Final Power Ranking For All 48 Teams at the 2026 World Cup

The wait is almost over.

On June 11, co-hosts Mexico will officially kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City.

The other nations welcoming the world's finest footballers, Canada and the United States, will have to wait a little longer to get things started against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay, respectively.

It heralds the start of over a month of quality football that will culminate at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. But which of the 48 participating countries look the most likely to get there?

In our final World Cup power ranking before the action commences, we've updated the list to account for recent friendly matches, squad selections, and any developments that have altered each squad's possibilities.

Think you can do better? Drop your rankings in the comments. 

48-40

Ricardo MAKYN / AFP

48. Haiti

FIFA Rank: 83

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 48

World Cup Group: C

Haiti is still rooted to the bottom of the World Cup power rankings. While the tiny Caribbean island nation will have the backing of anyone who loves a good underdog story, Les Granadiers' tournament will likely start bad and continue to get worse.

Scotland is up first, with the Tartan Army sure to be ruthless in pursuit of crucial points. Up next is Brazil, one of the most notorious footballing nations in history, and then comes Morocco, arguably the standard-bearers of the African game.

In all, it spells a brutal 10-day stretch that could see goalkeeper Johny Placide picking the ball out of the net with regularity.

47. Iraq

FIFA Rank: 56

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 46

World Cup Group: I

Iraq's preparations for the tournament have taken an alarming turn that is out of the nation's control.

Striker Aymen Hussein, a player crucial in Iraq's qualification for the competition, was held up at Chicago O'Hare airport for seven hours by border enforcement upon arrival in the United States, according to the Guardian.

Hussein has 32 goals in 90 caps for his country, and while he was eventually allowed to enter, the experience was likely destabilizing for him and his teammates before the biggest games of their careers.

Still, there has been some positive news. In a friendly against European champions Spain as a tune-up for the tournament, Iraq came away with a more-than-respectable 1-1 draw.

While La Furia Roja rested key players and basically swapped out the starting XI at halftime, there's still a measure of confidence Iraq can take from keeping one of the favorites for the tournament at bay.

Having said that, their Group I gauntlet features France, Senegal and Norway, and it's difficult to see the Lions of Mesopotamia taking anything from those fixtures.

46. Curaçao 

FIFA Rank: 82

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 47

World Cup Group: E

Despite stepping down as Curaçao manager in February to focus on his daughter's health, Dick Advocaat is back in charge, with the Dutchman resuming the role after compatriot Fred Rutten kept his seat warm.

That's a huge boost for the smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament, with the experienced Advocaat so crucial to making the dreams of a nation come true with a first-ever World Cup berth.

It's been a mixed bag in pre-tournament friendlies, with a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Scotland followed a couple of days later by a 4-0 thrashing of Aruba. There is an obvious gulf in quality between those nations—147 FIFA ranking spots—and Curaçao will be up against teams in Group E with an average rank of 22, so that's perhaps a clue about what they can expend when the tournament gets underway.

However, Advocaat's return is a massive psychological boost, and it also provides a power-ranking jump.

45. Qatar 

FIFA Rank: 57

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 42

World Cup Group: B

Qatar's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been heavily disrupted by the United States' and Israel's war on Iran, with the country having to suspend its March fixture against Argentina and seeing its domestic league and club competitions disrupted, too.

Meanwhile, Qatar also canceled a May friendly against Sudan, and a meeting with the Republic of Ireland was disrupted twice by fan protests. With all that, the nation hasn't won a game since October 2025.

That's not exactly ideal to get ready for encounters with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jan Kruger - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Qatar lost all three games when they hosted the tournament in 2022 and scored just once. All things considered, they might be lucky to even get that one goal in 2026.

44. Jordan 

FIFA Rank: 63

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 40

World Cup Group: J

Jordan has also seen some fixture disruption because of geopolitical issues, but of the four games Al Nashama have played in 2026, they've drawn two and lost two.

The latter two, against Switzerland and Colombia, produced a combined scoreline of 6-1, with those teams ranked 19th and 13th, respectively, by FIFA. That's a tough assignment for the 63rd-ranked team in the world, but that's the level they will be facing in Group J action.

