The 10 favorites to win the 2026 World Cup [Ranked]

Here are Sports Illustrated’s rankings of the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup.

10. Italy

Italy, four-time world champions, missed the last two World Cups but won the European Championship in between. Their inconsistency makes them a risky bet for 2026.

Now under new leadership with Gennaro Gattuso replacing Luciano Spalletti, Italy has talent but remains unpredictable.
They still need to qualify through the playoffs after finishing behind Norway, but if they make it, they’ll be among the top threats.

9. Uruguay

Uruguay has won the World Cup twice, though not since 1950. Their best recent finish was fourth in 2010.

They’ve already qualified and beat both Argentina and Brazil in the process.
With Marcelo Bielsa at the helm and a strong squad, they could surprise many.

8. Netherlands
The Netherlands has reached three finals but never won. They’ll be hoping to change that in North America.

Despite having top players like Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo, they’ve struggled under Ronald Koeman.

Defensive issues and the lack of a top striker could hold them back, but their Euro 2024 semifinal run shows promise.

7. Germany

Germany hasn’t looked like their old dominant selves lately. They exited early in the last two World Cups and lost in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

Julian Nagelsmann has yet to fully stabilize the team.
They still have world-class talent, but questions remain about their defense and goalkeeping.

6. Brazil

Brazil, with five World Cup titles, is always a favorite. But recent performances have been underwhelming.

They haven’t reached a final since 2002 and were knocked out in the quarterfinals in the last two tournaments.

Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival brings hope, and with attackers like Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, and João Pedro, they remain dangerous.

5. Portugal
Portugal has never won the World Cup but has tasted success in Europe, winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead, but the supporting cast—João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, João Félix—is arguably stronger.

Coach Roberto Martínez might limit their ceiling, and they’ve struggled to get past the quarterfinals in recent World Cups.

4. England

England fans still sing about their 1966 win, but they’re eager for a new triumph.

Under Gareth Southgate, they reached the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024 and made the World Cup semifinals in 2018.
Now with Thomas Tuchel in charge, England has a deep squad and a defense that didn’t concede in eight qualifiers.

3. France
France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022.

Despite not winning the last three major tournaments, they remain a top force.

With stars like Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise and a deep squad, they’re always a threat.

2. Spain

Luis de la Fuente has revitalized Spain, leading them to Nations League and Euro 2024 titles.

They’ve struggled in recent World Cups but now look ready to return to the top.

With a balanced team and exciting young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain is a serious contender.

1. Argentina
Argentina enters as the defending champions after winning in 2022, their first title since 1986.

This could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, and a win would be a perfect send-off.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has built a winning machine, and unless something drastic happens, Argentina will be the team to beat.