
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, with 48 national teams taking part. The big question remains: which of them are most likely to win the trophy?
After each international break, a ranking of the 10 most likely teams to triumph in the United States, Canada and Mexico is made, based on team form and quality.
Here's the current situation, now that the qualifiers have ended and there are only two months left until the start of the World Cup.
10. Senegal (new entry)
11 days after being stripped of the title by CAF, Senegal have paraded the AFCON trophy at the Stade de France. ????
— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) March 28, 2026
Something tells us that neither they nor Morocco are going to back down quietly... ???? pic.twitter.com/wcCva6ZSnK
Senegal has had a busy period: they participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reached the final, won the tournament and then had the title stripped from them.
However, their performance in Morocco was very good and they would have won the final if not for some questionable refereeing decisions. After that, they recorded victories over Peru and Gambia.
The team led by Sadio Mane enters the top 10 instead of Norway and Morocco.
9. Japan (+1)
Japan move up one place after two 1-0 wins in March friendlies against Scotland and England. They have won five in a row, including the one against Brazil, and have won even without key player Takefusa Kubo.
With quality in all departments, Japan is seen as a dangerous opponent for big European and South American teams.

8. Germany
After a weak period at the end of 2024, Germany has returned to form with seven consecutive victories.
Victories over Switzerland (4-3) and Ghana (2-1) confirm progress.
With players like Florian Uirc, Lenart Karl and Deniz Undav in form, Julian Nagelsmann's team is improving significantly.
The goals and assists are Flo-ing! ????
— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) March 28, 2026
No German player has more international G/A for Die Mannschaft since Wirtz's debut. ???? pic.twitter.com/eGQAQzAeye
7. Netherlands
The Netherlands convincingly defeated Norway even without Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay.
Strong finish by Tijjani Reijnders! ????
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 29, 2026
???? Denzel Dumfries & Cody Gakpo. #NothingLikeOranje #NEDNOR pic.twitter.com/cFMsE7G5c7
The 1-1 draw with Ecuador was less convincing, especially since they played with one less player.
However, with quality in defense and midfield and only one loss in their last 14 games, they remain competitive.
6. Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti's team is still under construction. The 2-1 defeat to France showed shortcomings, despite the numerical superiority.
The 3-1 win over Croatia was a step forward, with Endrik and Igor Tiago in good form.
Brazil remains a contender thanks to its high individual quality.
IGOOOOOOOOOOOOR THIAAAAAAAAAGOOOOOOOOO SO SACUDIR A REDEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! ?????????????????????
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) April 1, 2026
COM EMOÇÃO, COM VONTADE! É GOL DO BRAZIL! ???????? pic.twitter.com/X9Ta632bH0
5. England
England disappointed in their opening matches of 2026, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan.
Coach Thomas Tuchel experimented with the formation, and improvement is expected in the most important matches.
Currently, they don't seem at the level of the main favorites.
The boss reflects on March camp ???? pic.twitter.com/6YLcb7Qvj7
— England (@England) April 1, 2026
4. Portugal
Portugal drew with Mexico and beat the USA 2-0 in March friendlies.
The team has great potential and a quality composition, although it has not yet fully displayed its maximum.
On their best day, they can defeat almost any opponent.
Vitinha ✨ ⭢ Bruno Fernandes ???? ⭢ Trincão ???? = ??????????????? ⚽ #VaiDarPortugal | #USAPOR pic.twitter.com/3nyHm2ItZO
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) April 1, 2026
3. France (+1)
France started the year in a very positive way, beating Brazil even with one player less and winning against Colombia.
The midfield remains a point of contention, but the attack is very strong, with Mbappe, Dembele and others in form.
Defenders HATE say. ???? Are France the team to beat in North America this summer? ???????? pic.twitter.com/S4HeQSyd8L
— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) March 30, 2026
2. Argentina
Argentina won 2-1 against Mauritania and then 5-0 against Zambia. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez shone, while Niko Paz confirmed his potential.
The reigning champions look ready to defend their title.

1. Spain
Spain didn't start the year perfectly, with a draw against Egypt, but had previously dominated Serbia.
With the full squad, the European champions remain the strongest team currently.
Don't let them tell you about it… ???????????? ????????????????????? ???????????? ????????
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 29, 2026
???? This is the Spain vs Serbia story from Vila-real, through our eyes. #VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/AT2VeQsw1F
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