Spain, France lead World Cup 2026 Energy Rankings, 100 days out

It is official: Tuesday, March 3 marks 100 days till the 2026 World Cup kicks off in earnest, when Mexico host South Africa in Mexico Metropolis on June 11. However earlier than we get there, now we have just a few large hurdles to clear.

The final week in March will see the ultimate six event spots claimed, with 4 groups from Europe and two extra through an intercontinental playoff. We even have the dramatic, high-pressure closing weeks of the European membership season, during which any accidents to high gamers will undoubtedly influence World Cup possibilities for a variety of countries relying on the severity. After which, weeks earlier than the motion begins, all 48 nationwide workforce coaches will make their closing roster cuts.

So, we’re launching our semiregular energy rankings of how the sphere is shaping up. We polled all our ESPN FC reporters credentialed for this summer time’s festivities, together with reporters from across the globe, on who they assume are the highest 15 strongest nations within the area proper now. Sure, we all know there are a number of large groups nonetheless hoping to qualify — Italy, specifically, obtained a number of conditional votes ought to they survive a playoff bracket with Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Eire — however there’s sufficient data on the market to begin sorting the contenders from the pretenders.

We’ll have one other set of rankings to commemorate the 50-day mark (April 22) when the total area is locked in, and once more within the run-up to the opening ceremony as soon as rosters are finalized and we all know whether or not injured gamers are match sufficient or have to remain house this summer time.

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ESPN FC’S World Cup Energy Rankings, 100 days out

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Breaking down the highest 15

1. SPAIN

Effectively, properly, properly. As near-unanimous No. 1 picks in our inaugural Energy Rankings, scooping up 15 of 21 first-place votes, it seems as if that is already La Roja‘s world and we’re all simply residing in it. Will the World Cup run in a lot the identical manner, although?

They weren’t dynamic in qualifying regardless of topping their group over Bulgaria, Türkiye and Georgia with 5 wins from six matches, however they do have Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Ferran Torres to rely on in assault. Cruising to victory at Euro 2024 with out Rodri, their Ballon d’Or profitable midfielder, confirmed that they will operate with important absentees, although a wobbly protection is a priority. Questions should be answered round which two of Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí begin at heart again, whereas the goalkeeper ought to find yourself being Unai Simón regardless of David Raya‘s distinctive kind at Arsenal.

Did we point out Lamine Yamal, although? The human cheat code for any packed protection, Yamal (22 objectives+assists in 22 LaLiga video games for Barcelona this season) will once more be anticipated to do the unattainable when wanted, however there may be concern concerning the sheer quantity of minutes he is racking up regardless of turning solely 18 this previous July. Additionally, the larger challenge round this workforce is their youth; veteran expertise is commonly key at main tournaments, however the place will that come from? A bunch containing Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay should not trigger an excessive amount of hassle for Luis de la Fuente & Co. upon arrival within the U.S., however more durable challenges would require them to essentially meet the second in a manner we have not seen since they received the Euros.

2. FRANCE

Les Bleus are a powerhouse from high to backside, regardless of the way you assess their squad or expertise pool. Each place is stuffed a number of occasions over with confirmed high quality and bankable star energy, and after cruising by means of qualifying with 5 wins from six and Kylian Mbappé scoring a lot, the longer term seems to be shiny once more.

However how simply can they shrug off the heartbreak of dropping the 2022 closing to Argentina on penalties after a 3-3 extra-time thriller during which Mbappé scored a hat trick and actually ought to have had a winner late on? And is there any nervousness over the confirmed finish of the Didier Deschamps period as supervisor — he introduced in January that he would step down as supervisor after France’s World Cup run? Stress to ship their boss off on a excessive word might put on closely, and a bunch containing Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal plus Norway (hey, Erling Haaland) might make for a difficult farewell get together.

About Mbappé: Questions on his health have been whispered round Actual Madrid for a while, and information Monday that he is getting some therapy for a sprained knee imply he’ll have to work again as much as his greatest. If the likes of Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are at their greatest, Mbappé can calm down somewhat, however questions across the fullback positions (the place many of the choices have had lackluster seasons) do a minimum of invite somewhat concern.

3. ARGENTINA

We’re anticipating this summer time to be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s proverbial final dance (extra on him later), but it surely could be the ultimate curtain for Lionel Messi on the worldwide degree as properly, and it is arduous to know find out how to course of all this occurring at a single World Cup. That stated, there is a vibe that he is enjoying with home cash to some extent having lastly clinched one in 2022, when the Albicelestes beat France in one of the crucial enthralling World Cup finals ever. Profitable the previous two Copa América competitions and being one of many first groups worldwide to clinch their 2026 World Cup spot — in March 2025, to be precise! — reveals that they are the last word event workforce.

Argentina are in transition between the Messi technology and that subsequent wave, however they’re nonetheless a reputable contender to do what no workforce has carried out since Brazil (1958, 1962) and win back-to-back editions. Even with out Ángel Di María, there’s high quality throughout Messi, from Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield to Lautaro Martínez up entrance. Plus, Emi Martínez stays among the best (and most entertaining) goalkeepers round. The wild card can be Julián Álvarez, who has struggled for kind and objectives this season with Atlético Madrid, however a bunch stage containing Algeria, Austria and Jordan must be clean crusing for Lionel Scaloni and his skilled workforce.

