The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an intriguing tournament full of twists and turns. For the first time in history, 48 teams will participate in the showpiece event, which will be held across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. While there are plenty of teams that can throw up surprises and make a deep run in the grandest event in soccer, such as Morocco in 2022, the traditional powerhouses will be looking to stamp their authority and go all the way to claim the top prize.
Here, we rank the top 5 early favorites to win the 2026 World Cup based on squad strength, form, and tournament calibre.
#5 Portugal
Portugal has a strong squad capable of beating anyone on their day. With captain Cristiano Ronaldo playing his last ever World Cup, Roberto Martinez’s men will be extra motivated to claim the top prize.
Stacked with quality players all over the pitch, Portugal will rely on the likes of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and Bernardo Silva to support the 40-year-old Ronaldo in his quest for soccer’s ultimate glory.
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While Portugal is expected to top Group K (Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, IC Qual 1) pretty comfortably, their potential knockout ties could be a bit tricky with a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on the cards.
If they reach the knockout stages in good form and CR7 is fit and firing, they might well go all the way in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
#4 Spain
UEFA Euro 2024 Champions Spain have a solid squad capable of dominating possession and exhausting opponents with slick passing and possession-based football. With precocious teenager Lamine Yamal spearheading the attack and Barcelona teammate Pedri pulling the strings in midfield, Spain has one of the most skillful starting XIs in the tournament.
Currently the top-ranked nation in the FIFA World Rankings, La Roja has achieved consistent results over the last 24 months. It has proven very tough to beat under the expert guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente.
Spain has a solid spine throughout the starting XI. The only area where they will be looking for some additional options will be the ‘number 9’ position, where Mikel Oyarzabal has been the only consistent performer.
Drawn in Group H along with Uruguay, Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia, the 2010 World Cup champs will be confident of making a deep run in 2026.
#3 France
Runners-up at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, France returns to the tournament as a top contender, led by Kylian Mbappé, arguably the best player in the world today.
Blessed with talent, speed, and physicality across the squad, France since 2018 have always been in the conversation for top international honors, and this World Cup promises to be no different.
Les Bleus have been drawn in an interesting group. Drawn in Group I along with Norway, Senegal, and IC Qualifier 2, Deschamps’ men have their task cut out if they are to finish in the top position. The clash between Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland will be another interesting subplot to keep an eye on.
Blessed with a couple of world-class options in nearly every position, France will be expecting nothing less than the top prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
#2 Argentina
The current World Cup Champions head into the 2026 edition in great form. Comfortably topping the table in the South American World Cup qualifiers, La Albiceleste will be hoping to repeat their Qatar heroics and give Messi a fitting send-off from the national team.
At 38, Messi has shown that he is still capable of producing magical moments, evidenced by his stunning MLS campaign with Inter Miami in 2025. While the attention will undoubtedly be on Messi, the likes of Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cristian Romero are more than capable of holding their own and influencing the results with their performances.
Placed in Group J along with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan, Argentina will be confident of topping their group. As mentioned before, a quarter-final clash against Ronaldo’s Portugal is on the cards, and Argentina will be hoping that their magical ‘number 10’ will be fit and in fine form heading into the showpiece event.
#1 England
The Three Lions are heading into this tournament in supreme form, and Thomas Tuchel’s squad could finally end the long wait for a major international trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
One of the most consistent sides over the last 16 months, England had a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all eight games and, more astonishingly, not conceding a single goal.
With Harry Kane leading the charge, and a supporting cast featuring Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, Thomas Tuchel’s squad appears as complete as it has in years and will aim to finally put years of pain and heartbreak behind them next summer.
Drawn in Group L along with Croatia, Panama, and Ghana, England will be confident of topping their group and making a deep run in the tournament.
With depth, form, and a rich historical pedigree shaping these rankings, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to deliver one of the most competitive tournaments in the sport’s history.
