It’s confirmed: Tuesday, March 3 signifies 100 days until the 2026 World Cup officially begins, with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City on June 11. However, before reaching that point, there are several significant challenges to navigate.
The final week of March will witness the last six tournament spots being filled, comprising four teams from Europe and two more through an intercontinental playoff. Additionally, the intense concluding weeks of the European club season will unfold, where injuries to key players could significantly affect World Cup prospects for numerous nations, depending on their severity. Furthermore, weeks prior to the tournament, all 48 national team coaches will finalize their roster selections.
In light of this, we are initiating our semi-regular power rankings to assess how the competition is developing. We surveyed all our ESPN FC reporters accredited for this summer’s events, along with journalists from around the world, regarding their opinions on the top 15 strongest nations currently in the field. We acknowledge that several prominent teams are still vying for qualification — Italy, in particular, received multiple conditional votes contingent on their success in a playoff bracket against Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland — but there is sufficient information available to begin distinguishing between the contenders and the pretenders.
We will release another set of rankings to mark the 50-day milestone (April 22) when the complete field is confirmed, and again leading up to the opening ceremony once rosters are finalized and we ascertain whether injured players are fit to participate or will have to remain at home this summer.
ESPN FC’S World Cup Power Rankings, 100 days out
Analyzing the top 15
1. SPAIN
Well, well, well. As nearly unanimous No. 1 selections in our initial Power Rankings, securing 15 of 21 first-place votes, it seems that this is already La Roja’s domain and we are merely spectators. Will their World Cup journey unfold similarly?
They were not particularly dynamic during qualifying, despite finishing atop their group over Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Georgia with five victories from six matches, but they can rely on Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Ferran Torres in attack. Their successful run at Euro 2024 without Rodri, their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, demonstrated their ability to perform in the absence of key players, although a shaky defense raises concerns. Decisions must be made regarding which two of Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, and Pau Cubarsí will start at center back, while Unai Simón is likely to be the goalkeeper despite David Raya’s outstanding form at Arsenal.
Have we mentioned Lamine Yamal? The exceptional talent capable of breaking through any packed defense, Yamal (22 goals+assists in 22 LaLiga matches for Barcelona this season) will again be expected to deliver when necessary, but there are worries about the high number of minutes he is accumulating at just 18 years old. Additionally, the larger concern surrounding this team is their youth; experience is often crucial in major tournaments, but where will it come from? A group featuring Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay should not pose too much difficulty for Luis de la Fuente & Co. upon their arrival in the U.S., but tougher challenges will require them to rise to the occasion in a manner not seen since their Euro victory.
2. FRANCE
Les Bleus are a formidable force from top to bottom, regardless of how one evaluates their squad or talent pool. Each position is filled multiple times with proven quality and reliable star power, and after a smooth qualifying campaign with five wins from six matches and Kylian Mbappé scoring frequently, the outlook appears promising once more.
However, how easily can they move past the disappointment of losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 extra-time match in which Mbappé netted a hat trick and arguably should have scored a late winner? Is there any concern regarding the confirmed conclusion of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as manager — he announced in January that he would step down after France’s World Cup campaign? The pressure to send their coach off on a high note could weigh heavily, and a group featuring Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal and Norway (featuring Erling Haaland) could complicate their farewell party.
Regarding Mbappé: There have been whispers about his fitness around Real Madrid for some time, and news on Monday that he is receiving treatment for a sprained knee indicates he will need to regain his best form. If players like Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé perform at their peak, Mbappé may have some breathing room, but concerns regarding the fullback positions (where most options have had underwhelming seasons) do raise some apprehension.
3. ARGENTINA
This summer may be the proverbial last dance for Cristiano Ronaldo (more on him later), but it could also signify the end of Lionel Messi’s international career, and it’s challenging to process all of this occurring at a single World Cup. Nevertheless, there is a sense that he is playing with a degree of freedom after finally securing a title in 2022, when the Albicelestes triumphed over France in one of the most captivating World Cup finals in history. Winning the last two Copa América tournaments and being among the first teams globally to secure their 2026 World Cup spot — in March 2025, to be precise! — illustrates that they are the ultimate tournament team.
