Argentina leads the 2026 World Cup rankings, with Brazil in fifth and Europe strong on the podium By Jeronimo Santos
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The world football scenario for the Copa of the Mundo of 2026 is already beginning to be shaped with the publication of the definitive ranking by the British newspaper The Athletic. The list, released on December 4, 2025, positions Argentina as the main favorite among the 64 selections analyzed.
The Argentine team has consolidated its leadership after a series of recent achievements, including the Copa of the 2022 Mundo and the 2021 and 2024 editions of the Copa América, demonstrating consistency at a high level.
Brasil, in turn, appears in fifth place in the ranking, surpassed by three European powers: Espanha, França and Inglaterra, who occupy the subsequent positions on the podium of favorites for the world title.
Analysis of the methodology and the global scenario
The creation of this ranking considered a series of rigorous criteria to assess the probability of each team winning the coveted trophy. Entre the key factors are the recent performance in international competitions, the technical continuity of the committees, the individual and collective quality of the squad, in addition to the history in the knockout stages of major tournaments.
With 42 teams already guaranteed a place and the group draw about to take place in Washington D.C., this ranking appears as a fundamental guide for the expanded Mundial of 2026. The competition will feature a record participation of 48 teams, promising unprecedented dynamics and more matches, distributed across Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
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The 30 best teams according to The Athletic
The complete list, as published by the prestigious British vehicle, reveals the hierarchy of teams with the greatest potential for the Copa of the Mundo of 2026.
1. Argentina
2. Espanha
3. França
4. Inglaterra
5. Brasil
6. Países Baixos
7. Portugal
8. Alemanha
9. Marrocos
10. Colômbia
11. Croácia
12. Uruguai
13. Bélgica
14. Egito
15. Senegal
16. Equador
17. Coreia do Sul
18. Noruega
19. Costa do Marfim
20. Japão
21. México
22. Itália
23. Suíça
24. Gana
24. Estados Unidos
26. Austrália
27. Áustria
28. Argélia
29. Dinamarca
30. Irã
Argentine hegemony at the top
The Albiceleste team, under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, maintains the basis of the squad that became world champions in 2022, ensuring remarkable continuity and cohesion. Lionel Messi, even at 38, remains the central figure, not just as a technical genius but also as the emotional pillar of a winning group.
Copa América’s recent achievement in 2024 has further reinforced Argentina’s position as the dominant force in South American football. Stability in technical command, with Scaloni since 2018 and three consecutive international titles, is seen as a crucial differentiator for maintaining favoritism.
Europe highlighted on the podium
Espanha secures second place, driven by a talented new generation of players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and
França, third placed, counts on Kylian Mbappé as its main star, a striker capable of deciding matches on his own. The solidity of its defense and the experience of its squad are also factors that place it among the great candidates. Inglaterra completes the top 4, featuring a deep squad and an undefeated campaign in the qualifiers, demonstrating consistency and strength.
These three European teams surpass Brasil in the ranking, highlighting the strength of football on the continent. Recent history shows that Europa has been a dominant force in recent editions of Copa and Mundo, with Espanha (2010), Alemanha (2014),
Brazil seeks the hexa with Carlo Ancelotti
Seleção Brasileira, positioned in fifth place, has great hopes of winning the long-awaited six-time world championship. Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as coach from 2025 is seen as a significant milestone, bringing with him Champions League’s vast experience of five titles and a track record of success at major European clubs.
The Brazilian squad has outstanding individual talents, such as Vinícius Júnior, who is among the ten best players projected for the tournament, alongside Rodrygo and Endrick. The possible full recovery of Neymar is also a factor to be considered, adding even more offensive potential to the team. Apesar of undeniable talent, the early eliminations in the 2018 and 2022 editions of Copa of Mundo still weigh on the team’s overall assessment.
African and Asian rise in top 20
Marrocos maintains its impressive ninth position in the rankings, solidifying the legacy of its historic campaign in Copa from Mundo in 2022, when it reached the semi-finals. The African team demonstrated resilience, tactical organization and talent that surprised the football world.
Egito, in 14th position, and Senegal, in 15th, emerge as the main forces on the African continent, featuring competitive squads and players playing in major leagues. Costa of Marfim, in 19th, also stands out, consolidating the growing influence of African football on the global stage. Na Ásia, Coreia of
New format promises more balance and surprises
The Copa of the 2026 Mundo will be the first edition to feature 48 selections, a significant increase compared to previous formats. The new structure provides for 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two in each group and the eight best third-place teams advancing to the round of 32 stage.
This expanded model tends to increase the chances of surprises, providing more opportunities for emerging and less traditional teams to demonstrate their potential on a global stage. The greater number of matches and the extended knockout phase may favor a greater balance in the competition. The grand final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, with MetLife Stadium, at Nova Jersey, being the stage chosen for the decisive clash, scheduled to start at 3pm local time.
