The 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is fast approaching. Preparations have been ongoing for what seems like ages. As the event kicks off on June 11, controversies remain, including ticket prices, visas, train fares, and global conflicts. However, attention will also turn to the football itself.
Here is a ranking of the 48 qualified teams, adjusted since April to account for managerial changes, key injuries, and other influencing factors.
1. Spain
FIFA ranking: 1
Previous ranking: 1
Spain is often considered a favorite to win the World Cup. Their main concern is the fitness of Lamine Yamal, who should participate in the group stage. With their young attacking talents, Spain could improve on their Euro 2024 performance.
2. France
FIFA ranking: 3
Previous ranking: 3
France boasts incredible attacking depth with players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Their forward options make France a formidable team despite some weaknesses in other areas.
3. Argentina
FIFA ranking: 2
Previous ranking: 2
The reigning champions maintain their core, led by Lionel Messi. While Messi is nearing 39, Argentina’s experience in major tournaments positions them as strong contenders for the title.
4. Brazil
FIFA ranking: 5
Previous ranking: 4
Brazil faces debate over Neymar’s inclusion, but Carlo Ancelotti’s squad remains solid. With questions at full-back, Brazil relies on Ancelotti’s leadership to guide them to success.
5. England
FIFA ranking: 4
Previous ranking: 6
England’s depth allows them to exclude stars like Phil Foden from the squad. The national team’s fortunes hinge on translating individual club performances to international success.
6. Germany
FIFA ranking: 10
Previous ranking: 8
Germany’s ranking rises with Manuel Neuer’s return, which could enhance their prospects alongside a strong lineup. A favorable group draw strengthens their chances.
7. Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 7
Previous ranking: 5
The Netherlands loses Xavi Simons to injury, affecting their ranks. Despite this, Ronald Koeman’s team hosts a blend of highly skilled players to progress further in the tournament.
8. Portugal
FIFA ranking: 6
Previous ranking: 7
Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension ends early, allowing him to aim for World Cup fame. Portugal seeks to make a lasting mark, with Ronaldo likely playing a key role.
9. Colombia
FIFA ranking: 14
Previous ranking: 9
Set for talisman James Rodriguez’s final World Cup, Colombia brings exciting talent like Luis Diaz. Their potent attacking front promises entertainment and potential standout performances.
10. Croatia
FIFA ranking: 11
Previous ranking: 10
With key players Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol fit, Croatia remains a force with both experience and youth, sustaining their competitive edge in the tournament.
11. Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 17
Previous ranking: 12
Uruguay faces a slump but gains Marcelo Bielsa as manager. While missing Luis Suarez, they will lean on Federico Valverde to drive their chances forward.
12. Morocco
FIFA ranking: 8
Previous ranking: 11
Morocco saw a coaching change close to the tournament. Mohamed Ouahbi takes over amidst controversial squad choices, dropping them slightly in the ranks.
13. Senegal
FIFA ranking: 12
Previous ranking: 14
With a robust World Cup track record and notable players like Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, Senegal promises to challenge opponents effectively.
14. Egypt
FIFA ranking: 31
Previous ranking: 15
Mohamed Salah eyes redeeming Egypt’s uneven World Cup history. Entering fit, he leads a stronger lineup hoping for an impressive showing.
15. South Korea
FIFA ranking: 22
Previous ranking: 16
South Korea finds themselves boosted by recent performances and a favorable group draw. Challenges include mixed player form and injuries affecting key members.
16. Belgium
FIFA ranking: 9
Previous ranking: 13
Belgium wrestles with fitness issues, lowering their standing. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne’s conditions are critical for their potential success.
17. Ecuador
FIFA ranking: 23
Previous ranking: 17
Having a stellar defensive record, Ecuador aims for their second World Cup knockout stage, leaning on Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie to maintain their strong form.
18. Norway
FIFA ranking: 32
Previous ranking: 19
Considered dark horses, Norway rides on Erling Haaland’s shoulders. Despite questions over support players, they present a potent attacking threat.
19. Mexico
FIFA ranking: 16
Previous ranking: 18
Facing a home World Cup, Mexico juggles high expectations. With skilled players like Raul Jimenez, they hope for a prosperous tournament.
20. Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 37
Previous ranking: 20
Bringing unbeaten qualification momentum, Ivory Coast aims for the knockout phase with Yan Diomande poised as an exciting prospect.
21. Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 18
Previous ranking: 22
Switzerland maintains a streak of World Cup appearances, consistently reaching the last 16. With a solid setup, they may surprise further this year.
22. United States
FIFA ranking: 15
Previous ranking: 23
Amid managerial speculation, the U.S. relies on Christian Pulisic’s performance. Home field could boost their chances, though opinions vary about their potential.
23. Japan
FIFA ranking: 19
Previous ranking: 21
Japan faces challenges with star player Kaoru Mitoma’s absence. Yet, depth in their squad presents opportunities for progression.
