As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking offers a snapshot of the nations who head into the tournament as favourites to lift the trophy at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
France, Spain, Argentina, England and Portugal currently occupy the top five places in the rankings; each will arrive at the World Cup with world-class talent, genuine title ambitions and very different questions to answer in their quest to be champions.
Between them, the five nations on the Ranking have won seven World Cups. Two-time champions France were runners-up in Qatar after winning in 2018, with Les Bleus vanquished by an Argentina side that celebrated claiming their nation’s third triumph. Spain, the 2010 world champions, continue to build on their UEFA EURO 2024 success, while 1966 winners England are attempting to end decades of near-misses and Portugal are pursuing an inaugural triumph.
1. France
World Cup winners in 2018 and finalists last time around, France have set a benchmark for tournament consistency under Didier Deschamps. With extraordinary depth and another generation of elite young talent emerging, Les Bleus are unsurprisingly once again among the favourites.
Star player: Kylian Mbappe
Now entering the peak years of his career, Mbappe – one of the most explosive forwards in world football – is a World Cup winner and finalist before the age of 27. The France captain and Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer became only the second player to net a World Cup final hat-trick in Qatar four years ago. Since then, he has moved from PSG to Real Madrid, finishing as Los Blancos’ top scorer in each of his first two seasons, including 42 goals in 44 games in the 2025-26 campaign.
Why can they win it?
France know exactly what it takes to navigate major tournaments, with Deschamps building a side that relishes high-pressure occasions. In Mbappe, France have a genuine superstar and alongside him, reigning The Best FIFA Men’s Player winner Ousmane Dembele has enjoyed another free-scoring season. Importantly, France’s depth allows them to absorb injuries and suspensions without causing major disruption, with their blend of pace, power and experience firmly putting Les Bleus among the teams to beat in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Potential challenges
France’s biggest hurdle may be integrating a wave of emerging attacking talent without disrupting the balance and tactical discipline that has underpinned their recent tournament success. Les Bleus’ ability to manage the physical condition of players like Dembele, who has endured several spells on the sidelines this season, will also be crucial.
2. Spain
European champions in 2024 and currently one of the most exciting teams in international football, Spain will bring a squad full to the brim with technical quality and flair to the World Cup. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have blended their traditional possession-based identity with greater directness and attacking freedom.
Star player: Lamine Yamal
Still only 18 when the tournament begins, Yamal has already established himself as Spain’s most electrifying attacking weapon. The Barcelona winger dazzled throughout La Roja’s EURO 2024 triumph and has continued his rapid rise with another outstanding season at club level, providing 28 goal contributions – 16 goals and 12 assists – in 28 La Liga games to help Barcelona win the championship. Capable of deciding any match with a moment of brilliance, Yamal will be central to Spain’s hopes.
Why can they win it?
Few teams possess Spain’s balance between youth and experience. Rodri remains the metronome in midfield, while Pedri, Dani Olmo and Yamal provide creativity and unpredictability in attack. After their EURO success, belief within the squad is stronger than ever.
Potential challenges
Spain’s reliance on several young players means this will be a first World Cup for several key members of the squad, bringing a different level of expectation. Questions also remain over whether La Roja possess a consistently prolific central striker capable of deciding tight knockout matches against the tournament’s strongest defences.
3. Argentina
Defending world champions Argentina head to Canada, Mexico and the United States aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s side have continued to impress since their triumph in Qatar, winning the 2024 Copa America – a second continental crown in succession – with the sort of spirit and resilience that defined their run to the 2022 trophy.
Star player: Lionel Messi
Even at 39, Messi remains Argentina’s heartbeat. The legendary forward delivered an iconic World Cup campaign in Qatar and continues to dictate matches with his vision, intelligence and composure. Now playing for Inter Miami, and heading into the tournament on the back of securing an inaugural MLS Cup for the club, Messi remains capable of producing decisive moments on the biggest stage.
Why can they win it?
Argentina possess the priceless advantage of continuity. Scaloni has maintained the core of the side that lifted the trophy in 2022, with players such as Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Cristian Romero now entering their prime years. La Albiceleste’s balance across the pitch, combined with their tactical discipline and fierce competitive mentality, makes them one of the most complete teams in the tournament, while the magnificent Messi gives them added X factor.
Potential challenges
Much of the focus will inevitably centre on Messi’s physical condition as he prepares for his sixth World Cup. Scaloni must also ensure that the emotional intensity that fuelled their triumph in Qatar can be sustained four years later against opponents determined to dethrone the reigning champions.
4. England
Semi-finalists or better in three of their last four major tournaments, England continue to travel to major competitions carrying huge expectation and belief that a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup is within reach. With 2021 UEFA Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel now at the helm of a gifted squad, the Three Lions understandably have ambitions of going all the way in 2026.
Star player: Jude Bellingham
Already one of the leaders of England’s new generation, Bellingham has developed into a complete midfielder capable of influencing every phase of the game. Since joining Real Madrid, he has added consistency and maturity to his natural talent, while continuing to deliver decisive moments for club and country.
Why can they win it?
England possess one of the tournament’s most exciting attacking units, led by superstar striker Harry Kane. Kane has just enjoyed the most prolific season of his career, netting 61 goals in 51 games to help Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. Around him, familiar faces like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford provide pace, creativity and directness, while Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon are among the outstanding alternatives.
Potential challenges
Thomas Tuchel knows England have moved closer to ending their 60-year international trophy drought, but are still to take the final step. Under Gareth Southgate, a first World Cup semi-final since 1990 was achieved at Russia 2018, with back-to-back EURO finals reached either side of a quarter-final exit at Qatar 2022. England’s hopes are also tied to talismanic captain Kane remaining fit and firing throughout the tournament, although Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins offer in-form squad support.
5. Portugal
Portugal arrive at the World Cup with arguably the most complete squad they have ever taken to the tournament. After winning EURO 2016 and two Nations League titles, Portugal have established themselves as regular contenders at major tournaments and head to North America believing they possess the depth to challenge the very best and claim an elusive first World Cup trophy.
Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Set to appear at a record-breaking sixth World Cup, the Portugal captain remains a hugely influential figure both on and off the pitch, having continued his remarkable goalscoring record with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in recent seasons. Portugal now possess broad range of attacking options, but Ronaldo’s leadership, experience and instinct in front of goal still make him central to their ambitions.
Why can they win it?
Few nations can match Portugal’s depth of quality. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha give Roberto Martinez’s team control and creativity in midfield, while Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Joao Neves provide technical quality and energy around them. Of course, they can also call upon of the greatest strikers of all time. Defensively, Ruben Dias continues to anchor an increasingly settled back line, giving Portugal a strong defensive platform.
Potential challenges
Managing the balance between Portugal’s established leaders and their emerging generation could be a major challenge for Martinez. If they are to go all the way, Portugal will also be required to maintain defensive stability against the world’s strongest sides, particularly in matches where they are forced to play without dominating possession.