With little to cheer heading into the tournament, they now will have to figure out how to get something from Austria, Algeria and Argentina.

43. South Africa 

FIFA Rank: 60 

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 44

World Cup Group: C

Until a June 6 meeting with Jamaica, South Africa hadn't won any matches in 2026. Four games in that time might not be the broadest set of fixtures, but it was still an alarming run heading into the tournament.

That 1-0 win against Jamaica will at least boost spirits, but it doesn't change the fact that Group C is going to be tough to get much from.

Mexico, Korea Republic and Czechia are waiting, and all will be counting on respective meetings with Bafana Bafana for three points to aid possible qualification to the knockouts.

42. Saudi Arabia 

FIFA Rank: 61

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 41

World Cup Group: H

After going winless to start 2026, losing three consecutive games to Egypt, Serbia and Ecuador, Saudi Arabia finally grabbed a win against Puerto Rico in June.

Manager Hervé Renard will try to build on that as quickly as possible, and luckily, he has shown he can do the business at the tournament before.

The Frenchman orchestrated one of the biggest World Cup shocks in history when he guided the Green Falcons to a group stage win against eventual tournament winners Argentina in 2022.

To achieve something similar this time around, he'll be looking to topple Spain, one of the tournament's front-runners. If he can do that, and grab a vital point or three against Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia would surely reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 1994.

41. Congo DR

FIFA Rank: 45

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 45

World Cup Group: K

After a last-minute win against Jamaica in their tournament-berth-clinching qualifier, Congo DR earned a 0-0 draw with Denmark, ranked 21st in the world by FIFA.

It's not wise to glean too much from friendly results, especially with Denmark's players heading for a summer on the beach rather than at the World Cup. However, Congo DR will certainly focus on the positives, facing up against players like Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, and Andreas Christensen and coming away unscathed.

More committed sides await, with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan lining up in Group K. But against Uzbekistan, at least a point, if not more, is possible.

40. New Zealand 

FIFA Rank: 85

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 34

World Cup Group: G

Heading into the third World Cup in New Zealand's history, perhaps it will be a case of third time lucky as the All Whites' bid for a first win at the tournament.

Boosting those hopes is Chris Wood, who has worked hard to recover from a knee injury that kept him out of the majority of Nottingham Forest's 2025-26 season.

He helped the club avoid relegation and even put them 90 minutes away from a Europa League final, only for Aston Villa to burst his bubble in the second leg.

However, while he appeared in both pre-World Cup friendlies, he didn't make an impact in either. In fact, even though he missed four games with injury, he has scored just once at international level since March 2025.

More troublingly, New Zealand has won just once since June 2025. None of this bodes well.

39-30

Michael Campanella/Getty Images

39. Cabo Verde 

FIFA Rank: 67

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 43

World Cup Group: H

In back-to-back friendlies against European opposition, Cabo Verde claimed a 0-0 draw with Finland and an impressive 3-0 win against Serbia.

While they began 2026 with a 4-2 defeat to Chile, the African island nation lost just once in 2025—on penalties, in a friendly. For those counting, that's one defeat over 90 minutes in about a year and a half.

A nation known for its stout back line will be a source of frustration for Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H, and at this point, they could even snag a win against the latter.

38. Ghana 

FIFA Rank: 73

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 37

World Cup Group: L

To be fair to Ghana, there has been no shrinking in preparation for the big stage.

Warm-up matches have come against Germany, Mexico, Austria and Wales, and while no wins and just one draw came from those matches, it's still a good idea to be tested against quality opposition.

However, just three goals scored and 10 conceded in those games doesn't look promising heading into North America.

While the heyday of Ghana's international team looks a long way in the past, Antoine Semenyo offers true star quality and could make his presence felt. However, he alone won't be able to compete with England, Croatia and Panama.

37. Australia

FIFA Rank: 27

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 36

World Cup Group: D

After a remarkable trip to the round of 16 in Qatar, Australia will be looking to at least match that achievement.

