2026 World Cup power rankings: Ranking all 48 teams into 5 distinct tiers

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, having expanded to 48 teams, a 50% increase from the previous tournament. With two weeks until kickoff, the anticipation is building as teams get ready to play in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Realistically, no more than a dozen teams are expected to vie for the title, but with 8-of-12 third-place teams reaching the Round of 32, every nation will dream of advancing and maybe pulling an upset or two in the knockout stage. Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament Here is my power ranking of all 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, separated into five distinct tiers. Here's where every team stands ahead of the 2026 World Cup, from true contenders to those just happy to be here. Dillon Minshall/Yahoo Sports Tier 1: World Cup title favorites My first tier features six of the eight previous World Cup-winning countries, and chances are one of those eight will win the title again. But two of the top nations yet to win the tournament are also in this tier. 1. France After winning the 2018 title and finishing runner-up to Argentina in 2022, France seeks to be the second nation to reach three straight World Cup finals (Brazil has done it twice). The talent is obviously there. It's cliche to say this by now, but a second squad from France could easily reach the quarterfinals or beyond. The only question is about how much the conservative Didier Deschamps will open up his loaded offense in his final tournament as France head coach. If he unleashes any combination of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram and more, France can pile goals on anyone. But Deschamps might prefer to grind out 1-0 wins unless the occasion calls for more. France has the highest ceiling of any team. Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and Pedri Gonzalez of Spain look on during the friendly international match between Spain and Iraq at Abanca Balaidos stadium on June 04, 2026, in A Coruna, Spain. Europa Press Sports via Getty Images 2. Spain The betting favorite prior to Lamine Yamal's injury, Spain's odds have drifted behind France at most sportsbooks. This is not the tiki-taka Spain that won three straight major titles from 2008 to 2012. Spain played the tournament's best soccer en route to winning EURO 2024, outscoring opponents 15-4 while scoring at least twice in all four knockout games. In a World Cup group with newcomer Cape Verde and low-powered Saudi Arabia (plus Uruguay), Spain has perhaps the highest floor of any team and should cruise into the round of 16 before potentially meeting Colombia or Croatia. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. Todd Kirkland via Getty Images 3. Argentina Lionel Messi and Co. seek to be the first repeat World Cup winner since Brazil in 1962. He turns 39 during the tournament, so Messi probably won't carry the team like he did at times four years ago. He also doesn't need to, given the depth of options Argentina has in attack. The defense has several injuries that may weaken the back line, but the firepower is present to fuel a strong title defense.  Harry Kane #9 of England warms up prior to a international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. Rich Storry via Getty Images 4. England Is it coming home? England hasn't won a major trophy since 1966, though Gareth Southgate nearly got there with consecutive EURO runner-up finishes and a fourth-place result at the 2018 World Cup. Now with Thomas Tuchel at the helm, England will surely play to its strength and be more attack-minded than under Southgate. That raises hopes for the Three Lions, who also have serious center back question marks beyond Marc Guéhi.  Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the trophy during the ceremony after winning the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Sports Press Photo via Getty Images 5. Portugal Perhaps the most talented team aside from France, Portugal will be powered by Bruno Fernandes, the Football Writers' Association player of the year in England. He'll have more skill surrounding him with Portugal than with Manchester United, as countrymen Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and João Félix are among Portugal's winger options. The X factor is of course 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who reduces Portugal's versatility when he's on the pitch, while also bringing an undeniable presence in the box.  