The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to be exciting, and a new power ranking from football media outlet Goal places Argentina at the top while Brazil finds itself unexpectedly at the bottom of the top ten.
Argentina Leads the Pack
As the first major team to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup, Argentina continues to ride high after their dominant performances, including a memorable triumph in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Argentina has been playing incredible football, both tactically and in terms of performance, for more than a year now.
With two Copa América titles to their name during this period, their form shows no signs of slowing down, justifying their top position in the rankings.
The 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to feature Argentina as one of the clear favorites.
The team’s young and dynamic squad has consistently delivered, proving their might on the global stage.
European Powerhouses Close Behind
Spain, another team with strong performances, ranks second in Goal’s power rankings.
Known for their tactical brilliance in both defense and midfield, Spain’s impressive performance on the pitch has cemented their status as one of Europe’s top teams.
Winning the Euros only bolstered their position, and they are expected to be one of the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup.
Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, have started to regain their footing after a few difficult years.
Their recent performances in the European Championship signal that they are ready to rise again.
Young talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz have injected new energy into the team, helping Germany secure the third spot in the rankings.
Right behind Germany, France takes the fourth spot.
Having reached the final in the last two World Cups, France’s squad remains one of the strongest in the world, with big-name stars and consistent performances on the international stage.
Ignoring France as a contender would be a mistake.
Italy, Portugal, and England Feature Prominently
Despite not qualifying for the last two World Cups, Italy’s resurgence sees them ranked seventh, just behind Portugal in sixth and England in fifth.
England continues to show consistency in international tournaments, and Portugal’s success is driven by their strong lineup.
Italy’s return to form comes after significant rebuilding, and they are expected to be a dangerous team heading into the tournament.
The Netherlands and Japan round out the eighth and ninth positions, respectively, proving their mettle with solid recent performances.
Brazil’s Surprising Decline
One of the most surprising shifts in the rankings is Brazil’s fall to tenth place. Despite being a footballing powerhouse with five World Cup trophies to their name, their recent form has been inconsistent.
The drop in ranking reflects this, though the presence of world-class talent on their squad means Brazil cannot be written off entirely.
Some may argue that Brazil remains in the top ten primarily because of their history, and they will need to significantly improve if they are to make an impact in 2026.
Nonetheless, Brazil’s rich legacy in the sport ensures that they stay relevant, even when they aren`t at their best.
Belgium, which was previously among the top contenders, has fallen to the 11th position.
Meanwhile, host nations Mexico and the United States are also featured in the rankings, as they prepare for the tournament on their home turf.
This power ranking provides an interesting glimpse into how the teams are shaping up for the next World Cup, with traditional giants like Argentina and Spain leading the way, while others, like Brazil, are struggling to regain their dominant form.
As the countdown to the 2026 tournament continues, these rankings will likely shift with time, but for now, Argentina reigns supreme.
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