While two wins from four friendlies leading into North America might seem reasonable, the victories came against Cameroon and Curaçao, ranked 44th and 82nd by FIFA, respectively, while they lost to 14th-ranked Mexico and drew with Switzerland, which sits 19th.

That failure to take a win against more notable national teams will be a concern, especially when they are the second-lowest-ranked team in Group D. The Socceroos might be lucky to even be in with a chance of the knockouts by the final pool game.

36. Sweden

FIFA Rank: 38

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 35

World Cup Group: F

Sweden's unique path to the World Cup will live long in the memory, relying on a Nations League Group C1 final win to give them one last chance at qualification, which they sealed in dramatic fashion.

Things have looked more positive under manager Graham Potter, who has evenly split six games with two wins, two draws and two losses. He still has credit for that qualifying miracle, but there's been little to get enthused by since.

In a really tough Group F that could be settled by the finest of margins, Sweden's luck has arguably run out, and they'll be looking up at the three-way battle for the knockouts.

35. Uzbekistan 

FIFA Rank: 50

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 39

World Cup Group: K

As the first representatives of Central Asia in the World Cup, Uzbekistan will be keen to pick up a statement win.

Even if not the most high-profile nation in the tournament, the White Wolves are fairly consistent.

They've lost just three times since the start of 2025, to Canada, Uruguay and the Netherlands.

In a group also containing Colombia and Portugal, Uzbekistan will be looking at the matchup with Congo DR to get a famous three points, but getting beyond the group might be just out of reach.

34. Algeria 

FIFA Rank: 28

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 38

World Cup Group: J

Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists Algeria do not have the "dark horse" label like previous squads from the nation, but the Desert Foxes will be encouraged by one standout result from their World Cup warmups.

Against a strong Netherlands side, albeit one that made wholesale changes at halftime, Algeria came away with a 1-0 win. A victory against a squad of such caliber and reputation, even in a friendly, is a great sign of things to come.

The Group J matchup against Argentina is basically a free hit, but games against Jordan and Austria bring real possibilities of three points. Maybe Riyad Mahrez will roll back the years and deliver a timely reminder of his quality.

33. Bosnia and Herzegovina

FIFA Rank: 64

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 31

World Cup Group: B

Italians will likely never forgive Bosnia and Herzegovina for keeping the Azzurri from a third World Cup in succession.

They will be even more mad if they don't make the most of the opportunity.

As it stands, though, Bosnia has not won a match within 90 minutes since November 2025, dragging out four consecutive stalemates. There's certainly a lot to be said for consistency and defensive solidity, but the Dragons will need to show a little more to make their efforts to get to this stage worthwhile.

Relying on a 40-year-old striker in Edin Dzeko doesn't inspire a lot of confidence that they can do that, despite his impressive international record.

32. Tunisia  

FIFA Rank: 46

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 30

World Cup Group: F

Tunisia flew through its World Cup qualifying campaign, going undefeated in Group H with nine wins in 10 games.

But the wheels have come off a bit since, stumbling through the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations and getting dumped out in the first knockout round at the hands of Mali. The Eagles of Carthage have also lost all but one of their last four friendlies, with the only win coming against Haiti.

A November draw with Brazil is looking like a distant memory now, and some vast improvements need to be made quickly to even have a chance of escaping Group F.

31. Paraguay 

FIFA Rank: 40

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 32

World Cup Group: D

Paraguay took up the last available World Cup spot from CONMEBOL qualifying, and they've looked solid if not spectacular heading into the competition.

La Albirroja have split their last six evenly with three wins and three losses, including a 2-1 victory over Mexico late last year.

On their day, this squad can beat the best in the business, as demonstrated by toppling Brazil and Argentina on the way to a World Cup berth. While Paraguay isn't successful every game, it has at least proved it can be competitive, and that counts for a lot in tournament football.

In a forgiving Group D featuring USA, Australia and Turkiye, top spot isn't at all out of the question.

30. IR Iran 

FIFA Rank: 20

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 29

World Cup Group: G

No other team's World Cup preparations have been thrown into as much disarray as Iran's.