Vinicius Junior of Brazil celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Panama at Maracana Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sports Press Photo via Getty Images 6. Brazil I'm less optimistic about Brazil than most. Carlo Ancelotti is a master string-puller, but he doesn't have a lot of great midfield options to link the defense with Brazil's always potent attack that includes Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha (and Neymar!?). The aging Casemiro and Fabinho don't seem like enough to hold the midfield together for a month's worth of games. Eventually, that will catch up with Brazil, and it could happen as soon as the Round of 32 against Japan or Netherlands. Players of Germany sing the national anthem prior to the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Jamie Squire via Getty Images 7. Germany Julian Nagelsmann's side doesn't have the top-end talent and depth to which they're accustomed, though the cupboard is far from bare. The same thing could have been said before the 2014 World Cup, and Germany found enough form to lift the trophy in Brazil. Manuel Neuer led that team, and the 40-year-old is surprisingly back for a fifth World Cup after retiring from the international game two years ago. With more than enough firepower, Nagelsmann will need to find the right defensive combination for a Germany side that has shockingly gone out in the group stage at consecutive World Cups, after never going out in the World Cup group stage prior to 2018.   Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands, Amine Gouiri for Algeria during the friendly international match between the Netherlands and Algeria at Feyenoord stadium De Kuip on June 3, 2026, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Dutch national team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ANP via Getty Images 8. Netherlands The Dutch took Argentina to penalties in the 2022 quarterfinals, and they're poised to have their best team in over a decade, with a reliable set of defenders and a Frenkie de Jong-led midfield that remains strong despite the loss of the injured Xavi Simons. At 32, Memphis Depay is Netherlands' all-time scoring leader and still a force up top, with Cody Gakpo and several others also providing threats. Ronald Koeman is in his second stint as Netherlands head coach, and a fourth Dutch World Cup final is not an unreasonable dream.  Tier 2: Teams with a shot 9. Belgium Perhaps Belgium should be at the bottom of the previous tier, but the Red Devils are transitioning from their golden generation to a new group of stars led by Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. They're deep but largely untested at the international level, with the main question surrounding how new manager Rudi Garcia's back four will hold up. Luis Díaz of Colombia runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Colombia and Costa Rica at Estadio El Campin on June 01, 2026 in Bogota, Colombia. Getty Images via Getty Images 10. Colombia Los Cafeteros have as much upside as any team outside the top favorites, with multiple players who can carry a team, all poised to make a leap to stardom or superstardom. The flair-filled attack is built around Luis Díaz (Bayern) cutting in from the left, with the ageless James Rodríguez (Minnesota United) in the middle and Jhon Arias (Palmeiras) and Richard Ríos (Benfica) charging from the right, and fullbacks pushing forward in support. Riding high after a team-record unbeaten streak and a runner-up finish at Copa América two years ago, Colombia has realistic dreams of matching or bettering its best World Cup result (2014 quarterfinals). 11. Morocco Four years ago, Morocco upset Spain and Portugal to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals. No longer a scrappy underdog, Morocco has suffered only one loss on the field since March 2024, and that was the now-overturned defeat against Senegal in the January's Cup of Nations final. Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7 Achraf Hakimi (PSG) and Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly) give the Atlas Lions a deadly pair of attacking fullbacks, and Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) has added a new midfield dimension on the dribble. Center forward is a question mark, but Morocco's ability to both defend-and-counter and control a game with possession adds up to a team capable of repeating its 2022 success. Senegalese players raise the trophy after winning the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital Rabat, Morocco on January 19, 2026. Senegal won the 35th Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final marked by lengthy stoppage-time scenes. Anadolu via Getty Images 12. Senegal The Lions of Teranga have loads of experience at top club and international levels, both on the field and in head coach Pape Thiaw, who was on Senegal's famed 2002 World Cup team. Now 34, Sadio Mane leads a fluid front line alongside Nicolas Jackson (Bayern) and Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), with Pape Sarr (Tottenham) and Idrissa Gueye (Everton) sitting behind them. Former Chelsea men Kalidou Koulibaly and Édouard Mendy lead a strong defense. Many of Senegal's top players are in their 30s, and while there are promising youngsters on the rise, the depth is less proven at the highest level. But at a third straight World Cup, Senegal will look to improve on a Round-of-16 exit in 2022. 