The 2026 FIFA World Cup is exactly 100 days away.
To mark the occasion, we're ranking every team that has a chance to hoist the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Forty-two nations have booked their tournament berths, while 22 are still in contention to qualify via the playoffs, which take place later in March. Sixty-four sides in all, ranked in rapid-fire fashion. Teams that haven't yet qualified are denoted with an asterisk.
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The reigning European champion remains the most settled and cohesive team in the world. With Lamine Yamal becoming a more consistent scoring threat and Spain benefiting from a favorable draw, the stars may be aligning.
France arguably has the most stacked squad in the game. Led by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, the 2022 World Cup finalist must navigate one of the toughest groups at this summer's event to make another deep run.
Argentina's on a run of three straight major tournament triumphs, with its Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 bookending, of course, the 2022 World Cup. Can Lionel Messi, who turns 39 this summer, go out on top?
England supporters are understandably scarred from years of disappointment and recent near misses at major tournaments, but Thomas Tuchel's team is objectively one of the best in the world and a genuine Tier 1 contender.
This will be Cristiano Ronaldo's last shot at World Cup glory, and Portugal has the star power to do something special. Roberto Martinez's side should cruise through the group stage, but how will it fare when the stakes are higher?
There's a huge battle to be Brazil's No. 9: Matheus Cunha and Endrick appear to be the front-runners, but don't rule out Richarlison, Igor Thiago, or Joao Pedro. Neymar, who wore the iconic No. 10 for years, is also fighting to return.
After underachieving in 2018 and 2022, Germany will want to make amends this year. The 2014 World Cup champion should progress from the group stage, but a potential matchup with France in the quarterfinals is daunting.
Ronald Koeman's side is dangerous but also a bit of an enigma. The Netherlands has quality all over the pitch yet often stumbles when it matters most. The Oranje have reached three World Cup finals, losing each time.
There's a lot of excitement about this Norway squad, which is captained by Martin Odegaard and scores goals for fun. Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Jens Petter Hauge have shined in this season's Champions League.
After reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022, Croatia is looking to repeat its recent success on the biggest stage. Luka Modric will be playing in his last World Cup. This could be the end of a golden era for this aging core.
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Colombia has improved significantly after failing to qualify for the tournament in 2022. Luis Diaz has been in scintillating form since joining Bayern Munich, and Los Cafeteros' hopes could rest on his shoulders in North America.
The reigning African champion cruised through qualification, going undefeated and conceding only three goals in 10 games. Senegal now faces a remarkably tough test as it attempts to advance from a group with France and Norway.
Morocco stunned the world by reaching the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup. But after losing to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, can Brahim Diaz and Co. bounce back on the biggest stage?
After bowing out in the group stage in 2022, Belgium will be looking to take a stride forward in North America. Rudi Garcia's side needs Napoli teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku fit and in form to make a deep run.
Mauricio Pochettino has turned things around for the U.S. after a rough start to his tenure. The Americans benefited from arguably the kindest draw of any team in the tournament, giving them a great chance to succeed on home soil.
Uruguay, despite its recent struggles, has evolved under Marcelo Bielsa. Once known for its defensive grit, the team now focuses on high pressing and fast transitions. Real Madrid's Fede Valverde is the perfect player for this system.
This could be Ecuador's golden generation. Sebastian Beccacece's side, which has many stars who played in Independiente del Valle's youth academy, will frustrate World Cup rivals with a defense-first approach in North America.
Japan has never reached the quarterfinals of a World Cup, but Hajime Moriyasu's men could shock some big teams this year. Liverpool's Wataru Endo captains a technical side that only conceded 3 goals in qualification.
The Taeguk Warriors are flying somewhat under the radar. They'll still rely heavily on star forward and captain Son Heung-min, but manager Hong Myung-bo has rejuvenated the squad since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann.
Switzerland can surprise the big boys. In their recent major tournament appearances, the Swiss have eliminated France and Italy, forced Argentina into extra time, drawn with Brazil, and lost to Spain and England on penalties.
Our first team that's yet to secure its place in North America. This is far from a vintage Italian side, but if the Azzurri can navigate the playoffs and return to the World Cup - by no means a guarantee - there's still a quality squad here.
Despite producing plenty of stars, the Ivorians have never advanced beyond the group stage at the World Cup. The expanded format and the team's exciting players, such as Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo, could change that.
A popular dark-horse pick for Euro 2024, Austria returns to the World Cup following a 28-year wait. Ralf Rangnick's up-tempo system meshes well with his squad, which also boasts veterans like David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic.
Co-host Canada fully expects to win its first World Cup match this summer. Injuries, including to Alphonso Davies, are a concern, but Jesse Marsch is working with the best talent pool that the country has ever produced.
Scotland may find it hard to advance from a group featuring Brazil and Morocco. After seeing their team qualify for its first World Cup in 28 years, the Tartan Army will hope Scott McTominay and Co. are ready for the big stage.
Egypt has never won a World Cup game, but Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush can pose problems for any team in the competition. Salah, 33, will be eager to impress in what could be his last World Cup.
The draw was kind to Javier Aguirre. El Tri open the tournament with a winnable match against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where they will lean heavily on the raucous home fans and teen phenom Gilberto Mora.
In October, Otto Addo became the first coach to successfully navigate back-to-back World Cup qualification campaigns with Ghana - a welcome relief after its inexcusable failure to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Denmark is probably still kicking itself after capitulating against Scotland and missing out on an automatic qualification spot. But the Danes, who are solid overall, should be the favorites to advance from their playoff quartet.
There's quality in Vladimir Petkovic's squad. Mohamed Amoura was the top scorer in African qualification with 10 goals, Riyad Mahrez is still dangerous at 35 years old, and Rayan Ait-Nouri is in fine form for Manchester City.
Australia's side may lack bona fide superstars, but Tony Popovic has some intriguing emerging talent to work with. Mohamed Toure, Nestory Irankunda, and Alessandro Circati - all 22 or younger - could turn heads this summer.
Gustavo Alfaro helped turn around the ailing Paraguay program to guide the men's team to its first World Cup since 2010. Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron and Brighton & Hove Albion's Diego Gomez are its most recognizable players.
Iran's World Cup participation is in doubt amid the country's escalating conflict with tournament co-host the United States. One of Asia's best teams, Iran is currently scheduled to play all three of its group games in the U.S.
Turkey, a perennial dark horse that's often failed to live up to that billing, will look to rising stars Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler, along with midfield stalwart Hakan Calhanoglu, to qualify via the playoffs and change that narrative.
Wales can call upon many in-form players, including Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson and Leeds United pair Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow, so be wary of overlooking Craig Bellamy's side during March's World Cup playoffs.
With just one appearance over the past four editions, Sweden isn't exactly a World Cup regular. Nevertheless, it would be embarrassing if the squad fell in the playoffs despite boasting Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak in attack.
