World Cup: Ranking all 64 teams in contention with kickoff 100 days away

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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1. Spain 🇪🇸

FIFA ranking: 1

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.

2. France 🇫🇷

FIFA ranking: 3

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.

3. Argentina 🇦🇷

FIFA ranking: 2

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?

4. England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

FIFA ranking: 4

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.

5. Portugal 🇵🇹

FIFA ranking: 6

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?

6. Brazil 🇧🇷

FIFA ranking: 5

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.

7. Germany 🇩🇪

FIFA ranking: 10

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.

8. Netherlands 🇳🇱

FIFA ranking: 7

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.

9. Norway 🇳🇴

FIFA ranking: 32

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.

10. Croatia 🇭🇷

FIFA ranking: 11

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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11. Colombia 🇨🇴

FIFA ranking: 14

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.

12. Senegal 🇸🇳

FIFA ranking: 12

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.

13. Morocco 🇲🇦

FIFA ranking: 8

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?

14. Belgium 🇧🇪

FIFA ranking: 9

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.

15. United States 🇺🇸

FIFA ranking: 15

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.

16. Uruguay 🇺🇾

FIFA ranking: 17

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.

17. Ecuador 🇪🇨

FIFA ranking: 23

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.

18. Japan 🇯🇵

FIFA ranking: 19

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.

19. South Korea 🇰🇷

FIFA ranking: 22

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.

20. Switzerland 🇨🇭

FIFA ranking: 18

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.

21. Italy* 🇮🇹

FIFA ranking: 13

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.

22. Ivory Coast 🇨🇮

FIFA ranking: 37

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.

23. Austria 🇦🇹

FIFA ranking: 24

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.

24. Canada 🇨🇦

FIFA ranking: 29

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.

25. Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

FIFA ranking: 38

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.

26. Egypt 🇪🇬

FIFA ranking: 31

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.

27. Mexico 🇲🇽

FIFA ranking: 16

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.

28. Ghana 🇬🇭

FIFA ranking: 72

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.

29. Denmark* 🇩🇰

FIFA ranking: 21

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.

30. Algeria 🇩🇿

FIFA ranking: 28

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.

31. Australia 🇦🇺

FIFA ranking: 27

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.

32. Paraguay 🇵🇾

FIFA ranking: 40

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.

33. Iran 🇮🇷

FIFA ranking: 20

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.

34. Turkey* 🇹🇷

FIFA ranking: 25

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.

35. Wales* 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

FIFA ranking: 35

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.

36. Sweden* 🇸🇪

FIFA ranking: 42

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.

37. Ireland* 🇮🇪

FIFA ranking: 59

Could Ireland end its 24-year wait to play at a World Cup? Heimir Hallgrimsson's side must beat Czechia before facing either Denmark or North Macedonia in the final to punch its ticket to North America.

38. Ukraine* 🇺🇦

FIFA ranking: 30

Ukraine hasn't made the World Cup since 2006, when legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko led his nation to the quarterfinals. A tricky playoff path awaits, but qualifying after a two-decade hiatus would be a massive accomplishment.

39. Czechia* 🇨🇿

FIFA ranking: 43

Head coach Miroslav Koubek uses a lot of players from Czechia's top tier, but he'll primarily lean on Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, West Ham United's Tomas Soucek, and Lyon's Pavel Sulc in the upcoming European playoffs.

40. Poland* 🇵🇱

FIFA ranking: 34

Robert Lewandowski is another legendary veteran who could make his final World Cup appearance this summer. The 37-year-old and his compatriots face a difficult playoff route against Albania followed by either Ukraine or Sweden.

41. Tunisia 🇹🇳

FIFA ranking: 47

Youssef Msakni is back at Esperance de Tunis after leaving in 2013 to play abroad. Can the 35-year-old break into a squad featuring Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri, Lorient's Montassar Talbi, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Ellyes Skhiri?

42. Panama 🇵🇦

FIFA ranking: 33

Thomas Christiansen will oversee Panama's second appearance at a World Cup after an unconvincing qualifying campaign. Amir Murillo and Anibal Godoy are among the returning members from Panama's last outing in 2018.

43. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

FIFA ranking: 61

Saudi Arabia will compete at its seventh World Cup. The finest result from its previous appearances was undoubtedly four years ago, when it beat eventual winner Argentina 2-1 in the group stage for one of the biggest upsets ever.

44. DR Congo* 🇨🇩

FIFA ranking: 48

After upsetting Nigeria in African qualifying, DR Congo must now beat either New Caledonia or Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff match to secure a World Cup spot. Yoane Wissa's fitness will be a huge variable to monitor.

45. Romania* 🇷🇴

FIFA ranking: 49

Playoff hopeful Romania hasn't played at a World Cup since making three consecutive appearances in the 1990s. Mircea Lucescu was appointed in 2024, some 38 years after his first Romania tenure ended, to correct that.

