Spain and France Lead World Cup Standing After 48-Team Ranking
The latest world cup standing puts Spain and France at the top of a 48-team ranking ahead of the 2026 tournament. The Athletic ranked every qualified side from best to worst, with the field set to begin on June 11 in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
Spain and France
Spain and France were described as the two teams hardest to separate as favourites to lift the World Cup. Spain won Euro 2024, and its only issue appeared to be the fitness of Lamine Yamal, though he seemed likely to feature during the group stage.
France brought a deep attacking pool into the discussion. Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki all gave it options, but at least one of them would not be in the first-choice team.
Argentina and Brazil
Argentina stayed in the mix because the reigning champions from Qatar in 2022 also won back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Lionel Scaloni kept his job for the 2026 World Cup, and Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the tournament.
Brazil and England sat in a different lane of the ranking. Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil selection was described as extremely strong and included Neymar, while Thomas Tuchel had enough talent to leave Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of England's squad.
Germany and the April shift
The ranking was adjusted from April to account for managerial changes, key injuries and other factors that may have affected teams. Germany also benefited from a relatively friendly group draw, and Manuel Neuer returned to the squad announcement.
That revision matters because it shows how quickly the picture has moved since all qualifiers were set. The 48-team field is locked in, but the order now reflects more than results alone, and the teams at the top carry the clearest early case before June 11.
