Media reports nominated 15 teams to compete for the 2026 World Cup title, where the group stage draw is held today, Friday, in the American capital Washington.
The British newspaper The Athletic rated the top candidates to win the 2026 World Cup title, selecting 15 countries as the most prepared and capable of competing in the upcoming edition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a record participation of teams.
Argentina topped the list thanks to maintaining its dominance over the past years, supported by a balanced generation with experience in major tournaments. Spain came in second thanks to its renewed project that has produced competitive talents, while the French team ranked third due to its technical depth and abundance of stars in various lines. England claimed the fourth spot after establishing itself as a consistent force in major tournaments, while Brazil came fifth despite recent fluctuating results, but it remains always a key candidate due to its history and the quality of its players.
The Netherlands appeared in sixth place as one of the most evolved teams in recent years, followed by the Portuguese team in seventh place thanks to the generation that continues to perform competitively.
Germany, ranked eighth, enters the World Cup with the ambition of returning to the top after a period of decline.
Morocco came in ninth as the highest African and Arab team in the ranking, benefiting from its strong path since the 2022 World Cup and its technical stability.
The rankings from tenth to fifteenth saw the presence of teams that have proven their continental strength, such as Colombia, Croatia, Uruguay, Belgium, alongside Egypt and Senegal as the most prominent representatives of the African continent in the competition.
The newspaper indicated that these selections reflect a clear balance between different schools in global football, along with an appreciation for teams that combine talent, continuity, and the ability to go far in the tournament.
