The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on! For the first time ever, the biggest tournament in soccer will take place in three countries at once — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Not only that, but this edition will feature a record 48 teams instead of the usual 32. That means more games, more goals, and more chances for smaller nations to surprise the world.
With less than a year to go, fans everywhere are asking the same question: Who’s looking the strongest right now? After the latest round of qualifiers, here’s a look at the top 10 teams most likely to win the World Cup, ranked from 10th to 1st.
10. Norway 🟢
Norway hasn’t played in the World Cup since 1998, but they’re back on the map in style. In their most recent qualifier, they smashed Moldova 11–0. Yes, you read that right — eleven goals! Superstar striker Erling Haaland scored five goals by himself, while captain Martin Ødegaard added one and assisted twice.
Sure, it was “only Moldova,” but here’s the catch: Moldova had just given both Italy and Poland tough games, losing only 2–0. Norway’s win was more than just a blowout — it showed that this team can dominate. If Haaland is in form, defenders around the world should be worried.
⚽ Soccer Fact: Haaland once scored nine goals in one U-20 World Cup match for Norway against Honduras in 2019. That’s still a record!
9. Germany 🔻
Germany is a bit of a puzzle right now. They have so much talent, but their results haven’t been great. They lost 2–0 to Slovakia and barely beat Northern Ireland after a shaky first half.
Germany still has big names like Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Joshua Kimmich, plus their history — they’ve won the World Cup four times. But right now, the form isn’t matching the talent. If coach Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t turn things around soon, Germany could go from powerhouse to disappointment.
⚽ Soccer News: Germany is one of only three countries to win back-to-back World Cups (1954 and 1974), along with Italy and Brazil.
8. Morocco 🆕
The 2022 semi-finalists are back! Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Niger 5–0. That’s not all — they’ve now won 21 of their last 23 matches, an incredible run.
Players like Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) bring star power, but Morocco’s real strength is their teamwork. They shocked the world by beating Spain and Portugal in Qatar, and they’ll believe they can go even further in 2026.
⚽ Combo Note: African teams are on the rise — Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt all have squads packed with European-based stars. Morocco’s success could inspire others.
7. Ecuador 🔺
Talk about defense! Ecuador had one of the best qualifying campaigns of anyone. They played 18 matches and only lost to Argentina and Brazil. Even more impressive? They conceded just five goals and kept 13 clean sheets.
Their final qualifier was a massive statement: a 1–0 win over Argentina. That result proved they’re no longer just a scrappy underdog — they’re a team nobody wants to face.
⚽ Soccer Fact: Ecuador hosted the first-ever World Cup qualifier in history back in 1933 against Chile.
6. Brazil 🔻
Brazil didn’t finish qualifying strongly, losing to Bolivia with a rotated squad. Still, this is Brazil we’re talking about — the only nation to win five World Cups.
Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, they’re still figuring things out. But with stars like Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, Alisson, and Casemiro, the talent is undeniable. The question is whether Ancelotti can blend them into a winning team in time.
⚽ Soccer News: Brazil has scored the most goals in World Cup history — over 230 and counting.
5. England 🔺
England’s qualifying run started slow, but under new coach Thomas Tuchel, they’re starting to click. The 5–0 win over Serbia was a big turning point, especially since they were missing stars like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Young players like Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson stepped up, and England’s defense has been rock-solid with five straight clean sheets. The big question: Can they finally win their second World Cup after lifting their first way back in 1966?
⚽ Combo Note: England’s midfield depth is scary — Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Mount, Palmer. If they click, England could be unstoppable.
4. Portugal ➖
Portugal are flying after winning the Nations League and starting World Cup qualifying with back-to-back wins, including a 3–2 thriller against Hungary.
And yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring. At 41, he netted three goals in two games, proving he’s not done yet. Portugal’s golden generation, with stars like Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, and João Félix, will aim to deliver the country’s first-ever World Cup trophy.
⚽ Soccer Fact: Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in international soccer, with over 125 goals.
3. France ➖
France always seem to be in the mix. They won both their qualifiers, including a tough 2–1 win against Iceland where they played with 10 men for half an hour.
With Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, their squad is stacked. They’ve made the final in four of the last seven World Cups, so it’s safe to say they’ll be one of the favorites again.
⚽ Soccer News: France became the first team in 60 years to reach back-to-back finals (2018 and 2022).
2. Argentina 🔻
The defending champions slip to second after losing to Ecuador and with questions about Lionel Messi’s future. The 38-year-old has hinted he might not play in 2026.
Even without him, Argentina’s squad is elite. Players like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Emiliano Martínez make them tough opponents. And remember — they’ve already proven they can win on the biggest stage.
⚽ Combo Note: Argentina has three World Cup trophies (1978, 1986, 2022). Only Brazil, Germany, and Italy have more.
1. Spain 🔺
Spain takes the top spot after a brilliant start to qualifying. They crushed Turkey 6–0 away and handled Bulgaria 3–0. Young stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri are dazzling, while the team’s midfield depth looks unstoppable.
With momentum from winning Euro 2024, Spain is the hottest team in the world right now. They play fast, smart, and confident soccer, and their mix of youth and experience makes them the early favorites to lift the trophy in North America.
⚽ Soccer Fact: Spain’s only World Cup win came in 2010, but they’ve also won four European titles, making them one of the most successful teams of the modern era.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be unforgettable. With giants like Spain, Argentina, France, and Brazil leading the charge and dangerous dark horses like Norway, Morocco, and Ecuador ready to shock the world, the tournament will be more competitive than ever.
One thing is certain: with 48 teams, more goals, and soccer history waiting to be made, fans in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are in for the ride of a lifetime.