With the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now officially complete, football enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the kickoff of one of the most thrilling spectacles in sports. The road to glory is now fully charted, with 48 teams—expanded from the traditional 32—set to battle for football supremacy across North America for the first time in history.
Defending champions Argentina will be aiming to make history by becoming the first team in more than six decades to defend their World Cup title. However, the tournament will not be without stiff competition. European powerhouses are ready to challenge, while several dark horses from across the globe will be looking to leave their mark on the world stage.
In this analysis, The Sporting News ranks the 10 national teams most likely to claim the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the strengths, star power, and potential challenges each squad faces in the build-up to mid-June’s tournament start.
World Cup 2026 Winner Odds
Following the December 5, 2025, World Cup draw, several national teams have emerged as favorites to lift the trophy. Spain leads the pack at +450, followed by England at +550, France at +750, and defending champions Argentina and Brazil both at +800. Portugal is next at +1000, while Germany sits at +1200. Other nations such as the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Belgium, Colombia, Uruguay, USA, Mexico, Morocco, Switzerland, and Ecuador round out the list of teams with notable odds to win.
Ranking the Top 10 World Cup Contenders for 2026
10. United States
FIFA Rank: 14th | Regional Rank: 1st (CONCACAF)
World Cup Titles: 0 | Appearances (last): 11 (2022)
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino (ARG) since Sept 2024
Key Players: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Weston McKennie (Juventus)
The United States is not traditionally seen as a World Cup favorite, but as hosts, they carry a significant advantage. “No, the U.S. is not among that very short list,” yet the host boost is undeniable. The USMNT’s talent level is impressive for a host nation, and their relatively favorable Group D draw puts them in a strong position to make a deep tournament run.
9. Norway
FIFA Rank: 29th | Regional Rank: 15th (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 0 | Appearances (last): 3 (1998)
Coach: Stale Solbakken (Norway) since Dec 2020
Key Players: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham)
Norway returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, boasting a talented roster that includes superstar Haaland. While “Norway are not true title contenders,” they possess a depth that makes them a potential quarterfinal team if circumstances align perfectly.
8. Netherlands
FIFA Rank: 7th | Regional Rank: 5th (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 0 | Appearances (last): 11 (2022)
Coach: Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) since Jan 2023
Key Players: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
The Dutch squad remains loaded with talent but comes with caution. Despite the star power, “putting it all together on the field to WIN a World Cup feels ludicrous.” Historical near-misses underscore the challenge for the Netherlands to finally claim the trophy.
7. Portugal
FIFA Rank: 6th | Regional Rank: 4th (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 0 | Appearances (last): 8 (2022)
Coach: Roberto Martinez (Spain) since Jan 2023
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Portugal remains enigmatic. “Yes, they look like title contenders on paper. No, they don't look very good when you watch them on the field.” Their mix of world-class talent and inconsistency makes them a wildcard capable of both shocking victories and early exits.
6. Brazil
FIFA Rank: 5th | Regional Rank: 2nd (CONMEBOL)
World Cup Titles: 5 | Appearances (last): 22 (2022)
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy) since May 2025
Key Players: Neymar (Santos), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Alisson (Liverpool)
Brazil, the most decorated team in World Cup history, faces a critical moment. “Yet the list of things that have to go right for them to lift the trophy is quite long.” If stars like Vinicius Jr. and Estevao hit peak form, and Ancelotti patches up defensive flaws, the Selecao could make a formidable push.
5. Germany
FIFA Rank: 9th | Regional Rank: 7th (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 4 | Appearances (last): 20 (2022)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) since Sept 2023
Key Players: Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
Germany is rebuilding after recent underwhelming World Cups. “It is plausible that Germany could make a run and win the World Cup title in 2026,” but it will require a flawless tournament from a young, untested squad.
4. England
FIFA Rank: 4th | Regional Rank: 3rd (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 1 | Appearances (last): 16 (2022)
Coach: Thomas Tuchel (Germany) since Jan 2025
Key Players: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
England enters as a genuine contender. “The Three Lions not only boast a truly talented squad… but they've proven capable of putting it all together over the last two World Cup cycles.” Their experience and consistent performance make them one of the strongest bets for 2026.
3. France
FIFA Rank: 3rd | Regional Rank: 2nd (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 2 | Appearances (last): 16 (2022)
Coach: Didier Deschamps (France) since July 2012
Key Players: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), William Saliba (Arsenal)
France’s pedigree speaks for itself. “Fans can easily recall not only their triumph in 2018… but also their electric 2022 tournament.” Despite some health concerns, the French squad remains a potent force with the ability to go all the way.
2. Spain
FIFA Rank: 1st | Regional Rank: 1st (UEFA)
World Cup Titles: 1 | Appearances (last): 16 (2022)
Coach: Luis de la Fuente (Spain) since Dec 2022
Key Players: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City)
Spain enters 2026 with high expectations. “Nobody's stock is higher in world football right now than that of 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal.” With a perfect blend of youthful energy and experienced talent, Spain is primed for another deep tournament run.
1. Argentina
FIFA Rank: 2nd | Regional Rank: 1st (CONMEBOL)
World Cup Titles: 3 | Appearances (last): 18 (2022)
Coach: Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) since 2018
Key Players: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
“Until their position atop the football universe is dethroned, there is no team in this World Cup field more likely to lift the trophy than Argentina.” With Messi still capable of world-class performances and Scaloni’s tactical expertise, La Albiceleste are the team to beat.