Top five power rankings for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is upon us. Mexico and South Africa will kick things off at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with 103 more matches to be played between 48 teams in the USA, Canada and Mexico over the next month-and-a-half.

There will be storylines and drama created in almost every match and the World Cup trophy will be lifted by a triumphant team at the end of it all. Here are the top five teams ranked in terms of their chances of going all the way this summer.

1 – Spain

Favoured by most bookmakers, Spain have good reason to feel optimistic about their chances of lifting the World Cup for the second time in their history this summer.

Indeed, Luis de la Fuente’s team put down a marker by winning Euro 2024 so convincingly two years ago, combining the possession play Spain are renowned for and direct play in the wide areas which gave them a way to play through opponents in the attacking third.

Lamine Yamal’s fitness is a concern and Spain’s chances of winning the World Cup would be impacted if the Barcelona teenager is even slightly impacted. However, the European champions have a squad and style of play that should make them serious contenders.

2 – France

Not so long ago, it appeared France were set for a generational transition as the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud faded from the national team. Now, though, it appears that transition might have taken place with Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue all set for a big World Cup.

Didier Deschamps hasn’t always set up France to be the most enthralling team to watch under his stewardship, but few can argue with the 57-year-old’s impressive record. 

Les Bleus have made the final of the last two World Cups, winning the title in 2018 and pushing Argentina all the way in 2022. It wouldn’t be surprising for them to make a third straight final, or go one step further, in 2026. Their squad is one of the most stacked at the tournament.

3 – England

Having fallen short in several major tournaments in recent times, England have turned to Thomas Tuchel to get them over the line at the 2026 World Cup. If football is indeed finally coming home this summer, it’ll be a German who delivers it.

Tuchel has made a number of contentious calls with his squad selection. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer will all watch this summer’s tournament from home, highlighting the depth of talent available to the England manager.

Harry Kane is fresh from the best season of his career at club level while Declan Rice is a Premier League champion. England certainly have the players to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966, but do they have the right manager?

4 – Argentina

Argentina lifted the World Cup for the first time since 1986 three-and-a-half years ago in Qatar and there’s very good reason to believe Lionel Messi and co. can become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain their crown.

Lionel Scaloni’s side topped qualifying in CONMEBOL and have shown no signs of slowing down since experiencing glory in Qatar, winning the 2024 Copa America title in the United States.

While Messi is now 38 years old and well into the twilight of his career, others like Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez are more than capable of being match-winners when the Inter Miami playmaker isn’t. Argentina are in good shape to defend their title.

5 – Portugal

This might be the strongest squad Portugal have ever taken to a World Cup. Indeed, on talent alone Roberto Martinez’s team is up there with some of the most stacked sides in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.

41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo might not be the player he was a few years ago, but in Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha Portugal might boast the most fearsome midfield unit in the entire tournament.

In Nuno Mendes, Portugal possess arguably the best full back in world soccer right now with Matheus Nunes also proven for Manchester as a ball-playing right back capable of tucking into midfield. Martinez has a lot to work with.