The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history, with 48 teams competing for the first time. But not all teams are created equal. Here are the 10 teams most likely to lift the trophy — or at least make the tournament unforgettable.
1. Spain — FIFA #1 and the Team to Beat
Spain are the reigning European champions and FIFA's top-ranked team heading into 2026. Their midfield, led by the extraordinary Pedri and Gavi, plays a brand of possession football that suffocates opponents. The emergence of Lamine Yamal as a generational talent on the wing gives Spain a cutting edge they sometimes lacked. Coach Luis de la Fuente has built a squad that balances youthful exuberance with experienced steel.
Spain's squad depth is arguably the best in the tournament. They can rotate players without losing quality, which matters enormously in a 48-team tournament with potentially seven matches to win it all.
2. France — Mbappé's Last Dance?
Kylian Mbappé will be 27 at the 2026 World Cup, entering his absolute prime. France's all-time leading scorer and the most electrifying player on the planet, Mbappé has the talent to single-handedly win matches. France were runners-up in 2022 and have the squad depth — Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Saliba, Koundé — to go all the way.
The question for France is always chemistry. When their stars align (as in 2018), they're unstoppable. When egos clash (as has happened in the past), they can underperform. A focused, motivated France is many pundits' pick to win it all.
3. Argentina — Defending Champions
Can Argentina defend their title? Lionel Messi, if he participates, would be 39 years old — this could be his farewell on the world stage. But Argentina's strength goes beyond Messi. Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cuti Romero form the core of a team that has winning DNA. Coach Lionel Scaloni has created a squad mentality that refuses to lose.
Argentina's passionate fan base will make every US venue feel like Buenos Aires. The Albiceleste faithful travel in enormous numbers and create an atmosphere that lifts their team. Expect Argentine fans to be among the most visible at the 2026 tournament.
4. England — So Close, So Many Times
England have been the eternal bridesmaids of recent tournaments — semi-finals in 2018, final in Euro 2020, quarter-finals in 2022, final in Euro 2024. The talent is undeniable: Jude Bellingham is one of the best midfielders in the world, Phil Foden provides creative genius, and Bukayo Saka offers pace and directness on the wing.
The question for England is whether they can finally convert near-misses into a trophy. The presence of a massive English-speaking fan base in the US should give England strong home-field energy. Their matches will be among the most-attended of the tournament.
5. Brazil — The Sleeping Giants
Brazil's 2022 World Cup ended in heartbreak with a quarter-final exit. Since then, a generational refresh has brought Endrick, Savinho, and Estêvão into the fold alongside established stars like Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo. Brazil's talent pool remains the deepest in world football — the question is whether the coaching staff can harness it.
Brazil always bring flair, drama, and the weight of five World Cup titles. Their fan base in the US is enormous, particularly in South Florida and the Northeast. When Brazil play in Miami, it will feel like a home match.
6. Norway — Haaland's Stage
Norway haven't qualified for a World Cup since 1998, but Erling Haaland changes everything. The Manchester City striker is the most prolific goalscorer of his generation, and the prospect of watching him on the World Cup stage for the first time is thrilling. Norway also have Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield.
Norway are a genuine dark horse — not among the favorites, but capable of beating anyone on their day. A group stage run is likely; a quarter-final or beyond would be a fairy tale. Haaland in the World Cup is must-watch football regardless of how far they go.
7. Colombia — South America's Rising Force
Colombia have been on an incredible run under coach Néstor Lorenzo, going unbeaten for an extended stretch and reaching the 2024 Copa América final. Luis Díaz provides electric pace on the wing, while a deep midfield led by experienced campaigners gives Colombia balance and resilience.
The Colombian fan base in the US is massive — cities like Miami, New York, and Houston have huge Colombian communities. Their matches will have incredible atmosphere. Colombia could easily make a semi-final run if the draw is kind.
8. Egypt — Salah's World Cup
Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest players Africa has ever produced, and at 34, the 2026 World Cup may be his last chance to shine on the biggest stage. Egypt narrowly missed the 2022 World Cup in heartbreaking fashion, and the motivation to make amends is enormous. Salah's goal-scoring ability and big-game mentality make Egypt dangerous.
Egypt's football-mad fan base is passionate beyond measure. If they qualify (as expected in the expanded 48-team format), their group stage matches will be electric. Salah in a World Cup is an event in itself.
9. Morocco — Building on 2022's Historic Run
Morocco's semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup was one of the greatest stories in tournament history. The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the final four, and they've only gotten stronger since. Achraf Hakimi leads a defense that's incredibly hard to break down, and the squad has maintained its incredible team spirit.
Morocco will be playing with the confidence of a team that knows it belongs among the elite. The Moroccan diaspora in Europe and North America guarantees strong support. A repeat deep run is very possible.
10. Ecuador — South America's Next Generation
Ecuador's young, energetic squad has been steadily improving. Moisés Caicedo has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and his partnership with other emerging talents gives Ecuador a genuine chance of making noise. They impressed at the 2022 World Cup and have the potential to go further in 2026.
Ecuador's athletic, high-pressing style suits the North American conditions, and their young squad will only have gotten better by 2026. They're the kind of team that could beat anyone on their day — perfect dark horse material.