The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here – and the battle to succeed Argentina as world champions is already taking shape.
France – World Ranking 1
Les Bleus arrive as the tournament’s most feared attacking side. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele leads a front line that also includes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki.
Unbeaten in nine matches since last June, France beat Brazil 2-1 and Colombia 3-1 in recent friendlies played on US soil – the venues they will compete at in just a few weeks.
This will be the last tournament for long-serving coach Didier Deschamps, in charge since 2012. France have won the World Cup twice and lost two finals on penalties in the last seven editions. They will take some stopping.
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Spain – World Ranking 2
The European champions have not lost a match since winning Euro 2024 and arrive as one of the most complete sides in the tournament. The concern is injuries.
Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal is a doubt for the first two group games with a hamstring problem. Fermin Lopez is out entirely with a foot fracture. Mikel Merino, who scored eight goals in 10 games for Spain in 2025, has not played since January.
Despite those absences, Spain still boast Rodri, Pedri and one of the most cohesive systems in world football.
Argentina – World Ranking 3
The defending champions arrive with Lionel Messi, who turns 39 next month and is producing extraordinary numbers in MLS – 12 goals in 13 games for Inter Miami.
Whether he can replicate his 2022 heroics is the great unknown. Beyond Messi, Argentina boast Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Nico Paz, and they comfortably topped South American qualifying. They won the 2024 Copa America in the USA. This is their turf.
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England – World Ranking 4
Thomas Tuchel has taken over a side that has endured near misses under Gareth Southgate – two Euro final defeats, a 2018 semi-final exit and a 2022 quarter-final.
England drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan in March but have formidable depth. Harry Kane’s 58-goal season at Bayern Munich gives them one of the most clinical strikers in the world heading into the tournament.
Portugal – World Ranking 5
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, prepares for his sixth World Cup. The midfield – Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes – could be the tournament’s finest.
UEFA Nations League winners in 2025, Portugal are genuine contenders if Ronaldo’s presence does not overshadow the collective.
Brazil – World Ranking 6
Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of a Brazil side that finished fifth in South American qualifying, losing six of 18 games.
Neymar returns to the squad at 34 after a three-year absence. Vinicius Junior is their attacking leader. “The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team,” Ancelotti said. “It will be won by the most resilient team.”
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Germany – World Ranking 10
Two consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 and a Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat on home soil make Germany an unlikely winner. But Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz ensure they cannot be dismissed.
– AFP
Photo: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
