can never be ignored. If they qualify and find rhythm, a surprise run could be on the cards.
8. Netherlands
The Dutch remain one of football’s great mysteries—three-time finalists but never champions. Their 2010 heartbreak against Spain still lingers, and their squads since have rarely matched that standard.
Reaching the 2024 Euros semi-final proved progress, though. If Ronald Koeman can balance young flair with experience, the Netherlands could once again be dangerous dark horses.
7. Portugal
Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead Portugal with unmatched experience. His dream is to add the World Cup to his legendary career, mirroring Lionel Messi’s triumph with Argentina in 2022.
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But Portugal are more than just Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, and rising stars like João Neves bring balance and energy. Having lifted the Nations League in 2024/25, Portugal knows how to win.
6. Germany
Germany looks like Germany again. With Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, young stars like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are reigniting Die Mannschaft’s trademark efficiency.
Although Spain knocked them out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, the experience could prove invaluable. Germany has four World Cups to its name—and the hunger for a fifth feels stronger than ever.
5. Argentina
The reigning champions surprisingly sit only fifth in AI’s ranking. Lionel Messi, now in the twilight of his career, will lead one last World Cup charge.
Argentina’s strength lies in composure and resilience, often grinding out narrow wins rather than dazzling. It worked in 2022, and under Lionel Scaloni, it could work again. Back-to-back glory isn’t out of reach.
4. England
For England, every major tournament brings both hope and heartbreak. Two straight Euro final defeats underline their near-miss history. Yet this squad, filled with talents like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, is perhaps their best in decades.
Thomas Tuchel, replacing Gareth Southgate, faces the challenge of unlocking this talent without disrupting balance. If he succeeds, England could finally bring football home.
3. Spain
Winners of Euro 2024, Spain enters 2026 brimming with confidence. Their squad mixes youth and experience, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri anchoring midfield and teenagers like Lamine Yamal bringing flair.
La Roja dominated world football from 2008–2012, and signs suggest another golden era may be beginning. If they carry Euro momentum forward, Spain could reclaim the crown.
2. Brazil
Brazil, five-time champions, are always contenders. While their recent squads haven’t matched past legends, Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival has changed everything. The Italian tactician brings authority, respect, and tactical mastery.
With young talent alongside proven stars, Brazil has the depth to go all the way. Winning in North America would restore their status as kings of world football.
1. France
Despite heartbreak in recent tournaments, France remains the team to beat. With unrivalled depth, Didier Deschamps’ squad boasts world-class talent in every position, from Kylian Mbappé up front to a bench most nations envy.
AI ranks them top, and it’s easy to see why. France has the balance, power, and experience to turn near-misses into triumph. The only question: will they finally finish the job?