Amid the United States' and Israel's war on the nation, Iran's training camp has been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government has been reluctant to grant visas to players and staff, according to the Guardian, which is a problem when group games are set to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The players, through no fault of their own, have been put in a difficult spot, and that could affect the team's performance at the tournament.

The squad has made efforts to stay sharp, though, with four wins in the last six friendly games. However, the baggage surrounding their participation in the 2026 competition could hinder a team tipped for a first knockout-round appearance in the country's history.

29-20

ANP via Getty Images

Enner Valencia

29. Panama 

FIFA Rank: 34

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 28

World Cup Group: L

With England, Croatia and Ghana alongside Panama in Group L, the latter would have hoped for a better recent run of form.

Just two wins from the last six, against the 143rd-ranked Dominican Republic and the 60th-ranked South Africa (Los Canaleros also drew with Bafana Bafana in that stretch), is not an encouraging record in preparation for facing some of the tournament's big-name teams.

A 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Brazil in late May, meanwhile, demonstrates that a well-organized defense is not necessarily impenetrable.

How Panama will wish it were back in a cushy CONCACAF qualifying group now.

28. Scotland 

FIFA Rank: 42

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 33

World Cup Group: C

You could almost scoop up and bottle the enthusiasm that's radiating from Scotland at the moment.

After sealing a spot in the tournament in memorable fashion, the Scots have won both warm-up fixtures by a combined score of 8-1.

While wins against 77th-ranked Bolivia and 82nd-ranked Curaçao would perhaps be expected, the manner of those victories was still impressive, giving them a great platform to build on.

That also provides confidence that a big three points can be sealed against 83rd-ranked Haiti when they kick off Group C action, and just a point against Brazil or Morocco might be enough to reach the knockouts.

27. Egypt 

FIFA Rank: 29

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 27

World Cup Group: G

As Mohamed Salah's previous blistering form continues to desert him, Egypt is perhaps less positive about its World Cup prospects.

But, thankfully for the Pharaohs, a group that contains an Iran side in disarray and a struggling New Zealand squad still provides a chance of progression to the knockouts, and Salah might even recapture some of his best now that he needs to convince a club to offer him a big contract.

It's never wise to rule out the Egyptian King on the biggest stages, though, and they don't come much bigger than the World Cup.

26. Czechia

FIFA Rank: 39

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 26

World Cup Group: A

Czechia has won six of its last six games. While that sounds impressive, the stat loses its shine when you take a closer look.

Two were penalty-shootout victories in World Cup qualifying playoffs, and the rest were against teams with an average FIFA ranking of 147. Even one was against the bottom-ranked side, San Marino, and Czechia only scraped by with a 1-0 win.

So, looks can be deceiving. Czechia will struggle against higher-caliber teams, but with the path to the knockouts more forgiving in the 2026 tournament, it might still see a viable route.

25. Canada

FIFA Rank: 30

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 24

World Cup Group: B

Canada has tasted defeat just twice since July 2025, which is near-perfect preparation for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

While no recent games have been against truly head-turning opposition, with 46th-ranked Tunisia the best of the last six opponents, it's still a solid record that puts them in good stead for the festivities.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP

Qualifying in second in Group B, behind Switzerland, still looks entirely realistic, with Bosnia not offering much and Qatar suffering under the weight of geopolitical tensions.

A disappointing season from Jonathan David isn't ideal, though, with the 26-year-old managing just one Serie A goal for Juventus from February 2 until the end of the season. Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies' fitness remains in question, which will leave the Maple Leafs without true top-level talent.

24. USA 

FIFA Rank: 17

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 20

World Cup Group: D

The United States hasn't done much to convince as the nation prepares to open its doors.

A run of four wins in five to close out 2025 has been almost forgotten after three losses in the last four. The Stars and Stripes were flattened by Belgium, couldn't stop Portugal, and were second-best against Germany. A decent win against Senegal interrupted those losses.

Mauricio Pochettino certainly hasn't performed the miracles that were hoped for when he signed on the dotted line, but given the talent at his disposal, that's perhaps not entirely surprising.