24. Turkey
FIFA ranking: 25
Previous ranking: 24
Turkey enters the World Cup flaunting bright young talents. With Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, they promise captivating performances for enthusiasts.
25. Australia
FIFA ranking: 27
Previous ranking: 25
Australia aims to leverage their pragmatic style, guided by Tony Popovic. Although not thrilling, their strategy remains effective in securing results.
26. Algeria
FIFA ranking: 28
Previous ranking: 27
Algeria advances under new management, with Riyad Mahrez leading the charge. Qualifying achievements set expectations for progressing past the group.
27. Austria
FIFA ranking: 24
Previous ranking: 29
Austria’s first World Cup in decades sees a reliance on veteran Marko Arnautovic, though recent rankings boost their standing marginally.
28. Ghana
FIFA ranking: 72
Previous ranking: 26
Ghana deals with managerial changes and player absences. Attacking hopes rest on Antoine Semenyo amidst team restructuring.
29. Canada
FIFA ranking: 29
Previous ranking: 30
Canada’s home advantage could be key, despite a historic absence of victories. Jesse Marsch encourages optimism, especially with a fit Alphonso Davies.
30. Paraguay
FIFA ranking: 40
Previous ranking: 31
Paraguay demonstrates solid defense but risks a reputation for uneventful play. With Miguel Almiron leading their attacking play, surprises may occur.
31. Iran
FIFA ranking: 20
Previous ranking: 28
Iran faces external turbulence affecting tournament dynamics. Sardar Azmoun’s exclusion compounds challenges around an aging squad and leadership disputes.
32. Sweden
FIFA ranking: 42
Previous ranking: 33
Despite turbulence in qualifying, Sweden threads through the play-offs. However, player form remains a concern for their World Cup prospects.
33. Panama
FIFA ranking: 33
Previous ranking: 34
Panama faces stiff competition in their group. A slightly lenient draw may have enhanced their knockout chances, but it’s tough sledding as is.
34. Scotland
FIFA ranking: 38
Previous ranking: 35
Scotland returns to the World Cup with renewed vigor, though Billy Gilmour’s injury stirs uncertainty. Consistent performers help their cause.
35. Saudi Arabia
FIFA ranking: 61
Previous ranking: 32
Managerial shifts challenge Saudi Arabia before the World Cup. Georgios Donis takes over amid strategic uncertainty for tournament performance.
36. Tunisia
FIFA ranking: 47
Previous ranking: 36
Tunisia faces managerial changes and a daunting group phase, steered by newly appointed Sabri Lamouchi following recent disappointments.
37. South Africa
FIFA ranking: 60
Previous ranking: 37
In their first World Cup appearance since 2010, South Africa enjoys a friendlier group draw. Ronwen Williams remains pivotal to their ambitions.
38. Qatar
FIFA ranking: 56
Previous ranking: 38
Qatar aims to redeem prior World Cup disappointment, inclined by a favorable group draw. Their path to progress hinges on overcoming early competition.
39. Czech Republic
FIFA ranking: 43
Previous ranking: 39
Czech Republic capitalizes on penalty shootout successes with Tomas Soucek leading their charge toward a potentially surprising tournament display.
40. New Zealand
FIFA ranking: 85
Previous ranking: 40
New Zealand targets their first World Cup victory with a slightly forgiving group draw. Nevertheless, recent performances expose vulnerabilities.
41. Uzbekistan
FIFA ranking: 52
Previous ranking: 45
Uzbekistan enters their inaugural World Cup amid momentum. Eldor Shomurodov spearheads their attack, fostering optimism despite group challenges.
42. Jordan
FIFA ranking: 64
Previous ranking: 41
Jordan relies on team camaraderie amid adversity, approaching the World Cup with spiritual significance and seeking a hopeful tournament outing.
43. Bosnia and Herzegovina
FIFA ranking: 71
Previous ranking: 42
Bosnia and Herzegovina remain unburdened, fueled by fresh talent. Edin Dzeko leads ambitions for meaningful World Cup presence.
44. DR Congo
FIFA ranking: 48
Previous ranking: 43
DR Congo enters the competition with modest prospects but holds potential to advance amid optimistic group dynamics, anticipating third-place success.
45. Curacao
FIFA ranking: 81
Previous ranking: 47
Curacao lifts hopes with Dick Advocaat at the helm. Despite prior losses, their smallest-nation status sparks curiosity and presents unexpected opportunities.
46. Cape Verde
FIFA ranking: 67
Previous ranking: 44
Facing World Cup realities, Cape Verde eyes competitiveness against top-tier teams, aspiring for remarkable performances amid debut narratives.
47. Iraq
FIFA ranking: 58
Previous ranking: 46
Iraq embraces an arduous World Cup journey, compounded by internal and external pressures, focusing on spirited participation against formidable foes.
48. Haiti
FIFA ranking: 83
Previous ranking: 48
Haiti, the lowest-ranked team, faces immense challenges and odds. With geographic constraints minding their campaign, desires for extraordinary outcomes elevate.