World Cup 2026 Power Rankings: Argentina Hold Top Spot as Tournament Begins

The World Cup is upon us. Interest will surely surge once the opening whistle blows and teams reveal their true colours. For now, all that remains is to assess where each nation stands heading into what promises to be an unprecedented tournament.

These rankings are neither gospel nor immutable. They're simply a framework for thinking about how the competition might unfold. Take them with the requisite pinch of salt.

Before diving in, it's worth recalling what makes this World Cup unique. The group-stage draw took place in December, and the final 26-man squads are now confirmed. This is a tournament unlike any before it.

The Minnows and Newcomers

Iran occupy the basement slot, though their ranking owes more to geopolitical uncertainty than footballing ability. A side that navigated Asia's rigorous qualifying process has been placed last purely because one cannot entirely discount the possibility of unforeseen complications derailing their participation.

New Zealand arrive as among the format's biggest beneficiaries, claiming Oceania's automatic spot rather than facing a playoff against Uruguay. Haiti return after 56 years away, desperate to avoid repeating their 1-9 record from their previous appearance. Curacao become the smallest nation by population and area ever to reach the finals.

Iraq, DR Congo, Panama, Cape Verde and Jordan all represent remarkable qualification stories. Cape Verde's triumph over Cameroon proved particularly stunning, while DR Congo's penalty shootout victory against Nigeria earned them just a second World Cup appearance.

Saudi Arabia scraped through on home advantage, while Qatar, despite hosting the previous tournament and winning the 2023 Asian Cup, took the long route via the fourth qualifying stage. Uzbekistan become the first double-landlocked nation to qualify.

The Established Underdogs

Tunisia continue their World Cup tradition, though breaking the group stage remains elusive. South Africa's return after 2010 is significant, though they qualified despite forfeiting a 2-0 victory due to fielding an ineligible player. Ivory Coast secured their fourth appearance by edging out Gabon.

Ghana possess genuine European club pedigree and eye another knockout run. Senegal reached Qatar's last 16 before bowing to England. Algeria have made just two World Cup appearances since the 1980s, despite feeling omnipresent at the finals.

Czech Republic, as UEFA playoff winners, benefited from pot-four placement luck. Canada seek their first point ever, having lost all six previous group-stage matches. Austria finally return after 1998, while Scotland make their first appearance since that same year.

Paraguay haven't featured since 2010, while Sweden somehow qualified despite finishing bottom of their group with two draws and four defeats, salvaged only by Nations League playoff success.

The Established Powers

Australia secure their sixth consecutive appearance and shouldn't fear their group. Egypt, seven-time African champions, have appeared just three times at the World Cup. The USA expect knockout football, though current form raises questions.

Colombia missed Qatar but arrive with tournament know-how from recent Copa America performances. Bosnia upset Italy to reach the finals. Croatia, twice finalists, worry about an ageing squad. Uruguay navigate CONMEBOL's gauntlet and seek redemption after 2022's disappointment.

South Korea maintain their unbroken streak since 1982. Turkey benefited from fortunate playoff circumstances. Ecuador have reached five World Cups in seven attempts. Switzerland follow their predictable pattern: qualify, escape the group, exit in the last 16.

Mexico host the tournament and begin proceedings on June 11 against South Africa—a neat echo of 2010. Japan haven't missed a World Cup since 1998 and remain tournament regulars. Norway finally return after 1998, having won all eight qualifiers.

The Contenders

Belgium's golden generation fades but they remain formidable. Morocco wrote history by reaching the last four previously and should perform well again. Germany face questions after unconvincing recent form, though they remain dangerous.

Netherlands narrowly fell to Argentina in Qatar's quarters and possess Premier League quality throughout. Brazil, despite inconsistent recent form and Carlo Ancelotti's appointment, remain Brazil.

The Favourites

England arrive under Thomas Tuchel having won all eight qualifiers without conceding. Recent friendlies proved unconvincing, but Tuchel's club-football mindset likely explains this. They respect their group but should progress.

Portugal prepare for Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell—again—and boast the tournament's finest midfield. They stumbled through qualification but possess knockout pedigree and a manageable draw.

France are two-time runners-up and Euro semi-finalists. Senegal's presence in their group resurrects 2002 ghosts, and Norway lurked as the pot-three team everyone feared.

Spain won the Euros in thrilling fashion, possess a young squad destined to improve, and face a straightforward group. They're bookmakers' favourites.

The Champions

Argentina hold both World Cup and Copa America trophies and dominated South American qualifying. Squad age concerns exist, but tournament conditions may suit South Americans over Europeans. Their group presents no serious obstacles, and they wouldn't face another group winner until the quarter-finals. Nothing complicated about it: they're the team to beat.