Argentina is in a transitional phase between the Messi era and the next generation, yet they remain a legitimate contender to achieve what no team has accomplished since Brazil (1958, 1962) by winning consecutive editions. Even in the absence of Ángel Di María, there is quality surrounding Messi, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield and Lautaro Martínez leading the attack. Additionally, Emi Martínez continues to be one of the top (and most entertaining) goalkeepers in the game. The wild card will be Julián Álvarez, who has struggled with form and goals this season at Atlético Madrid, but a group stage featuring Algeria, Austria, and Jordan should provide a smooth path for Lionel Scaloni and his seasoned squad.
4. ENGLAND
Ahh, England. The Three Lions. Is it coming home? And will it ever return home again? The challenge here — spoiler alert — remains consistent with England: finding the right combination of superstars and filling the gaps (left back, holding midfield) with suitable personnel to create a cohesive unit. Harry Kane will be responsible for scoring goals, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon will provide quality from the wings, and Declan Rice will bring energy from midfield, but chemistry and coherence will be crucial for individual brilliance to shine.
The appropriate midfield combination around Rice and the right center back pairing from a variety of options with distinct advantages and disadvantages will weigh heavily on Thomas Tuchel’s mind, and he may regret the absence of an “easy” opponent in the group stage to facilitate adjustments. Croatia, Ghana, and Panama will challenge them thoroughly, meaning that March’s warm-up matches against Uruguay and Japan carry greater significance than fans might anticipate with only 100 days until the tournament’s opening match.
5. BRAZIL
Are the Seleção back and prepared to compete? Following consecutive quarterfinal exits, Brazil possesses an abundance of talent as expected, but this time, they are entering the fray under the guidance of the charismatic Carlo Ancelotti as manager. If anyone can devise a winning strategy from the dynamic talents of Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinícius Jr., it would be the individual who secured 11 trophies during his second term at Real Madrid.
However, as is often the case at the World Cup, their defensive capabilities must be up to standard. This aspect still appears to be a work in progress as Ancelotti attempts to build around Arsenal’s Gabriel and Liverpool’s Alisson in pursuit of clean sheets and stability. Recent losses to Bolivia and Japan — the latter saw Brazil squander a 2-0 lead in the second half, conceding three goals in 19 minutes — have highlighted that achieving balance remains a challenge, with significant reliance on Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro to connect the midfield.
6. PORTUGAL
Indeed, this is the only major trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to lift in celebration with his teammates … but will the 2026 World Cup conclude any differently than the other five he has participated in? Fourth place in 2006 remains his best achievement, followed by exits in the round of 16 (twice), group stage, and quarterfinals, accompanied by many tears from Ronaldo.
Currently, reliance on Ronaldo is diminishing somewhat, but this is more due to the influx of exciting talent surrounding him than any decline in his own abilities. Yet, will coach Roberto Martinez make the decisive choice to transition CR7 into a support role rather than an automatic starter? Regardless of how this unfolds, Bruno Fernandes will serve as Portugal’s primary playmaker and key figure in the attacking third, Rafael Leão brings creativity from the wing, and a midfield featuring Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and Rúben Neves will likely overwhelm most opponents simply by their presence. This is before considering the intangibles Nuno Mendes contributes from the fullback position, along with Rúben Dias ensuring defensive organization.
A group consisting of Colombia, Uzbekistan, and an intercontinental qualifier (New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo) should present minimal real challenges, but we will gain further insight into their prospects after they face co-hosts Mexico and the U.S. at the end of March.
7. GERMANY
Often regarded as one of the giants in international soccer, recent years have turned Germany into a bit of a cautionary tale in that respect. Despite having three European Championship titles (1972, 1980, 1996) and four World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) to their name, Die Mannschaft was eliminated at the group stage in the last two World Cups. Winning five of six in qualifying should alleviate immediate concerns, but there are uncertainties throughout the starting XI and limited time to resolve them.
