World Cup contenders take shape ahead of 2026 finals

PARIS: With the 2026 World Cup in North America less than three weeks away, several of football's leading sides are entering the tournament with strong credentials, while others still have questions to answer.

France, ranked number one in the world, head into the competition as one of the standout contenders. The team has won the World Cup twice and has also lost two finals on penalties across the last seven editions. The tournament will be the final one under Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012. France beat Brazil 2-1 in March and then overcame Colombia 3-1 with a completely different starting eleven, with both matches played in the United States. They are unbeaten in nine games since last June and possess an attack featuring Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki.

Deschamps acknowledged the significance of the moment as his long tenure nears its end.

It's a strange feeling.

Spain, ranked second, arrive as European champions and have not been beaten since lifting the Euro 2024 title. Luis de la Fuente's side have been described as a highly cohesive unit, with teenage winger Lamine Yamal seen as their key player. However, the 18-year-old Barcelona forward is currently sidelined by a hamstring problem, and reports indicate he could miss Spain's opening two group-stage matches. His club teammate Fermin Lopez is also expected to miss the tournament because of a foot fracture, while Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who has scored eight goals in 10 appearances for Spain in 2025, has not played since January due to injury. Even so, Spain still have major quality in players such as Rodri and Pedri.

Argentina and England among leading challengers

Argentina, ranked third, are seeking to defend the title they won in 2022. That triumph was widely seen as Lionel Messi's crowning achievement, although the forward turns 39 next month. Messi has nevertheless been in strong form in the United States, scoring 12 goals in 13 MLS matches for Inter Miami this year. Argentina also won the 2024 Copa America in the US and finished top of South American qualifying. Alongside Messi, the squad includes attacking options such as Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Tenerife-born Como midfielder Nico Paz.

England, ranked fourth, are beginning a new era under Thomas Tuchel after a series of near misses under Gareth Southgate. England lost the finals of the last two European Championships, reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and were eliminated in the quarter-finals in 2022. They moved through qualifying comfortably and have considerable squad depth, but some concerns remain. England drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan in friendly matches in March, while Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer have both endured difficult campaigns. Harry Kane, however, remains central to their hopes after scoring 58 goals this season for Bayern Munich.

Portugal and Brazil carry different questions

Portugal, ranked fifth, are being viewed as genuine contenders despite never having gone beyond the semi-finals. Much may depend on whether Cristiano Ronaldo's presence helps or hinders the side. At 41, he is preparing for a sixth World Cup. Portugal's midfield, including Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, is seen as a major strength. The team won the UEFA Nations League last year but had an uneven qualifying campaign, including a defeat in Ireland in a match in which Ronaldo was sent off. He did not feature in Portugal's most recent outing, a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States in Atlanta.

Brazil, ranked sixth, will be closely watched under new coach Carlo Ancelotti. The appointment of an Italian manager has been presented as a reflection of Brazil's current uncertainty over its footballing direction. Ancelotti has included Neymar in his squad despite the 34-year-old Santos forward not having played for Brazil since 2023. Vinicius Junior is now regarded as the team's main attacking figure. Since winning their fifth World Cup in 2002, Brazil have reached the semi-finals only once, when they suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany on home soil in 2014. They ended South American qualifying in fifth place after losing six of 18 matches.

Ancelotti said resilience, rather than perfection, would decide the tournament.

The World Cup won't be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn't exist.

It will be won by the most resilient team.

Germany remain in the conversation

Germany, ranked 10th, are behind the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium in the standings, and expectations are more restrained than for some of the other leading nations. Julian Nagelsmann's side exited in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 and were knocked out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil. Even so, the presence of players such as Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz means they cannot be discounted entirely.

As the expanded 48-team tournament approaches, the leading contenders appear to be taking shape, though injuries, form and squad balance could still influence the picture before the opening matches begin in North America.