Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWorld Cup 2026 will be the biggest ever, with 48 countries contesting 104 matches across the next 39 days.Several teams will believe they can be the one still standing at the end of the tournament, holding the trophy aloft after the final in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.But with the World Cup finally about to get underway, which of the leading contenders are in the best shape? FourFourTwo ranks the top 10 sides preparing to do battle in North America.10. Belgium (33/1)Belgium's Golden Generation reached their peak with their run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, yet several members of that ageing group feature in this summer's squad.Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all the wrong side of 30 but could each play a big role in North America, alongside a younger batch led by Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere. You may like World Cup 2026 power rankings: Are Lionel Messi and Argentina still the team to beat? World Cup 2026 Golden Boot power rankings: Can Erling Haaland top the scoring charts? FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures & complete schedule They should progress from a group involving Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, but Belgium may have to rely on a kind draw to get much further.9. Norway (25/1)Talking of Golden Generations, Norway's Class of 2026 are ready to shine at their country's first World Cup in 28 years.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is the star attraction, but Stale Solbakken's side includes several other top players including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth and Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson.They are in excellent form, winning all eight games in qualifying and scoring 37 goals, although a group that includes France and Senegal looks tricky.8. Netherlands (20/1)Three times runners-up at the World Cup, the Netherlands will hope 2026 is the year they finally get their hands on football's greatest prize. What to read next World Cup 2026: Every team to have qualified FIFA World Rankings: Latest rankings ahead of World Cup 2026 FREE Printable World Cup 2026 Sweepstake Kit: Download PDF Template, Teams & Rules A top-class defence and midfield gives cause for optimism, with the likes of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Manchester City playmaker Tijjani Reijnders set to feature heavily.Coach Ronald Koeman has fewer quality options in attack, but the Euro 2024 semi-finalists should progress comfortably from a group involving Sweden, Japan and Tunisia.7. Germany (14/1)Germany's reputation as tournament specialists has taken a battering in the past decade, with the four-time World Cup winners suffering group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.A run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home soil suggested the future is bright, though, and they possess several stars including Bayern Munich duo Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, and Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz.Germany are favourites to progress from a group involving Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao, but if they want to make it any further, they must win a first World Cup knockout match since they lifted the trophy in 2014.6. Portugal (10/1)In a squad stacked with talent, Portugal's biggest problem may be their greatest player of all-time.Cristiano Ronaldo is set to feature at a sixth World Cup at the grand old age of 41, but there have long been questions around whether Roberto Martinez's side are better off without him.They are not short of quality players, including a ridiculously talented midfield three of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes, and group matches against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia gives them the chance to build up plenty of momentum.=4. Argentina (8/1)Despite heading into the tournament as reigning champions, Argentina are rated only joint-fourth favourites to lift the trophy.That may be because Lionel Scaloni's side have not evolved too much from the team that triumphed in Qatar four years ago, although they still boast plenty of quality through the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and, of course, Lionel Messi.The little maestro turns 39 this month but you would not bet against him inspiring the Albiceleste to another title, especially considering their inviting group-stage draw of Austria, Algeria and Jordan.=4. Brazil (8/1)There have been fears that Brazil are a fading force on the international stage, having failed to reach a World Cup final since lifting the trophy for the fifth time in 2002.That theory will have been strengthened by the Selecao's fifth-place finish in South American qualifying, but you cannot write off a team coached by serial winner Carlo Ancelotti and featuring players of the quality of Marquinhos, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior.Brazil should have little trouble navigating a group consisting of Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, while they have an excellent record at World Cups in the Americas, going all the way in 1962, 1970 and 1994.3. England (6/1)Having finished runners-up at the past two European Championships, England hired Thomas Tuchel as manager in 2024 to finally end the years of hurt.The German has been in the role for well over a year but won't begin to find out whether he can deliver until the Three Lions face Croatia in their Group L opener on June 17, with games against Ghana and Panama to follow.England's chances of success could well hinge on captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane, who enjoyed a record-breaking season in front of goal for Bayern Munich. If he stars, the Three Lions will surely go far.2. France (9/2)A glance at France's squad shows you why they are many people's favourites to win the World Cup for a third time this summer - even their second XI is arguably stronger than most countries' starting lineups.A front four of Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe - with the likes of Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola on the bench - is simply unfair, while there is quality everywhere you look elsewhere on the pitch.Having won the tournament in 2018 and reached the final four years ago, Didier Deschamps will be desperate to lead Les Bleus to glory in his final tournament before stepping down as manager. A group of Senegal, Iraq and Norway poses some awkward tests, but it would be a huge surprise if France do not get to the latter stages.1. Spain (4/1)Already the reigning European champions after their deserved victory in Germany two years ago, Spain are the bookmakers' favourites to lift the trophy in North America.With players of the quality of Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz it is not hard to see why, although Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams have both suffered injuries leading up to the tournament.Luis de la Fuente's side won all seven games on their way to Euro 2024 glory, and they will expect a similarly perfect start against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.TOPICSSpainFranceGermanyEnglandNetherlandsNorwayBelgiumBrazilArgentinaPortugalJames RobertsFreelance writerJames Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.
