With just under a year until the World Cup takes place next summer across North America, we’re diving into our early Power Rankings. Naturally, being so early means these rankings are laden with assumptions, but we’ve done our best to provide a fair assessment.

The goal of this list is to reflect what the tournament might look like, with 52 nations featured. This includes the 46 teams we expect (or in some cases, are already assured) to qualify, alongside the six nations currently vying for the final two spots through inter-confederation play-offs.

For example, 16 teams from UEFA will participate, so you’ll see all 16 represented here. We’ve relied on various metrics, including qualification likelihood, recent performances in World Cup and continental tournaments, world rankings, and gut instinct to determine this order.

Given that the qualifying processes across confederations are at various stages—South America’s nearly finished, while UEFA’s groups are just beginning—these rankings should be considered fluid. They’re neither definitive nor set in stone, and we’ll update them after the next international fixtures in June.

Before you proceed, it’s worth understanding the new structure of World Cup qualification. With 48 teams now in the tournament, many confederations have overhauled their processes, some of which are particularly complex.

The seven teams already confirmed for the World Cup—three hosts and four confirmed qualifiers—are denoted with a (Q) in the rankings below.

52. New Caledonia

New Caledonia came within a whisker of automatic qualification but fell short against the powerhouse of Oceania, New Zealand, with a 3-0 defeat. They’re the only team currently confirmed for the inter-confederation play-offs, where they are just two games away from qualification, although they remain the rank outsiders for a World Cup spot.

51. Haiti

Having lost 3-1, 7-0, and 4-1 in their sole World Cup appearance in 1974, Haiti are now on a promising start in qualification. They’re in contention for at least a play-off spot with the new qualification format offering fresh hope.

50. Honduras

Honduras qualified for the World Cup in 2010 and 2014 and are looking likely to fight for an inter-confederation play-off position after a solid start to their current qualification campaign.

49. Gabon

Though qualification remains far from certain, Gabon are currently leading as the best second-placed team across Africa’s qualifying groups, positioning them well for a potential inter-confederation play-off spot.

48. Qatar

Qualification for Qatar remains tight in Asia, but following their victory in the 2023 Asian Cup, they’re our pick for the inter-confederation play-offs. Should they make it, they will be among the favourites for a spot in North America.

47. Venezuela

Although Venezuela has never qualified for a World Cup, they are well-positioned to represent CONMEBOL in the inter-confederation play-offs, making them one of the top contenders for a spot in the finals.

46. Jamaica

Not having appeared at a World Cup since France ’98, Jamaica now has a great opportunity to return. Their strong start to qualification puts them in a good position to secure a spot.

45. Iraq

Currently, Iraq is one of the teams in contention for the final guaranteed qualification spot from Asia. They’re expected to fight for this place and possibly face Qatar or Saudi Arabia for the inter-confederation play-off spot.

44. UAE

The UAE has a slim chance of direct qualification but remains ahead of Qatar in our rankings for now, mainly due to their qualification performance and current position. However, this could change after the June international matches.

43. Panama

Though CONCACAF qualification is still in its early stages, Panama has won both of their opening games and are currently on track to secure one of the group’s final spots.

42. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, one of the most improved teams in Asia, has never qualified for a World Cup, but their chances are strong this time. A draw against UAE next month will guarantee their place in the tournament, while even a loss would leave them with a chance in the inter-confederation play-offs.

41. Jordan

Jordan are another potential first-time qualifier from Asia, with a strong qualification performance so far. Their run to the 2023 Asian Cup final shows they are a team not to be underestimated.

40. New Zealand (Q)

Thanks to the expanded World Cup format, New Zealand have secured an automatic place in the tournament, as the top team in Oceania, following a 3-0 win over New Caledonia.

39. Paraguay

Paraguay has not qualified since 2010 but should comfortably finish in the top six of South America’s qualification process. Despite a disappointing Copa America performance in 2023, they remain a strong contender.

38. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic hasn’t qualified for a World Cup since 2006, but they’re well-positioned to change that this time around. Their qualification progress, including six points before Croatia enters the fray, makes them a contender for a spot in the finals or the play-offs.

37. Bosnia

After a solid start to their qualification group, Bosnia is on track to reach their second World Cup since independence, particularly given the group’s vulnerabilities.

36. Ghana

After a narrow defeat to Comoros, Ghana still faces challenges in securing qualification. However, with a squad rich in European club experience, they will be hopeful of another run to the knockout stages.

35. Cameroon

Cameroon, though not guaranteed to qualify, is expected to finish ahead of Cape Verde and secure their place in the World Cup, continuing their strong World Cup history.

34. Sweden

Sweden’s qualification campaign is expected to be a close battle with Switzerland for the top two spots in their UEFA group. With a talented squad including Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, they remain a strong contender despite recent disappointments in major tournaments.

33. Poland

Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, is likely to qualify once again, but their history of underperforming at major tournaments casts some doubt on their potential. They are well-placed for qualification, though they may face challenges at the tournament.

32. Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast must overcome Gabon in a key qualification match to secure a spot. Should they qualify, it will be their first World Cup appearance since 2014.

31. Switzerland

Switzerland consistently qualifies for World Cups, but they often get stuck in the last 16. Their tough qualification group, featuring Sweden and Slovenia, will be a real test.

30. Algeria

Algeria is one of Africa’s most consistent teams, despite only reaching two World Cups. They are expected to qualify from their CAF group and make an impression in the expanded tournament.

29. Ukraine

Ukraine is expected to finish second behind France in their qualification group, making their way into the play-offs, where they will hope to finally secure a return to the World Cup after an absence since 2006.

28. Senegal

Senegal is in a close battle with DR Congo for qualification but remains one of Africa’s strongest teams. If they qualify, they will be a formidable opponent in North America.

27. Tunisia

Tunisia is a consistent World Cup participant and is expected to see off Namibia in their CAF group. They will aim to surpass their previous best performances, with another knockout stage appearance on the horizon.

26. Italy

Despite being one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, Italy has not reached the knockout stages since 2006. After failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, they must navigate a tricky qualification process to return to the tournament.

25. Norway

Norway has a strong squad, including Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, but a poor tournament record leaves some questions. With a solid start to qualification, they have a strong chance of breaking their long World Cup drought.

24. South Africa

South Africa hasn’t qualified since hosting the tournament in 2010, but they’re in excellent form in CAF qualification. They are favourites to top their group and book a spot in North America.

23. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a stellar World Cup record in CONCACAF, having reached the knockout stages in the last two tournaments. Their strong start to qualification positions them as a favourite to qualify again.

22. Canada (Q)

Canada has secured an automatic place in the World Cup. Their objective will be to improve upon their disappointing performances in previous tournaments, but recent success in the 2024 Copa America gives them hope for the future.

21. Australia

Australia has qualified for the last five World Cups but must still complete a challenging qualification process. Their consistent presence in major tournaments and strong performances in qualification make them a team to watch.

20. South Korea

South Korea has not missed a World Cup since 1982, and their qualification is all but confirmed. With a strong squad, they are poised to make another run in North America.

19. Iran (Q)

Iran is set for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and aims to go beyond the group stage for the first time. Their solid performances in the Asian Cup boost their chances of success in 2026.

18. Netherlands

After a near miss in the last World Cup and Euros, the Netherlands remains a solid contender, though their qualification group could present challenges. With a strong squad, they’ll look to build on recent successes.

17. Croatia

Croatia is still an elite team in world football, but with key players now past their prime, they will face challenges in qualifying. Their experience in tournaments makes them tough to beat.

16. Turkey

Turkey, one of the top sides to emerge from Europe, is showing promise for a return to the World Cup. With an experienced squad, they are among the teams to look out for in 2026.

15. Portugal

Portugal has yet to make a major tournament breakthrough, but their strong squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, gives them an outside chance to challenge for the title.

14. Mexico

Mexico is a World Cup regular but has struggled in recent years to make it past the quarter-finals. With a solid team and a smooth qualification process, they will look to push beyond expectations.

13. Belgium

Belgium is ranked highly but has underperformed at recent major tournaments. They still boast world-class talent, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, and are primed to make another run at a World Cup.

12. France

Defending World Cup runners-up France enters qualification with high expectations. With talent across the squad, including Kylian Mbappé, they remain one of the favourites for next summer.

11. England

England has made significant strides since their Euro 2020 semi-final exit. They are one of the top teams to watch and will be aiming to build on a strong qualification campaign.

10. Brazil

Brazil, with their rich World Cup history, will be hoping to return to the tournament with a strong squad, despite recent struggles in the Copa America.

9. Uruguay

Uruguay has an experienced team and will be hoping to return to the World Cup stage with a strong qualification showing.

8. Colombia

Colombia boasts a talented team and is on track for qualification, aiming to make a statement on the world stage.

7. Japan

Japan has built a reputation as a competitive World Cup side and will be hoping to perform well in North America.

6. Belgium

Belgium remains a top contender, with a blend of youth and experience leading their charge for a World Cup victory.

5. France

A top-tier contender, France’s squad is one of the deepest in the tournament and they are favoured to go far.

4. England

England’s solid performances in recent tournaments position them as a contender for World Cup glory.

3. Brazil

Brazil has a rich World Cup history and will be among the top teams to challenge for the trophy in 2026.

2. Spain

Having won the Euros in thrilling style and possessing a young, deep squad that continues to improve, Spain are another Nations League semi-finalist who won’t begin a short World Cup qualifying campaign until September, with a play-off spot already guaranteed, even in the highly unlikely event that they need it. They are the current favourites with the bookmakers.

1. Argentina (Q)

No point in overcomplicating things at this stage. Argentina are the current holders of both the World Cup and the Copa America and are by a wide margin the likeliest winner among the teams already confirmed to be part of next summer’s festivities.

Concerns about an ageing squad’s ability to manage a longer tournament are valid, but right now, those are concerns for another day.