Making the U.S. competitive will at least ensure embarrassment on home turf doesn't await, and there is still every chance of winning a favorable Group D. It just won't get much better than that.

23. Ecuador 

FIFA Rank: 23

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 21

World Cup Group: E

Ecuador's love of a good draw results in a slide down the rankings.

In El Tri's last 13 games, they had nine stalemates and four wins. That does make them undefeated since September 2024, though.

A brick wall of a defense is great, but it becomes a bit of a drag when you can't capitalize on that fortitude.

Of course, that resilience helped them to second in CONCACAF qualifying, and points don't matter in friendlies, so it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. But getting into a winning habit is no bad thing with a major tournament in sight.

With only eight of the best third-place teams going through to the knockouts based on points and then goal difference, draws won't be so helpful to Ecuador.

22. Austria 

FIFA Rank: 24

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 24

World Cup Group: J

It's nine wins from 11 games since April for Austria, and Ralf Rangnick has the team under complete control.

Relying on the strength of the collective, the 67-year-old has made his sides really difficult to break down, with just nine goals conceded since the start of 2025.

That defensive mettle will be tested against Argentina, but against Algeria and Jordan, it will be plenty to keep Alexander Schlager's net safe while they go grab a goal or two.

A knockout-round appearance is within grasp, something not achieved since 1978.

21. Korea Republic 

FIFA Rank: 25

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 22

World Cup Group: A

Korea Republic hasn't been so convincing in recent matches. While it secured wins over low-ranking national teams like Trinidad and El Salvador, it has also been thrashed by Ivory Coast and narrowly beaten by Austria.

In games where Taegeuk Warriors have been truly tested, they've often come up second best.

In a weak Group A, they should still progress to the next round. The toughest team on their docket is Mexico, whom they held to a 2-2 draw in September 2025. A similar result, a win against South Africa, and at least a point against Czechia will be all that's needed.

LAFC's Heung-min Son isn't getting any younger, and this will be his last chance to make a mark on the world stage with his nation. He is still coming up clutch for Korea, with five goals and an assist in his last 10 games.

20. Uruguay 

FIFA Rank: 16

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 18

World Cup Group: H

In an unusual strategy, Uruguay has not played any friendlies since March, which might not be the best preparation for the tournament.

While that does provide more time on the training ground for Marcelo Bielsa to explain his intricate tactics, it means the players won't be going in with a lot of match fitness.

The lack of pitch time might not be so concerning if recent form wasn't so poor, but La Celeste have not won in their last four.

As with most Uruguay teams, though, trying to understand what's going on is probably a waste of time. Reports of volatile attitudes in the national team camp during qualifying seem more accurate after Real Madrid fined midfielder Federico Valverde for getting into a fight with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.

When Group H action gets started, everything might fall into place. Or it could be a trainwreck. Honestly, who knows?

19-11

Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

19. Côte d'Ivoire

FIFA Rank: 33

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 23

World Cup Group: E

Ivory Coast's form heading into the World Cup has been sensational. The Elephants have won three out of their last three against fellow tournament participants, Korea Republic, Scotland, and France.

Look back a little further, and they've lost just two of their last 15 matches, winning 11 of them.

They have a young squad packed with talent, and winger Yan Diomande will be looking to demonstrate exactly why some of the biggest clubs in the world are vying to grab him from RB Leipzig.

Group E is a tricky one, but fearlessness could be the key to a knockout berth, and Ivory Coast has that trait coursing through the squad.

18. Turkiye

FIFA Rank: 22

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 19

World Cup Group: D

Seven wins in the last eight games for Turkiye, including a draw against Spain, is a great record heading into the tournament.

Confidence will already be high after successfully navigating the World Cup qualification playoffs (a knockout competition all of its own), and with young players like Real Madrid's Arda Güler and Juventus' Kenan Yıldız having excellent seasons at club level, Turkiye might have sights on topping a forgiving Group D.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu will be leading the side in his first and likely only World Cup appearance, and his set-pieces will be even more dialed in than usual to make magic for his nation.

