2026 World Cup Power Rankings: USMNT Climbs Toward Top 10 After Draw; Spain’s Victory Over Argentina Secures First Place!

Revised Content

1. Spain
   Spain is seen as the frontrunner for this tournament, particularly with Lamine Yamal on the squad. Their group includes Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde, and it’s noteworthy that Saudi Arabia previously upset Argentina during the last World Cup group stage, hinting at potential surprises.

2. Argentina
   The reigning 2022 champions still hold potential for advancement, but they face tougher competition in the group stage than it appears at first glance. Austria and Algeria are formidable opponents, and Lionel Messi aims for a memorable farewell in what’s likely his final World Cup.

3. France
   A highlight match in the group stage will feature Kylian Mbappé against Erling Haaland, but France must also contend with a challenging game against Senegal. Manager Didier Deschamps is set to leave after this tournament, with Zinedine Zidane expected to take over.

4. Brazil
   Brazil, having hired Carlo Ancelotti to rekindle past glories, faces a tough group against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in a draw that could significantly impact their aspirations.

5. England
   The Three Lions tackle Croatia, alongside matches against Panama and Ghana, in what promises to be an entertaining stage. With Thomas Tuchel at the helm, England seeks to overcome disappointments from recent European finals.

6. Portugal
   Though fans were hoping for a clash between Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo, such a matchup may occur later in the tournament. This could mark a significant chapter for Ronaldo, but the Portuguese squad is robust enough to aim for a deep run.

7. Norway
   With Erling Haaland’s impressive tally of 55 goals in 48 matches, Norway is certainly a team to watch. Their upcoming clash against France, featuring Mbappé, adds to the intrigue.

8. Germany
   Renowned for their resilience, Germany aims for redemption after disappointing exits in 2018 and 2022. Their challenge begins against Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curacao.

9. Netherlands
   While the Dutch team has strength, they will face Japan and Tunisia in the group stage, in addition to potential playoff matches against Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, or Albania, which could create hurdles.

10. Morocco
    Morocco surprised many in the last World Cup by beating Spain and Portugal before facing France in the semi-finals. Their journey continues, but the challenges from Brazil and Scotland in the group stage will be significant.

11. United States
    Coach Mauricio Pochettino benefits from a relatively favorable draw, facing Australia, Paraguay, and the UEFA Playoffs B winner in their group.

12. Belgium
    The success of Belgium hinges on key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who are recovering from injuries, as they could be playing their last World Cup.

13. Uruguay
    Marcelo Bielsa’s return to the World Cup adds excitement, although facing Spain in the group stage isn’t ideal for his squad.

14. Japan
    Japan boasts a talented and competitive young team that could surprise, although they will find it challenging against the Netherlands.

15. South Korea
    Son Heung-min’s participation in his final World Cup garners attention, but the team cannot be overlooked after their shocking exit of Germany in 2018.

16. Croatia
    As they prepare for an emotional farewell with Luka Modric likely playing his last tournament, Croatia aims to secure a favorable position against England, Ghana, and Panama.

17. Mexico
    Mexico has a shot at advancing to the Round of 32, but they must navigate their opening match against South Africa carefully, which is highly anticipated.

18. Switzerland
    Coach Murat Yakin’s side has high expectations for the 2026 World Cup, but facing Italy would complicate their chances drastically.

19. Ecuador
    La Tri has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities during qualifiers, which will be crucial against Germany, Ivory Coast, and Curacao.

20. Iran
    In a commendable qualifier campaign, Iran won nine of their ten matches and have an opportunity to surprise against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

21. Canada
    Under Jesse Marsh, Canada aims for a strong showing in their home World Cup, though group standings could become complicated if Italy qualifies.

22. Austria
    Ralf Rangnick’s tenure as head coach raises questions, particularly as they seek to make an impression against Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions.

23. Egypt
    Despite never winning a World Cup, Egypt has a chance to break that trend with Mohamed Salah leading the charge in what may be his last tournament.

24. Senegal
    With an undefeated qualifying record, Senegal faces steep competition in the group stages against France and Norway.

25. Scotland
    After advancing to a tough group featuring Brazil and Morocco, Scotland will depend on star player Scott McTominay.

26. Saudi Arabia
    After a turbulent period under Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia is bringing back Herve Renard to tackle Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde in their group.

27. Colombia
    Returning to the World Cup after competing strongly in qualifications, Colombia will need to shine against Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.

28. Tunisia
    With a remarkable qualifying record, Tunisia is one of the standout teams, but they’ll need to overcome stiff competition from Japan and the Netherlands.

29. Ivory Coast
    After an undefeated qualifying record, Ivory Coast will face a tough challenge against Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.

30. Qatar
    Host nation Qatar makes its second-ever World Cup appearance under coach Julen Lopetegui, seeking to leave a mark after their initial experience in 2018.

31. Paraguay
    Making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, Paraguay will face off against the USMNT and Australia, looking forward to their final opponent from Europe.

32. Ghana
    Despite a strong showing in qualifies, Ghana faces tough competition with the challenging matches against England and Croatia.

33. Australia
    After a solid performance in 2022, Australia aims to improve upon their last efforts but will face a tough group this time around.

34. Algeria
    Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria competes with Jordan and Austria for a coveted spot in the knockout stage.

35. Jordan
    Making history by qualifying for their first World Cup, Jordan hopes to make a lasting impact against teams like Austria and Algeria.

36. South Africa
    Making a comeback to the World Cup after their last appearance in 2010, South Africa is set to face Mexico in an historical opening match.

37. Haiti
    Haiti returns to the World Cup for the second time, though the tough group against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland severely limits their chances.

38. Panama
    Panama hopes to reverse a previous loss to England and improve their World Cup fortunes.

39. Cape Verde
    Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, Cape Verde seeks to create shockwaves, similar to their qualifiers.

40. Uzbekistan
    Led by 2006 Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan also makes its World Cup debut.

41. New Zealand
    Facing tough competition from Belgium, Iran, and Egypt, New Zealand will struggle to gain any points in their group.

42. Curacao
    As the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, Curacao faces an uphill battle against powerhouses like Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

Fan Take

This tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with legendary players like Messi and Ronaldo making their likely final appearances. As fans gear up for thrilling matchups and potential upsets, the implications of these games could redefine the sport’s legacy for years to come.