Talent has never been a concern and remains abundant in 2026 — although Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala require support — and a group stage featuring Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador should allow them to advance to the round of 32. How they progress from that point is uncertain.
8. NETHERLANDS
The Oranje secured their place at this summer’s tournament just in time, drawing 1-1 with Poland and then defeating Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam during the final round of qualifiers to ensure their participation. Their inconsistency makes them a challenging team to predict for the World Cup, where they will face Japan, Tunisia, and a UEFA qualifier (one of Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania), but their individual quality and defensive resilience can carry them far.
In terms of these two attributes, Ronald Koeman’s squad possesses plenty: Memphis Depay (8 goals) will be the main goal threat, Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen provide different styles of flair on the wings, and the trio of Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, and Ryan Gravenberch bring culture and class to midfield. (Don’t overlook Xavi Simons, even if he is currently struggling to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur). Defensively, the incomparable Virgil van Dijk is supported by a wealth of dynamism, making it difficult for teams to penetrate the Dutch backline. Upcoming matches against Norway and Ecuador should provide a clearer understanding of this team’s standing.
9. MOROCCO
Following their defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final, the unexpected 2022 World Cup semifinalists will be eager to prove that their success at this level is no fluke. With a perfect 8-0-0 record in qualifying — making them one of the first nations to officially secure their spot for this summer’s tournament — and 12 players contributing to the scoring, they bring a tenacity that makes them a formidable opponent. Forwards Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi are reliable in front of goal, there is a wealth of experience from the top five European leagues throughout the midfield, and Achraf Hakimi is recognized as one of the best attacking fullbacks currently in the game.
A group featuring Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland will present three distinct challenges for manager Walid Regragui, but they possess enough quality and confidence to make another deep run.
10. COLOMBIA
After missing the 2022 tournament, Los Cafeteros are back and potentially stronger than ever in 2026, coming off a solid qualification performance (third overall in CONMEBOL, with seven wins and seven draws in 18 matches) and a strong defensive display. Stars like Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez (not that one) have contributed goals, with 11 between them during qualifying, while playmaker James Rodríguez is using his time at Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC to get into peak condition. Their success is not just about results; they have been undefeated since a 2-1 loss in Brazil a year ago, showing strong performances against several World Cup teams (Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Paraguay) and defeating co-hosts Mexico 4-0, indicating their readiness.
Drawn against Portugal, debutants Uzbekistan, and an intercontinental qualifier (New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo), they should advance comfortably and pose a threat to any team they encounter in the knockout stages.
play2:05Are Belgium past their prime for the World Cup?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens analyze ESPN FC’s World Cup Power Rankings and discuss which teams they believe do not belong in the top 15.
11. BELGIUM
Belgium has been a consistent presence in the World Cup for over a decade, with their steady performance — including a quarterfinal run in 2014 and a third-place finish in 2018 — led by the nation’s “Golden Generation” of talent. However, that talent is not aging well, with Axel Witsel (37 years old), Kevin De Bruyne (34), and Romelu Lukaku (32) all in decline, making this team feel like a work in progress.
Signs of rejuvenation are emerging through the core of this team: Charles De Ketelaere is poised to be their next playmaker in the final third alongside Jérémy Doku, while Youri Tielemans adds energy in midfield, Arthur Theate is a defensive asset, and Thibaut Courtois remains elite in goal. A group draw with Egypt, Iran (for now), and New Zealand should ensure they reach another knockout round, where their individual talent could help overcome any structural weaknesses.
12. NORWAY
It is challenging to gauge the current state of the Landslaget. They possess a core of exceptional players — led by Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland — and breezed through World Cup qualifying, finishing 8-0-0 with 37 goals scored (only five conceded) against Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. Yet, this marks their first World Cup qualification since 1998, making it difficult to predict how their qualifying form will translate to the grand stage. Upcoming matches against fellow World Cup participants Netherlands and Switzerland should provide some clarity, but it is evident that they will rely on Haaland’s scoring prowess — who netted an impressive SIXTEEN