17. Switzerland

FIFA Rank: 19

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 14

World Cup Group: B

After a breezy World Cup qualifying slate, Switzerland has taken the collective foot off the gas pedal.

The last seven games have yielded just two wins, both coming against teams they would be expected to beat. A loss to Germany and a draw with Norway during that time might have been influenced by keeping players out of trouble with the tournament on the horizon, but it doesn't breed confidence that they can succeed when the opponents get tougher.

After landing in Group B, they don't even have to be all that good to get to the knockouts. Canada, Bosnia and Qatar have an average FIFA ranking of 50th, so just like qualification, they can probably progress without a lot of effort.

However, complacency before big knockout-round tests could be a recipe for disaster, and perhaps the Swiss just aren't prepared for what's on the way.

16. Japan 

FIFA Rank: 18

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 17

World Cup Group: F

Japan is no stranger to a "dark horse" label at a World Cup tournament, and the Samurai Blue are quietly stacking up results that could lead to yet another such designation.

It's now six wins in six for Japan, coming with just two goals conceded. Among those wins are a 3-2 triumph against Brazil and a 1-0 victory against England.

A solid defensive platform, impressive game management, an obvious capability to win against overmatched teams, and the mental strength to not get complacent against lower-ranked sides are all fantastic attributes to have in tournament football.

Knockout qualification should be a formality, but they could even top Group F ahead of the Netherlands given the professionalism they have demonstrated heading into North America.

15. Norway 

FIFA Rank: 31

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 17

World Cup Group: I

In friendly matches heading into the tournament, Norway has chosen to test the squad rather than find minnows for Erling Haaland to swell his goal tally against.

Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

That has resulted in one win, two draws, and a loss in four games. The defeat to the Netherlands was not a whitewash, and the draws were against well-matched Switzerland and Morocco teams. A 3-1 win against Sweden without Haaland in the squad also shows they can pick up results without their key marksman.

Really, Norway's preparations have made a lot of sense. A fit Haaland, a team with greater collective understanding, and no recent dispiriting results will make Group I easier to navigate.

14. Senegal 

FIFA Rank: 15

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 15

World Cup Group: I

Whether you believe Senegal should have been awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title or not, the Lions of Teranga still won in the final against Morocco on the pitch.

Accounting for that victory, Senegal has lost just once since November 16, in a June friendly against the United States.

After the AFCON debacle, Senegal will be desperate to get through the World Cup with little drama, letting the football do the talking. With Norway and France joining them in what is arguably the tournament's group of death, there can be little in the way of distraction if they want to get through unscathed.

With a squad loaded with attacking talent—including Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye—there should be some high-scoring games against those two other teams, which also boast fearsome forwards.

13. Colombia 

FIFA Rank: 13

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 10

World Cup Group: K

Colombia takes a skid in the power rankings following a couple of disappointing results and a relative drought for its star player.

Los Cafeteros are still beating the teams that they should, but back-to-back defeats against Croatia and France perhaps provide a better account of where they stand at the moment.

Then there is Luis Diaz. While Colombia will be grateful that he wasn't risked too much on the pitch after Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title, it does mean his last league goal of the season came in mid-March.

After such a blistering start to the 2025-26, it is a notable, albeit understandable, drop-off. Getting back on the scoring trail might not be a problem for the 29-year-old, but it might have disrupted his rhythm slightly.

For a national team well known for its lack of consistency, these issues will be a problem for both the collective and the individual.

12. Belgium 

FIFA Rank: 9

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 12

World Cup Group: G

Belgium has been undefeated since March 21, 2025, and Rudi Garcia deserves a great deal of credit for improving the Red Devils' fortunes.

The team's last defeat came in his first game in charge, but since then, it's nine wins from 13, with 45 goals scored and just 10 conceded.

This should be the final time we see some members of Belgium's previous Golden Generation line up on the World Cup stage, including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier and Romelu Lukaku.

They have the opportunity to go out with a bang, though, with Group G a fairly straightforward proposition. With a deep run, there's every chance a new generation of outstanding Belgian football is crowned under the guidance of Garcia.

