🔟 contenders to lift the World Cup in New York 🏆 | OneFootball

The road to the grand final on July 19 in the New York metropolitan area has begun. With the new 48-team format, the physical and mental demands will be unprecedented. 

Based on current form, the FIFA rankings, and squad depth, these are the ten nations with the best chance of reaching glory in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Spain: The harmony of the European champion

Coming in as the main favorite after dominating the European Championship. Under Luis de la Fuente, "La Roja" has found the perfect balance between Rodri’s experience and the explosiveness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Their possession-based play is still the best in the world, but now it comes with a frightening vertical edge.

📸 JOSE JORDAN - AFP or licensors

France: Mbappé’s colossus

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

After the bitter aftertaste of 2022 and a European Championship full of lessons, Didier Deschamps’ side boasts the deepest squad on the planet. With a fully firing Kylian Mbappé and a new generation stepping up (Barcola, Olise), Les Bleus have the physicality and talent to reach the final for a third straight time.

Argentina. The champions’ last dance

📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2025 Getty Images

The "Scaloneta" arrives with the mystique of defending the crown. While all eyes are on whether Lionel Messi will be at 100%, the team has shown that figures like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister have the stature to sustain the project. Their mental strength in knockout matches remains their greatest asset.

England. Talent in search of destiny

📸 GINTS IVUSKANS - AFP or licensors

Probably the squad with the highest market value. With Jude Bellingham as the spiritual leader and Harry Kane chasing his first major title, England has all the tools. Their biggest challenge will be overcoming the psychological barrier of the latter stages and building a defensive system worthy of their attack.

Brazil. The era of renewal

📸 Julio Aguilar - 2026 Getty Images

With the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti  and the leadership of Vinícius Júnior, the "Canarinha" is looking to end a 24-year drought. Questions over Neymar’s fitness are offset by the emergence of Endrick and Estevao, promising a more pragmatic and effective version of "Joga Bonito."

Portugal. Beyond CR7

📸 Kevin C. Cox - 2026 Getty Images

Portugal no longer depends exclusively on Cristiano Ronaldo. With one of the most technically gifted generations in its history (Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão), the Portuguese side can dominate in any setting. They are the "dark horse" no one dares underestimate anymore.

Germany: The awakening of the giant

📸 THOMAS KIENZLE - AFP or licensors

After years of inconsistency, the Germans seem to have rediscovered their competitive identity. The young talent of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz gives them a creativity they had been lacking. Germany always competes, and on American soil they will want to reclaim their place as four-time champions.

Netherlands: The modern Orange machine

📸 Dean Mouhtaropoulos - 2026 Getty Images

A solid team, tactically impeccable and with an ironclad defense led by experience and new pillars. Although they sometimes lack the final "punch" in the box, their ability to control matches makes them an awkward opponent that usually goes deep in World Cup tournaments.

Morocco: African pride

📸 Franco Arland - 2026 Getty Images

They are no longer a surprise. After their historic semifinal run in Qatar, Morocco has established a rock-solid unit. With players at Europe’s elite clubs and enviable tactical discipline, the "Atlas Lions" are the strongest candidate to break the dominance of Europe and South America.

Colombia: Coffee-growing country at its peak

📸 Julio Aguilar - 2026 Getty Images

Colombia enters the Top 10 thanks to a brilliant qualifying campaign and enviable form. With a stellar Luis Díaz and a team that blends experience with notable physical freshness, Los Cafeteros arrive in North America convinced that this is their moment to make history.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.