4. ENGLAND

Ahh, England. The Three Lions. Is it coming house? And can it ever come house once more? The trick right here — spoiler alert — is because it at all times is with England: attempting to suit the precise combo of superstars collectively and plug the gaps (left again, holding midfield) with the precise personnel to make all of it sing. Harry Kane can be tasked with the objectives, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon the standard from extensive positions and Declan Rice the dynamism from midfield, however chemistry and coherence can be key right here if the people are to shine.

The suitable midfield combo round Rice and the precise heart again pairing from a bunch of choices with clear execs/cons may also be weighing closely on Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts, and he would possibly properly lament the dearth of an “straightforward” opponent within the group stage to make changes on the fly. Croatia, Ghana and Panama will take a look at them to the fullest, that means that March’s tune-ups towards Uruguay and Japan carry somewhat extra significance than followers could be hoping for with simply 100 days till the event’s first recreation.

5. BRAZIL

Are the Seleção again and able to problem? Contemporary off back-to-back quarterfinal exits, Brazil have tons of expertise at their disposal as you’d count on, however this time, they’re rolling into battle with the charismatic superstar-whisperer Carlo Ancelotti as supervisor. If anybody can create a profitable system from the chaotic power of Rodrygo, Raphinha and Vinícius Jr., it will be the person who took house 11 trophies in his second stint as Actual Madrid boss.

Nonetheless, as is at all times the case on the World Cup, their defending will should be as much as par. Right here is the place issues nonetheless appear a piece in progress as Ancelotti tries to construct round Arsenal star Gabriel and Liverpool keeper Alisson within the pursuit of unpolluted sheets and tranquility. Defeats to Bolivia and Japan in latest months — the latter noticed Brazil maintain a 2-0 lead into the second half earlier than conceding 3 times in 19 minutes — have proven that stability stays elusive, with loads driving on Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro to knit issues collectively in midfield.

6. PORTUGAL

Sure, that is the one main trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has but to carry within the air surrounded by jubilant teammates … however will 2026’s World Cup finish any otherwise to the opposite 5 he has performed in? Fourth place in 2006 is his greatest effort but, adopted by exits within the spherical of 16 (twice), group stage and quarterfinals, with loads of Ronaldo tears that adopted.

Nowadays, Ronaldo reliance is waning considerably, however that is extra right down to the amount of thrilling expertise round him than any diminishment in his personal powers. But will coach Roberto Martinez take that decisive step to make CR7 a help participant somewhat than computerized starter? No matter the way it shakes out, Bruno Fernandes can be Portugal’s chief playmaker and antagonist within the attacking third, Rafael Leão affords loads of methods from the wing, and a midfield with Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Rúben Neves will overwhelm most opponents just by exhibiting up. That is earlier than you issue within the intangibles Nuno Mendes brings from the fullback place, in addition to Rúben Dias preserving the protection organized.

A bunch containing Colombia, Uzbekistan and an intercontinental qualifier (New Caledonia, Jamaica or DR Congo) ought to yield little actual problem, however we’ll know extra about their possibilities after they play co-hosts Mexico and the U.S. on the finish of March.

7. GERMANY

At all times spoken of as one of many heavyweights in worldwide soccer, latest years have made Germany a little bit of a historical past lesson in that regard. Regardless of boasting three European Championship crowns (1972, 1980, 1996) and 4 World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), Die Mannschaft have been bounced out on the group stage in every of the previous two World Cups. Profitable 5 of six in qualifying ought to ease instant issues, however there are query marks up and down the beginning XI and little time left to determine issues out.

Expertise has by no means been a problem and nonetheless is not in 2026 — although Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala need assistance round them — and a bunch stage with Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador ought to allow them to succeed in the spherical of 32. It is anybody’s guess as to how they proceed from there.

8. NETHERLANDS

The Oranje left it late to lastly safe their spot at this summer time’s festivities, drawing 1-1 with Poland after which hammering Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam through the closing spherical of qualifiers to make it sure. Their inconsistency makes them a troublesome workforce to foretell in terms of the World Cup, the place they have been drawn towards Japan, Tunisia and a UEFA qualifier (one in every of Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania), however particular person high quality and defensive toughness can take you far.

In relation to these two components, Ronald Koeman‘s aspect have loads of each: Memphis Depay (8 objectives) would be the main objective menace, Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen supply totally different flavors of aptitude on the flanks, and the trio of Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch supply tradition and sophistication in midfield. (Do not overlook Xavi Simons too, a lot as he is struggling to say himself at Tottenham Hotspur proper now). On the again, the peerless Virgil van Dijk is surrounded by loads of dynamism, and groups will discover it arduous to carve by means of the Dutch protection. Upcoming fixtures with Norway and Ecuador ought to give us a clearer sense of the place this workforce stands.