11. Brazil 

FIFA Rank: 6

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 11

World Cup Group: C

Things might be starting to click between Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazil national team.

It's now three wins in three as the Seleçao Canarinho appear to be getting their groove back, with 11 goals scored and four conceded. That sounds more like the Brazil we all know and love, rather than a team that struggled for results and identity.

With spirits high, Ancelotti can set a marker in Group C to put knockout opponents on edge.

While the presence of Neymar in the 2026 World Cup squad is a bit of a head-scratcher, it's likely Don Carlo has his reasons, and who are we to question one of the finest managerial minds the game has ever seen?

10-6

Eduardo Valdez/Jam Media/Getty Images

10. Croatia

FIFA Rank: 11

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 9

World Cup Group: L

Croatia has nine wins in its last 12 games. That sounds like a fantastic record, but looking at the opponents during that run makes those results a little less impressive.

Yes, a 2-1 win against Colombia was undoubtedly excellent, but the next-best team was Czechia (ranked 39th by FIFA), while the worst was Gibraltar (ranked 202nd by FIFA).

Meanwhile, they were comfortably beaten by Brazil and Belgium in the space of two months, which suggests where they stand against more evenly matched teams.

Taken at face value, the Vatreni look in decent form going into Group L. But it becomes a little more concerning when you drill down into the specifics. With that comes a slight fall in the power ranking.

9. Mexico

FIFA Rank: 14

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 13

World Cup Group: A

Mexico will open the World Cup on June 11, and preparations for the tournament have been near perfect—the best among their co-hosts, at least.

El Tri are undefeated in eight, taking six comfortable wins against solid teams while picking up just two draws against well-matched foes, Portugal and Belgium.

With the home fans' expectation levels already sky high, that form could be a double-edged sword, perhaps increasing anxiety among the crowd if a game isn't going in the right direction. But it's certainly better than beginning the action in a rut, and Mexico will already be in the party spirit before even a minute is played.

8. Netherlands 

FIFA Rank: 8

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 6

World Cup Group: F

The Netherlands has been hit with a couple of significant setbacks in recent months.

First, Xavi Simons ruptured the ACL in his right knee in April, ruling him out of the tournament and for a long time after.

Then, the Oranje fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat to Algeria at the start of June. While it was only a friendly, and the team went through wholesale changes at the half, it wasn't an ideal result with the tournament on the doorstep.

Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

That's given them a somewhat harsh drop in the power rankings, although they will be keen to treat the result as just a blip in the warm-up for the real action—a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan was not comprehensive, but it did at least improve the mood.

Not all hope is lost, of course, but in a difficult Group F in which every point will be crucial, a bump to confidence isn't ideal.

7. Morocco

FIFA Rank: 7

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 8

World Cup Group: C

The (albeit disputed) Africa Cup of Nations holders are the best team among the continent's representatives at the competition.

Among a clutch of impressive results, Morocco managed to keep Norway's Erling Haaland quiet for 72 minutes in a June friendly, which will undoubtedly lift spirits for what the unit can achieve in North America. With a formidable Brazil attack waiting in Group C, that defensive test was certainly welcome.

Captain Achraf Hakimi has also added to his impressive trophy haul, grabbing his second Champions League title in two years. That winning mentality will hopefully spread among his teammates, who will want to take advantage of a winnable pool to get a more favorable knockout-round opponent.

The Atlas Lions finished fourth in Qatar, and a podium finish might even be possible this time around.

6. Portugal 

FIFA Rank: 5

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 7

World Cup Group: K

Portugal's squad is perhaps the best going to the tournament. While other teams might have better players, there are few that could field two different XIs and not see a massive drop in quality.

That's perhaps why the Seleçao are held to such a high standard, and why unconvincing results lead to a level of disappointment.

Portugal should have beaten Mexico instead of picking up a 0-0 draw, while it should have scored more than twice each against the USA and Chile. With the standard of players in the squad, it's all just a bit underwhelming.

A lot of that will be down to the manager. While Roberto Martinez does have an international pedigree, he's never really made the most of the talent available to him. That will worry Portugal, especially one particular player who will have only one more chance to pick up a trophy that doesn't already sit in his cabinet.