46. Slovakia* 🇸🇰

FIFA ranking: 44

Slovakia has played at the last three European Championships, but it hasn't been to a World Cup since its last-16 exit in 2010. Peter Pekarik, 39, might be the only one from that era who could force his way into today's squad.

47. South Africa 🇿🇦

FIFA ranking: 60

Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal in 2010 is one of the World Cup's finest moments in the 21st century. There's a lack of star power in this squad, but it's good to have Bafana Bafana back for the first time since that memorable performance.

48. New Zealand 🇳🇿

FIFA ranking: 85

New Zealand is headed to its first World Cup in 16 years after cramming 29 goals into five qualifiers. In 2010, it was the only team to finish the tournament unbeaten, exiting in the group stage after three consecutive draws.

49. Bosnia and Herzegovina* 🇧🇦

FIFA ranking: 71

Edin Dzeko was 28 years old during Bosnia and Herzegovina's only World Cup appearance in 2014. Incredibly, the striker is still around, captaining his country while playing for second-tier German side Schalke.

50. Qatar 🇶🇦

FIFA ranking: 56

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar showed that the West Asian nation is willing to invest in soccer. Former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has been in charge of the men's team since last May.

51. Albania* 🇦🇱

FIFA ranking: 63

Albania has a tough playoff path featuring Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. But Sylvinho, who's assisted by ex-Manchester City teammate Pablo Zabaleta, has raised belief and become a national hero since taking charge in 2023.

52. Bolivia* 🇧🇴

FIFA ranking: 76

Bolivia has only competed at three World Cups. Its most recent appearance came in 1994, when the U.S. last hosted. The playoffs are the country's best chance in a long time, as it needs to beat Suriname and Iraq to qualify.

53. Jamaica* 🇯🇲

FIFA ranking: 70

Jamaica is under the interim charge of Rudolph Speid, the decorated former coach of Kingston club Cavalier, for the upcoming playoffs. Ex-England boss Steve McClaren resigned in November after a goalless draw with Curacao.

54. Jordan 🇯🇴

FIFA ranking: 64

Jordan will finally take part in a World Cup after four decades of trying. Head coach Jamal Sellami, who played for Morocco at the 1998 World Cup, will try to find a way to get out of a group containing Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.

55. Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

FIFA ranking: 52

Uzbekistan relied on narrow wins to qualify for its first-ever World Cup. Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov is the biggest name in the squad, while Eldor Shomurodov is banging in goals for Istanbul Basaksehir.

56. Cape Verde 🇨🇻

FIFA ranking: 67

Cape Verde, representing an archipelago that's home to roughly 525,000 people, will celebrate its first World Cup appearance with matches against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. That's some introduction to the big stage.

57. Iraq* 🇮🇶

FIFA ranking: 58

Iraq is tantalizingly close to appearing at its second World Cup. Graham Arnold's Lions of Mesopotamia need to to beat either Bolivia or Suriname in an inter-confederation playoff on March 31 to reach the tournament.

58. North Macedonia* 🇲🇰

FIFA ranking: 66

North Macedonia's playoff path - Czechia, Denmark, and Ireland - is tricky, but it's impressed at this stage before. The team navigated playoffs for Euro 2020 and stunned Italy in a playoff semifinal ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

59. Northern Ireland* 🇬🇧

FIFA ranking: 69

Michael O'Neill will take time away from his other job during Northern Ireland's upcoming bid to qualify for the World Cup via the playoffs. He became manager of Blackburn Rovers in mid-February.

60. Kosovo* 🇽🇰

FIFA ranking: 79

Kosovo hasn't played at a major tournament since being granted UEFA and FIFA membership in 2016. The likes of Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani and Juventus' Edon Zhegrova will try to address that in the European playoffs.

61. Curacao 🇨🇼

FIFA ranking: 81

Curacao is the smallest nation by population to reach a World Cup. Since qualifying, the team has undergone significant change: Coach Dick Advocaat resigned in February to care for his daughter, with Fred Rutten taking over.

62. Haiti 🇭🇹

FIFA ranking: 83

Haiti exceeded all expectations by qualifying for its first World Cup in 52 years while playing home matches in Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. Sebastien Migne's side now faces a huge challenge in a group with Brazil and Morocco.

63. Suriname* 🇸🇷

FIFA ranking: 123

Suriname is the birthplace or ancestral home of many Dutch legends, including Clarence Seedorf, Ruud Gullit, Virgil van Dijk, and Edgar Davids. It needs to beat Bolivia and Iraq in the playoffs to reach its first World Cup.

64. New Caledonia* 🇳🇨

FIFA ranking: 150

Jamaica and DR Congo stand in New Caledonia's way in the playoffs, so it's unlikely that Christian Karembeu, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, will be usurped as the French territory's biggest soccer export anytime soon.

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