9. MOROCCO

Contemporary off defeat to Senegal within the Africa Cup of Nations closing, the shock 2022 World Cup semifinalists can be all too eager to indicate that they’re no fluke at this degree. Buoyed by an ideal 8-0-0 report in qualifying — making them one of many first international locations to formally punch their ticket to this summer time’s competitors — and with 12 gamers scoring within the course of, they bring about a tenacity that makes them a troublesome opponent each time. Forwards Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi are competent round objective, there is a ton of massive 5 European league expertise all through the midfield, and Achraf Hakimi is well-established as among the best attacking fullbacks within the recreation proper now.

A bunch with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland will supply three distinct challenges for supervisor Walid Regragui, however they’ve sufficient high quality and confidence to make one other deep run.

10. COLOMBIA

After lacking out on the 2022 version, Los Cafeteros are again and maybe higher than ever in 2026, contemporary off a powerful qualification efficiency (third total in CONMEBOL, with seven wins and 7 attracts in 18 video games) and strong defensive effort. Stars akin to Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez (not that one) are contributing objectives, with 11 between them in qualifying, whereas playmaker James Rodríguez is utilizing a spell at Main League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC to get in tip-top form. It is not simply the outcomes they’re getting, however the run of kind: Undefeated since a 2-1 loss in Brazil a yr in the past, they’ve regarded good towards a number of World Cup groups (Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Paraguay) and thumped co-hosts Mexico 4-0 to offer a way of their readiness.

Drawn towards Portugal, debutants Uzbekistan and an intercontinental qualifier (New Caledonia, Jamaica or DR Congo), they need to progress comfortably and trigger hassle for whomever attracts them within the knockout phases.

11. BELGIUM

Belgium have been World Cup mainstays for the previous decade-plus, with their regular presence — together with a run to the quarterfinals in 2014 and a third-place end in 2018 — led by the nation’s “Golden Technology” of expertise. However that expertise is not growing older gracefully, with Axel Witsel (37 years outdated), Kevin De Bruyne (34) and Romelu Lukaku (32) all in decline, to the extent that this workforce appears like a piece in progress.

The inexperienced shoots of rebirth are there by means of the backbone of this workforce: Charles De Ketelaere is their subsequent playmaker-elect within the closing third together with Jérémy Doku, whereas Youri Tielemans provides dynamism in midfield, Arthur Theate is a defensive pressure in his personal proper and Thibaut Courtois stays elite on the goalkeeping place. A bunch draw with Egypt, Iran (for now) and New Zealand, nevertheless, ought to guarantee they ebook one other knockout spherical look the place their particular person expertise might assist overcome any structural flaws.

12. NORWAY

It is so arduous to know what to make of the Landslaget proper now. They’ve a core of unimaginable gamers — led by Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland — and cruised by means of World Cup qualifying, going 8-0-0 with 37 objectives scored (simply 5 conceded) towards Italy, Israel, Estonia and Moldova. And but, that is the primary World Cup for which they’ve certified since 1998, so it is arduous to foretell how qualification kind will translate to the large stage. Upcoming video games towards fellow World Cup contributors Netherlands and Switzerland ought to supply some readability, but it surely’s clear that they’re going to want the objectives of Haaland — who netted a shocking SIXTEEN occasions in qualifying — in the event that they’re to flee a tough group.

13. SENEGAL

Senegal will hit the World Cup as one of many in-form nationwide groups because of their spectacular run within the thirty fifth version of the Africa Cup of Nations firstly of the yr. They rode a formidable collective resolve — and overcame the chaos of the ultimate vs. Morocco — to win the event. Upcoming friendlies towards Peru and Gambia will reveal little as to their World Cup readiness, however a seasoned workforce led by Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ismaïla Sarr is as harmful as any. That stated, being drawn towards France and Norway means they can’t afford to be something lower than perfection.

14. CROATIA

Irrespective of how typically we predict Croatia cannot activate the fashion at this degree, led by seemingly ageless 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric and a powerful veteran presence up and down the squad, they continue to be formidable at this degree it doesn’t matter what. Ending second in 2018 and third in 2022 appears like a tall order to duplicate this summer time, however a good group draw — they are going to face El Tri, South Africa and a UEFA qualifier (one in every of Czechia, Republic of Eire, Denmark or North Macedonia — a minimum of provides them a powerful edge to the spherical of 32. Past that, it is anybody’s guess.

15. JAPAN

Sneaking into the rankings are the Samurai Blue, as they’re colloquially identified. Whereas their regional energy in Asia is essentially undisputed, we are going to get a real measure of their World Cup readiness with friendlies towards fellow qualifiers Scotland and England on the finish of March. That stated, we count on them to compete arduous as they at all times do at this degree, having made it to the spherical of 16 on the previous two editions because of their collective work fee and particular person ability. (Ending first of their group final day out, with wins over Germany and Spain, speaks to their capability.)

That stated, this World Cup might show trickier if captain Wataru Endo is unable to swimsuit up. The Liverpool midfielder underwent ankle surgical procedure and can miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, placing his summer time plans in jeopardy.