The Athletic’s soccer world rankings place Spain and France at the top of the 48-team 2026 World Cup field. The list was revised from April after managerial changes, key injuries and other factors, with the tournament set to begin on June 11 in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
Spain and France Lead
Spain and France were described as the two sides most people favor to lift the World Cup. Spain won Euro 2024, and the only issue around its group appeared to be Lamine Yamal’s fitness, with the expectation that he would feature during the group stage.
France’s attack gives that ranking its sharpest edge. Kylian Mbappe is one of the headline options, alongside Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki, although at least one of those five will not be in the first-choice team.
Argentina, Brazil and England
Argentina sits in the next tier because the reigning champions from Qatar in 2022 still have Lionel Scaloni in charge and Lionel Messi in the squad. Messi will turn 39 during the tournament, yet Argentina also carries the weight of back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Brazil’s debate centers on Neymar, while Carlo Ancelotti’s selection was described as extremely strong apart from a couple of questions at full-back. England also arrives with a selection call of its own: Thomas Tuchel included Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins, but left out Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
Kane finished the season with successive hat-tricks, and Watkins scored six goals in five games. Germany’s squad announcement added another note to the rankings with the return of Manuel Neuer, one of the changes that helped reshape the April version of the list.
For readers tracking the 2026 field, the practical takeaway is simple: Spain and France are the benchmark, Argentina remains the defending champion, and the rankings will keep shifting as squads firm up before June 11.