13. Ecuador My favorite sleeper, Ecuador conceded only five goals in 18 qualifiers, tying the fewest ever conceded in a CONMEBOL qualifying campaign. Willian Pacho (PSG), Piero Hincapié (Arsenal) and Pervis Estupiñan (AC Milan) hold down the back line, and Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo may be the best player Ecuador has ever produced. The attack is overly reliant on 36-year-old Enner Valencia, Ecuador's all-time leading scorer who had six of the team's 14 goals in qualifying. If 19-year-old Kendry Paez or someone else can upgrade the attack, Ecuador can beat anyone in the tournament. 14. Uruguay Typical of a Marcelo Bielsa team, Uruguay are built on a forceful midfield: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Manuel Ugarte (Man United) and Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham). That trio is backed by a strong center back pairing of José Giménez (Atlético) and Sebastián Cáceres (Club América). Uruguay needs Darwin Nuñez (or a returning Luis Suarez?!) to be the head atop that strong spine, but Nuñez hasn't scored in 13 caps entering pre-tournament friendlies. If Uruguay finds its offense, a third quarterfinal appearance in five World Cups is well within reach. Players of Croatia line up for national anthems prior to the international friendly match between Croatia and Slovenia at Stadium Varteks on June 7, 2026 in Varazdin, Croatia. Pixsell/MB Media via Getty Images 15. Croatia After finishing runner-up to France in 2018 and taking third four years ago, Croatia is in this tier by default. At 40 years old, Luka Modrić still helms the midfield, with veterans like Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić ahead of him. Croatia will likely rely on five or more 30-somethings, and this is surely the tournament at which the fountain of youth runs dry. But I still wouldn't bet against Croatia just yet. Tier 3: This year's Morocco (Cinderellas) Does the expanded tournament help or hurt Cinderellas? Optimistically, they'll have easier paths overall and fewer giants to slay along the way. Pessimistically, the additional knockout game and 26-man rosters will favor only the top teams that have more depth. Either way, don't be shocked if any of these teams make a run to the quarterfinals or beyond. 16. Norway After making the World Cup for the first time since 1998, Norway will be a popular sleeper pick — and it's easy to see why. The duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard has few equals when healthy, and the rest of the squad is dotted with familiar names including Alexander Sørloth (Atlético), Oscar Bobb and Sander Berge (Fulham) and Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford). Norway rolled through qualifying, winning all eight games by a combined score of 37-5, including two wins over Italy by a combined 7-1. Group I won't be easy with France and Senegal, and the Norway-France match is one of the highlights of the group stage, as Haaland battles Mbappé and a stout French defense.  TOKYO, JAPAN - MAY 31: Players of Japan pose for photograph the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images) Hiroki Watanabe via Getty Images 17. Japan Few teams have slain as many giants in recent years as Japan. Four years ago, Japan upset both Spain and Germany to win its group before going out to Croatia on penalties. More recently, Japan topped England 1-0 at Wembley in March. Even without the injured Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Takumi Minamino (Monaco), the squad is filled with Europe-based players including Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Wataru Endo (Liverpool) and Daizen Maeda (Celtic). Japan lacks a star striker but does everything quickly with eye-pleasing style. At an eighth straight World Cup, Samurai Blue is poised to get a first knockout-stage win. 18. Switzerland Appropriately enough, classic Swiss consistency is a strength and weakness for a side that is always steady and rarely spectacular. Switzerland is one of four teams to make the last three World Cup knockout rounds, along with Argentina, Brazil and France. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) and Remo Freuler (Bologna) are expected to run the midfield, with Fabian Rieder (Augsburg) behind an attacking trio of Dan Ndoye (Forest), the still-only-29 Breel Embolo (Rennes) and Ruben Vargas (Sevilla). A solid backline is led by Manuel Akanji (Inter) and Ricardo Rodriguez (Betis). Switzerland is the Group B favorite and will be disappointed unless it can advance in the knockout stage for the first time since hosting the 1954 tournament. Tim Ream #13 of the United States battles for the ball with Roberto Alvarado #25 of Mexico during the second half of the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 at NRG Stadium on July 06, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Ron Jenkins/USSF via Getty Images 19. United States Based on history, most host nations have to be in this tier. All hosts except South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022) have made the knockout stage, including the United States surprisingly advancing as host in 1994. The U.S. did not look sharp in March against Belgium and Portugal, but was better in a pre-tournament win over Senegal, showing an attacking ferocity that has often been lacking. The absence of a traditional power in Group D gives the U.S. a generational opportunity for a favorable knockout draw and an inspiring run at home. 20. Mexico Mexico’s only World Cup quarterfinals came on home soil (1970 and 1986), feats El Tri will look to replicate. Javier Aguirre has won Nations League and Gold Cup titles in this stint as head coach, and he’s shown the ability to get the most out of a team that hasn’t always been clicking.  