5. England

Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

FIFA Rank: 4

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 4

World Cup Group: L

Truth be told, this England team should be more exciting than it is.

Harry Kane is a phenomenal striker and is at peak form following another Bundesliga Golden Boot and a league title.

Then players like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, all have the ability to provide highlight-reel moments.

But put them all together under Thomas Tuchel (or not in the case of Bellingham), and things start to look a bit uninspired. It's a problem that has haunted England teams in the past, but it's particularly notable this time around with the German set to manage in his first international tournament.

Scraping a 1-0 win against New Zealand is fine in the context of a warm-up game, but a defeat to Japan and a draw to Uruguay point to bigger issues within the Three Lions' setup. Is Tuchel's style conducive to successful international play?

Group L could cause plenty of headaches, and while getting through might be near-guaranteed, it will come with a few bruises to both pride and body. England needs to start being more convincing, or else it will be yet another instance of wasted potential.

4. Germany

Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images

FIFA Rank: 10

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 5

World Cup Group: E

It's now nine wins on the bounce for Germany, and that poor start under Julian Nagelsmann now looks like ancient history.

With a strong squad increasingly built on youth, and a couple of veterans thrown in for dressing-room presence and tournament know-how, the nation is poised to cause real trouble at the tournament.

The group stages should allow the team time to settle without a heavy lift, and they can build on that as the fixtures step up in intensity.

Nagelsmann is getting the best out of Florian Wirtz despite his difficult season at Liverpool, and he has plenty of options all over the pitch, meaning he can change accordingly to meet the moment without sacrificing top talent for significantly lesser quality.

3. Argentina

Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

FIFA Rank: 1

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 3

World Cup Group: J

FIFA, in its infinite wisdom, has Argentina at the top of its rankings, but it's not entirely obvious why.

Six wins on the trot sounds like a good place to start, but then look at those opponents: Honduras, Zambia, Mauritania, Angola, Puerto Rico, Venezuela. It's not exactly a who's who of elite international teams.

But wins are wins, and FIFA bumped them up two places from its previous list.

In terms of World Cup prospects, though, that doesn't elevate La Albiceleste's potential much. The possibility of success is clear, certainly, looking at the squad alone. But there's not much to go on in terms of relevant recent form.

Confidence building is one thing, but in a squad that boasts Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, is confidence really necessary?

Still, Group J looks like a formality, then we'll really see what Argentina is made of when the stakes increase.

2. Spain

Ozan KOSE / AFP

FIFA Rank: 2

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 1

World Cup Group: H

Spain, the long-time holders in B/R's World Cup power rankings, has slipped off its perch.

Three draws in the last four games isn't exactly the form of potential champions, especially when those stalemates came against Iraq, Egypt and Turkiye.

For perhaps the 1,000th time in this piece, I'll say that friendlies aren't a great indicator of true current form, especially when managing minutes to keep players fit for a tournament. But those results are still underwhelming, and this is the information we have to go on for now.

Group H should be tackled with little fuss, and maybe then we'll start to see the possibilities of what the European champions can really do. As it stands, though, enthusiasm for a famous Spanish dynasty is dimming.

That can change quickly, though, as soon as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo get the chance to rekindle their deadly forward triumvirate.

1. France

Franco Arland/Getty Images

FIFA Rank: 3

Previous Power Ranking Spot: 2

World Cup Group: I

France has lost its No. 1 spot in the FIFA World Rankings, but it's at the top of the B/R power ranking.

A loss to Cote d'Ivoire for sure sows some doubt, but prior results in March's international break saw France pick up wins against Colombia and Brazil.

On top of that, this team is stacked with players coming off trophy-winning seasons with their clubs. Arsenal's William Saliba is a Premier League title winner, and Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano grabbed a Bundesliga trophy with Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Désiré Doué picked up their second consecutive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Oh, and they have Kylian Mbappé, too.

In terms of recent national team results and the taste for winning that's now cultivated among the squad, Les Bleus have arrived in North America as the side to beat.