Power Rankings: Who Are the Favorites to Win the 2026 World Cup?
The countdown to the biggest football tournament on Earth has begun. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the stage is being built for what promises to be the most ambitious and expansive World Cup ever, featuring 48 nations, dozens of cities, and millions of fans.
Qualifying matches are in full swing around the world, and while there’s still plenty of time for surprises and upsets, a handful of nations are already showing signs that they could be the ones to go all the way. Here’s our early Power Ranking of the teams looking strongest as we head toward North America next summer.
1. Spain
After lifting the trophy at UEFA Euro 2024, Spain look reborn. Gone is the cautious, possession-obsessed side that sometimes lacked bite. In its place is a more dynamic, ruthless version of La Roja — one capable of blowing teams off the pitch. Their start to World Cup qualifying has been nothing short of spectacular: two wins, nine goals scored, and none conceded. Most recently, they obliterated Turkey 6–0 on the road, in a performance that had echoes of Spain’s golden generation from 2008–2012. With a mix of youth, flair, and tactical control, Spain are surging toward 2026 with momentum and belief.
2. Argentina
Argentina are the reigning kings of world football, and they’re not slowing down. Since their glorious triumph in Qatar 2022, Lionel Scaloni’s team has only grown more confident. They’re currently dominating the South American qualifiers, sitting ten points clear of Brazil — a staggering gap in one of the toughest qualifying formats in the world. And yes, Lionel Messi is still very much a part of the picture. He may be four years older in 2026, but his influence is undiminished. Whether it's his leadership, his left foot, or his sheer presence, Messi continues to inspire a squad that has tasted glory — and wants more.
3. France
France remain one of the most dangerous and consistent teams in international football. After winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final again in 2022, they’ve proven they have the squad depth and mental strength to go deep in any tournament. And when you have Kylian Mbappé — arguably the most electric player on the planet — anything is possible. Their campaign for 2026 has started confidently, with a measured and professional win over Ukraine. Add to that a core group filled with experience, power, and young talent, and France look ready to challenge for the title once again.
4. Brazil
You can never count out Brazil. It’s true that their current qualifying campaign has been less dominant than usual, with just eight wins in 17 matches. But let’s not forget: this is a nation that has won the World Cup five times — more than anyone else. Talent flows endlessly through Brazilian football, and even when they're not at their very best, they’re still a formidable force. Once they secure their place in North America, expect the Seleção to shift gears. Whether it’s Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, or one of the new rising stars, Brazil always arrive at the World Cup with flair, rhythm, and ambition.
5. England
Is this finally the year that England’s long wait comes to an end? The Three Lions haven’t lifted a major trophy since 1966, but hope springs eternal — and right now, there’s genuine reason for optimism. With Thomas Tuchel now in charge, England have a tactical mastermind at the helm, one who has already conquered Europe at club level. Under his leadership, England have made a perfect start to their qualifying group: four games, four wins, and not a single goal conceded. With a golden generation of players and growing confidence, the famous chant of "It’s coming home" might just carry more weight than ever.
6. Portugal
If 2026 really is Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup, he seems determined to go out with a bang. The iconic forward opened Portugal’s qualifying campaign with two goals away against Armenia, reminding everyone that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. But this Portugal team isn’t just about Ronaldo. Under Roberto Martínez, they’ve blended experience with youth and tactical discipline with attacking flair. The likes of João Félix, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes give Portugal plenty of weapons, and if they can harness their full potential, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
The Road to North America: A World Cup Like No Other
As qualifying continues across every continent, anticipation is building for what promises to be the most spectacular and wide-reaching World Cup in the tournament’s history. Held across three countries — with matches played in iconic stadiums from Los Angeles to Toronto to Mexico City — the 2026 World Cup will be a truly global celebration of the beautiful game.
The expanded format will bring more teams, more stories, and more unforgettable moments. Traditional powerhouses will battle rising challengers, legends will make their final bows, and new heroes will be born on the biggest stage of them all. And with football’s popularity at an all-time high in North America, the atmosphere is set to be electric.
As qualifiers play out, and the field of 48 begins to take shape, the only thing we can say for sure is this: history will be made in 2026.
So whether you're backing a giant like Brazil or dreaming with an underdog, buckle up — because the journey to World Cup glory is just getting started.