With homefield advantage and a little more health, Mexico should have a shot to make its long-awaited World Cup run. 21. Türkiye Perhaps surprisingly, Türkiye is at only its third World Cup, having missed five straight following a third-place finish in 2002. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid), each 21 years old, are perhaps the most exciting young duo in the tournament, and they could carry the team deep in the knockout rounds. Türkiye has a reasonable schedule as the second favorite in Group D, behind only a United States team that Türkiye beat in East Hartford last June.  Son Heung-min #13 of Korea Republic in action during the second half of the international friendly match between Korea Republic and El Salvador at The Stadium at South Field on June 03, 2026 in Provo, Utah. Alex Goodlett via Getty Images 22. South Korea In a tough group four years ago, South Korea advanced ahead of Uruguay and Ghana before falling 4-1 to Brazil in the Round of 16. Son Heung-min (33 years old) has said this will be his final World Cup, and he still gives South Korea the ability to strike quickly either in possession or on the counter, as do Lee Kang-In (PSG), Hwang Hee-Chan (Wolves) and Lee Jae-Sung (Mainz). Kim Min-Jae stabilizes a conservative back line that has tinkered with wingbacks recently. Now head coach again, the legendary Hong Myung-bo scored twice in Dallas at the 1994 World Cup, and he'll continue to make South Korea a difficult out after an undefeated qualifying campaign. Tier 4: Optimistic because of the format Most of these teams haven't done much at the World Cup recently, but given the forgiving format, all will expect to reach the knockout stage, some for the first time.  23. Iran Former coach Carlos Queiroz is now heading Ghana, but his pragmatic style lingers, with the team again expected to defend deep and hit opponents on the counter. On the other hand, Iran was perhaps the best offensive team in AFC qualifying, led by Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi. A veteran roster will have eyes on a first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, where anything could happen.  A supporter of Ghana during the international friendly match between Wales and Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium on June 02, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. Catherine Ivill - AMA via Getty Images 24. Ghana After disappointing losses to Austria and Germany in March, Ghana fired head coach Otto Addo and replaced him with Queiroz, who will manage at a fifth World Cup after stints with Portugal and Iran. Premier League wingers Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) and Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) are worthy heirs to Ghana's tradition of dangerous transition players, and the Black Stars are primed to play spoiler in a group with England and Croatia. 25. Austria Austria have made the last two EURO knockout stages, but last did so at a World Cup all the way back in 1954. Head coach Ralf Rangnick's Red Bull style can wreck opponents by pressing high and attacking with pace. It can also leave open spaces for opponents to exploit. With David Alaba now holding down the back line behind a dangerous attack that includes Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer and RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner, Austria will expect to advance at least to the Round of 32.  26. Ivory Coast Though not as star-laden as past teams, this Ivory Coast squad is filled with Europe-based players including a fluid attacking line that could include Manchester United's Amad Diallo, Crystal Palace's Evan Guessand and Villarreal's Nicolas Pépé. For all their offensive talent, the defense shone in qualifying. Led by Sporting center back Ousmane Diomande, the Elephants did not allow a goal in 10 World Cup qualifiers. Ivory Coast has not yet made a World Cup knockout stage and could surprise group favorites Germany and Ecuador. Paraguay's players jog during a training session at the High-Performance Center (CARDE) ahead of the friendly farewell match against Nicaragua with a view to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Ypane, Paraguay on May 30, 2026. DANIEL DUARTE via Getty Images 27. Paraguay La Albirroja (The White-Red) is built on center backs Omar Alderete (Sunderland) and Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras) and a defense that conceded 10 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualifiers. They've conceded a total of seven goals in 12 competitive games under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, who managed Ecuador to a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. However, Paraguay scored 14 goals in qualifying to finish sixth in CONMEBOL. If veteran winger Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United) and 22-year-old Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) can invigorate the attack, Paraguay could win Group D and get a favorable knockout draw. 28. Czechia Czechia also got through the UEFA playoffs with two shootout victories, over Ireland and Denmark. Vladimir Darida (35 years old) un-retired in February to help the Czechs through, and he'll continue his playmaker role in midfield. Darida will be joined by 25-year-old midfielder Pavel Sulc, who could be a breakout star of the tournament. Sulc had 11 goals for Lyon this Ligue 1 season, and several Premier League clubs are chasing his signature. Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who co-led EURO 2020 with five goals, is the tip of a possibly potent Czech attack. 29. Sweden Despite finishing dead last and winless in its World Cup qualifying group, Sweden made the tournament via the UEFA playoffs route and two victories. Graham Potter led Sweden through the playoffs, looking to revive his career after subpar stints at Chelsea and West Ham. Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres had four goals in the two playoff matches, after going scoreless in four group games. Sweden will need him to catch fire again in a tough Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.  30. Bosnia-Herzegovina At age 40, Edin Dzeko still leads the line, and he's one of two players (along with Sead Kolašinac) returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina's only previous World Cup in 2014. They're joined by a youth movement that includes 21-year-old Ermin Mahmic, who switched from Austria earlier this year. By scraping through the playoffs with shootout wins over Wales and Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina earned a favorable spot in Group B with Switzerland, Canada and Qatar, putting a first World Cup knockout stage in reach. Mohamed Salah of Egypt competes for the ball against Matheus Cunha of Brazil during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin via Getty Images 31. Egypt The Pharaohs have never won a World Cup match, but they'll expect to do so this year in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. Few teams have as dangerous a pair of wingers as Egypt's Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush, though those two will need help — perhaps from possible Salah successor Haissem Hassan of Real Oviedo, or 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim from Barcelona's U-19 team.  32. Algeria With Riyad Mahrez on one side and Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura (who led CAF qualifying with 10 goals) on the other in front of Man City's Rayan Ait-Nouri, Algeria's attack will understandably be wing-heavy. The Desert Warriors will need to avoid being overrun in central midfield, and their top three keepers have all been injured this year. But in a manageable Group J with Argentina, Austria and Jordan, Algeria will expect to repeat its 2010 knockout-stage appearance. 33. Canada In two previous World Cup appearances (1986 and 2022), Canada has yet to get a World Cup point and has been outscored 12-2. But in a group with a sturdy Switzerland side, a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that squeaked through the playoffs and a Qatar team that wasn't ready for prime time four years ago, failing to reach the knockout stage would be a catastrophe for Canada. If they can win the group, Les Rouges will get a Round of 32 home game in Vancouver, then potentially a round-of-16 match there as well.  The starting XI of team Australia pose for the team portrait before a game between Australia and Mexico at Rose Bowl on May 30, 2026 in Pasadena, California. Seth Greenberg/ISI Photos via Getty Images 34. Australia At their best, the Socceroos will play a physical low block and be difficult to break down, looking to sneak out a tight win or two like they did at the 2022 World Cup, where they made the Round of 16. Does Australia have the firepower and ability to score goals when needed? Tim Cahill isn't walking through that door, and the team's upside appears limited. 35. Tunisia The Carthage Eagles are at their seventh World Cup and third in a row, though they have never advanced from the group stage. To do so this time, the defense will need to continue its strong form from qualifying, when Tunisia conceded zero goals in 10 matches. Four years ago, Tunisia had four points after upsetting France in the group finale, but that wasn't enough to get through. A difference-making forward may need to emerge for Tunisia to change its fate this time around. 36. Panama Without the three host nations in CONCACAF qualifying, Panama was the favorite and largely played like it, controlling games every which way under Thomas Christiansen. Coco Carrasquilla is one of the region's best midfielders, and Panama has shown a cohesive ability to play differently against teams like the U.S. and Mexico — as seen last summer at Copa América, when they reached the quarterfinals by beating the U.S. and Bolivia. Panama's biggest challenge is simply the brutal Group L of England, Croatia and Ghana. I still wouldn't be surprised if Panama finds a way to the knockout stage, though. 