2024 has provided exceptional drama on the international stage, but now all eyes are on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Qualifying for the tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is underway on most continents and the return of a summer World Cup has fans all over the world already salivating.
It remains to be seen who will make it to football’s most prestigious competition, although a format change now guarantees a record 48 teams to reach the final. Eyes will be firmly on the world’s elite nations and how they fare during the qualification process.
here they are 90 minutes power rankings for the best teams in international soccer.
Six COMEBOL nations automatically qualify for the World Cup 2026 and winners of the opening competition, Uruguay, are well placed to secure their place in North America.
Celeste was in impressive form during the Copa America this summer and reached the semi-finals ahead of their own hot start at the hands of Colombia. Marcelo Bielsa’s side suffered a difficult patch of form after the tournament, but picked up four points in meetings with Colombia and Brazil during November’s international stop in World Cup qualifying.
Colombia’s revenge came in the form of a 3-2 win, while Federico Valverde’s goal secured a 1-1 draw with Brazil that leaves Uruguay second in the standings. CONMEBOL classification.
It’s no secret that Italy endured a disastrous campaign at Euro 2024, but former Scudetto-winning Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has helped the Azzurri turn the corner since then.
Italy went undefeated during his UEFA Nations League 2024/25 group stage campaign until their November defeat to France, narrowly missing out on top spot in A-League Group 2.
Having beaten France, Belgium and Israel since the summer’s disappointment, Italy will be tested against Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
After a very disappointing Copa America campaign over the summer, brazil are in better form since their return to CONMEBOL World Cup qualification. However, they remain a little short of their prime.
Vinicius Junior and co. They failed to win away to Venezuela before stumbling to a home draw with Uruguay during the international break in November, leaving them fifth in the table and seven points behind rivals Argentina.
Dorival Junior has yet to inspire as the country’s head coach, although Brazil no longer has the same depth as before.
Defeats to top-flight Uruguay and Ecuador have dampened Colombia’s mood slightly, but Néstor Lorenzo’s side remain in a strong position despite November’s defeats.
Having narrowly been beaten by Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final, Colombia beat the world champions in qualifying in September, following that success with a 4-0 thrashing of Chile in in October
With Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in great form and former Real Madrid star James RodrÃguez rejuvenated, Colombia should ease their way to World Cup qualification.
Portugal may have underwhelmed at Euro 2024 under Roberto Martinez, but they have lost just four of their last 26 games in all competitions as a star-studded squad grows more comfortable together.
Cristiano Ronaldo found the net regularly as Portugal cruised through their Nations League group, beating Poland, Croatia and Scotland to secure top spot. They will face Denmark in the round of 16.
Although Portugal must move on from Ronaldo in the coming years, the veteran has silenced his critics at Euro 2024 with impressive outings in the Nations League.
A home tournament promised excitement Germany fans after some dark days under current Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, but Euro 2024 came too soon for Julian Nagelsmann at the start of his project.
Germany played positively over the summer and their young talent shone, although a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain felt like a missed opportunity.
However, Germany have been unbeaten since then as they topped their Nations League group, with a fine 7-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in November highlighting the offensive potential of Nagelsmann’s team.
England He may not have been entirely convincing during their promotion from League A to the Nations League, but we mustn’t forget that the Three Lions were European Championship finalists in the summer.
Gareth Southgate has since departed, marking a new dawn for the national team Thomas Tuchel is preparing to take charge of his first game in March. The summary is clear: win the World Cup in 2026.
England showed their attacking potential under caretaker manager Lee Carsley, but advanced football and youth development are likely to be swapped for organization and pragmatism following the appointment of the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Tuchel.
France they were the favorites for Euro 2024, but did not make it to the big stage, although they reached the semi-final. Kylian Mbappe struggled in Germany and his teammates did little in the tournament.
Didier Deschamps retained his position as head coach ahead of the next group stage of the Nations League and, despite a shaky start, the Bleus secured top spot as they progressed to the quarter-finals.
An incredibly talented squad makes life easy for Deschamps, whose side remain second in the FIFA world rankings, and a second Nations League triumph would set them up nicely ahead of the next World Cup.
Spain they are in simply sensational shape. Since the 2022 World Cup, they have failed to win just four of their 27 matches, triumphing at Euro 2024 under Luis de la Fuente after seven consecutive victories.
Their positive form has continued into the 2024/25 Nations League as they look to defend their crown. Five wins and a draw from six group stage games was the strongest record of any team in the A-League.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have hopes of a dominant generation and La Roja will be keen to carry their outstanding form into the 2026 World Cup.
There is no doubt about the best international team in the world as things stand. World champions and winners of the 2024 Copa America Argentina they have won the last three major tournaments they have participated in, with Lionel Scaloni leading their remarkable success.
Lionel Messi continues to perform his international swan song and Lautaro MartÃnez has become the top scorer that every international power requires.
They were excellent over the summer as they won the Copa America and topped the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, currently five points clear of second-placed Uruguay.
