The 2026 World Cup is upon us, and with it, a host of teams with varying levels of expectation and priority. As an expert commentator, I've ranked all 48 teams from best to worst, taking into account managerial changes, key injuries, and other factors that might have impacted their performance. Here's my take on the rankings, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Spain: With a strong XIs on paper and a talented young squad, Spain is a clear favorite to lift the World Cup. Their only concern is the fitness of Lamine Yamal, but he's expected to feature during the group stage. Personally, I think they have room for improvement from their Euro 2024 performance, and I'm intrigued to see how they fare against the rest of the competition.
France: France has an incredible depth of attacking options, with Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki all in the squad. While other elements of their team may not look as strong, their attacking prowess makes them a difficult team to stop. In my opinion, they are the clear favorites to win the tournament.
Argentina: The reigning champions from Qatar 2022, Argentina has the quality and experience to retain their crown. However, Lionel Messi is getting on a bit, and his fitness will be a concern. What makes this particularly fascinating is the question of whether they have the desire to go all the way again. I'm curious to see how they fare against the rest of the competition.
Brazil: Brazil has a strong squad, with Carlo Ancelotti's selection looking extremely strong. However, there are a couple of questions at full-back, and the inclusion of Neymar has been a bit of a sideshow. From my perspective, they have a great chance of winning the tournament, but it will depend on whether they can overcome their full-back issues.
England: England has a talented squad, with Thomas Tuchel at the helm. However, their success or failure will depend on whether they can carry their individual club form onto the international stage. Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins have been in great form, but it remains to be seen whether they can replicate that success on the world stage.
Germany: Germany has a strong squad, with the return of Manuel Neuer being a key factor. However, their attacking talent is not quite as strong as in previous years, and their group draw is relatively friendly. I think they have the potential to be a strong contender, but it will depend on whether they can overcome their attacking issues.
Netherlands: The Netherlands has a healthy gaggle of very good footballers, but they are missing the injured Xavi Simons. It remains to be seen whether Ronald Koeman can knit it all together and lead them to success. Personally, I think they have the talent to go deep in the tournament, but it will depend on whether they can overcome their injuries and find some cohesion.
Portugal: Portugal will be focused on Cristiano Ronaldo, who should in theory be suspended for the first two games of the tournament. However, his magical reprieve means he will almost certainly start, and I'm curious to see whether he can finally make a mark on a World Cup. I think he has the potential to be a game-changer, but it will depend on whether he can overcome his suspension and find some form.
Colombia: Colombia has a talented squad, led by James Rodriguez, who will probably be playing in his last World Cup. They have the potential to be one of the tournament's standout teams, but it will depend on whether they can overcome their injuries and find some cohesion. I think they have the talent to go deep in the tournament, but it will be a tough ask.
And so on, down to the 48th-ranked team, Haiti, who will be looking to pull off a miracle and get a point from their games against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. It's a fascinating tournament, and I can't wait to see how the teams fare.
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with a host of teams with varying levels of expectation and priority. As an expert commentator, I've ranked the teams from best to worst, but it's important to remember that anything can happen on the pitch. I'm looking forward to seeing how the tournament unfolds and which team will ultimately lift the trophy.