37. South Africa Back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa will try to capitalize on a cohesion stemming from the club familiarity of players on South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. As they make a jump in competition level, Bafana Bafana will likely need goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams to continue making big saves, and metronome Teboho Mokoena will need to run midfield if South Africa is to control games as preferred. 38. Saudi Arabia Four years ago, head coach Hervé Renard led Saudi Arabia to a historic opening upset of Argentina, then departed after going out in the group stage. He returned in October 2024 and qualified the Green Falcons to a third straight World Cup appearance. But Renard was fired in April and replaced by Georgios Donis, who has managed in the Saudi league the last six years. Donis will try to raise the ceiling for a conservative team built on physical defense.  39. Haiti, 40. Scotland One of the most important games in the tournament's opening week is Haiti-Scotland in Foxboro on June 13. With both teams facing Brazil and Morocco in the other two group games, the winner (if there is one) will be well-positioned to advance if blowouts can be avoided, and the loser would then have to pull a huge upset to get through. Tier 5: Thrilled to be here Four of these eight teams are World Cup debutants, and none of the eight have ever won a World Cup match or advanced to the knockout stage. Only New Zealand even has a World Cup point, having drawn all three games in 2010. Picking up a point or three would be an achievement for any of them, and advancing from the group stage would be an overwhelming success. 41. Cape Verde Cape Verde has qualified for its first World Cup and has little player pedigree in the top European leagues, but the Blue Sharks (another great African nickname!) have been on the rise recently, having made three Cup of Nations knockout stages since 2013. It's possible they could steal a win against Saudi Arabia and even sneak out of the group.  Curacao fans before the international friendly match between Scotland and Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30, 2026 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Visionhaus via Getty Images 42. Curaçao With a population around 153,000, Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. The Blue Stars looked better than expected in qualifying, with a possession-based style that may not work as well in a tough Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. 43. DR Congo After shock eliminations of Cameroon and Nigeria in the CAF playoffs, then an extra-time win over Jamaica in the inter-confederation playoffs, Congo is at its second World Cup, first since 1974 when the country was known as Zaire. The key for Congo will be to limit the damage against Colombia and Portugal, then beat Uzbekistan on the final group matchday. 44. New Zealand Coming out of Oceania, New Zealand often struggles against better teams, organized opponents and high presses. Striker Chris Wood is even more important to the Kiwis than he is to Nottingham Forest, essential for his goal-scoring and hold-up ability. To get a first World Cup win, New Zealand will likely have to do more than send long balls Wood's direction. 45. Qatar Winner of the last two Asian Cups, Qatar has made a World Cup through qualifying for the first time, after serving as host and going out in the group stage in 2022. Former Real Madrid and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui is at the helm, and he'll need to solidify a defense that struggled away from home in qualifying, conceding three or more goals in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran and U.A.E. 46. Uzbekistan Last alphabetically at the World Cup and nearly last in the power rankings, Uzbekistan does have Man City's 22-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov at the heart of the defense, and legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro took over as head coach in October after qualification. Uzbekistan has had youth success recently, winning the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup and beating England at the 2023 U-17 World Cup, and it'll need that young talent to develop quickly to make any noise at this tournament. 47. Iraq Iraq was the final team to claim a 2026 World Cup berth, topping Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoffs. Former Australia head coach Graham Arnold leads Iraq, which had a decent defense and minimal offense throughout qualifying. In a brutal group with France, Norway and Senegal, the Lions of Mesopotamia need to conjure goals from somewhere to have any chance. 48. Jordan  Jordan made its first World Cup via a classic underdog style: working hard and defending stoutly while looking for opportunities on the counter. By far the least-considered team in Group J (with Argentina, Algeria and Austria), any point would be a huge accomplishment for a side based almost entirely in Asia.