The 10 Favorites to Win the 2026 World Cup — Ranked
Defending champions Argentina face a tough test to secure a second successive world title.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments in history. Many of the world’s top national teams are entering a new cycle with young superstars, refreshed tactical identities and renewed ambitions. Here are the 10 leading favourites —ranked from No. 10 to No. 1.
10. Italy
Italy remains a highly unpredictable contender. After surprisingly missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the Azzurri have been rebuilding under a new generation led by players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolò Barella and Federico Chiesa. Their tactical discipline and defensive organisation always make them dangerous in tournament football. If Italy can rediscover the spirit and sharpness that won them Euro 2020, they are capable of upsetting bigger favourites. Depth in attack remains their biggest doubt, which keeps them lower on this list.
9. Uruguay
Uruguay is quietly assembling one of the most exciting young squads in world football. With Darwin Núñez evolving into a world-class forward, Federico Valverde becoming one of the best midfielders on the planet and Ronald Araújo anchoring the defence, La Celeste has star talent in every department. Marcelo Bielsa’s intense, aggressive style suits this generation perfectly. Uruguay may lack the squad depth of the biggest nations, but their starting XI is strong enough to trouble any opponent. A dark horse with genuine semifinal potential.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands continue to produce elite talent, especially in defence and midfield. Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt and Jeremie Frimpong form a powerful defensive structure, while Frenkie de Jong remains their creative heartbeat. Their main uncertainty lies in attack, where consistency has been a long-standing issue. However, with young forwards such as Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo improving rapidly, the Dutch could peak at the perfect time. A tactical, disciplined side that is always capable of reaching the final four when things fall their way.
7. England
England enters 2026 full of talent but still carrying the weight of unfulfilled potential. With Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Kane, the squad rivals the best in the world in pure ability. What England needs most is a winning mentality in critical moments after falling short in Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022. Whether England’s golden generation finally delivers could depend on tactical courage and consistency. If those pieces come together, England could win their first major title since 1966.
6. Brazil
Brazil’s talent remains immense, but inconsistency and transition have plagued the Seleção since 2018. By 2026, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick and Bruno Guimarães should be entering their absolute prime. Brazil will always have attacking brilliance, but their success will depend on defensive solidity and decisive coaching. If Brazil finds balance and identity under its new leadership, they have the quality to reclaim the trophy. Anything less than a deep run would be considered a disappointment by world football’s most decorated nation.
5. Spain
Spain has quietly built one of the most technically gifted squads in international football. With Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri, La Roja possesses an extraordinary midfield core. Their tiki-taka identity is evolving into a more dynamic, vertical style that suits modern football. Spain’s challenge is converting possession dominance into goals in tight matches. If their young attackers mature into elite finishers, Spain could easily reach the final—and even win it.
4. Portugal
Portugal’s squad depth is extraordinary. From João Félix and Rafael Leão to Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and the emerging Gonçalo Inácio, this is arguably the most talented Portuguese generation ever. Cristiano Ronaldo may not be central in 2026, but the team no longer depends on him. With a balanced blend of youth and experience and a versatile tactical identity, Portugal is a major contender. If they find defensive consistency and avoid internal pressure, they could lift the trophy for the first time.
3. France
France remains a perennial favourite thanks to their unmatched depth. Kylian Mbappé will be at the peak of his powers in 2026, supported by elite talents such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, William Saliba and Antoine Griezmann’s final years of influence. No team has more world-class options across every position. The only threat to France is France themselves—internal tension, injuries or tactical complacency have cost them before. If everything clicks, they can easily reclaim the title they lost in 2022.
2. Germany
Germany’s revival has been impressive. With Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and a new generation combining flair with efficiency, the Germans appear reborn. Hosting Euro 2024 accelerated their rebuild, giving them confidence and identity. By 2026, their young stars should be fully mature, making Germany one of the strongest all-round squads. Their traditional tournament mentality and tactical discipline position them as one of the top two favourites.
1. Argentina
The defending champions top the list. Lionel Messi may not be at his peak in 2026, but Argentina has developed a strong collective structure beyond him. Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister and emerging talents give La Albiceleste balance, spirit and tactical intelligence. They have become specialists in knockout-stage battles, blending experience with unity and resilience. Winning back-to-back World Cups is extremely difficult—but Argentina has the mentality, squad cohesion and star power to challenge for histor
