World Cup 2026 rosters, ranked: The strongest squads among title favourites at 2026 finals

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With 48 teams convening in North America to contest this summer’s World Cup, the field of nations is bursting with world-class talent and football icons.

While one player can elevate a nation from contender to title-winner, as Lionel Messi did for Argentina in 2022, it’s been proven time and time again that one or two superstars can not drag a team to victory on their own.

Instead, it takes an entire squad, from the captain down to the third-string goalkeeper, to make a World Cup winner truly hum.

The Sporting News takes a look at the strongest overall squads in the 2026 World Cup field, analysing the talent within the team from top to bottom.

MORE: Complete 2026 World Cup schedule | Injured players in danger of missing the World Cup

Best teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

10. United States

There is no debating that the USMNT roster is full of talent. What remains to be seen is whether they can reproduce their strong recent club performances on the international stage.

Christian Pulisic was arguably the best player in Serie A through the first half of 2025/26, and even as he dipped in form through the second half, he has proven since joining up with the national team that he remains a quality threat in attack. He is joined by the likes of Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Tim Weah, and Brenden Aaronson, who are all established starters in ‘big five’ European league sides. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest have been strong performers for Dutch giants PSV, Haji Wright led Coventry City back to the Premier League, and Alejandro Zendejas is arguably the most in-form player at Liga MX giants Club America.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has supplemented these individuals with strong domestic-based players, spending the last two years cultivating a depth chart that did not exist prior to his arrival.

Unfortunately, Pochettino – in his first international job but well regarded as one of the top club coaches in the game — made a controversial roster decision to leave presumed starting midfielder Tanner Tessmann off the roster, a dangerous risk that lowers the talent level of the squad and leaves them dangerously thin in the middle of the field.

Head coach: Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina)

MORE:A complete breakdown of USA’s 2026 World Cup squad

PosNo.NameClubAgeCapsGK25Chris BradyChicago Fire (MLS, United States)220GK1Matt FreeseNYCFC (MLS, United States)2714GK24Matt TurnerNew England Revolution (MLS, United States)3153DEF18Max ArfstenColumbus Crew (MLS, United States)2518DEF2Sergino DestPSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie, Netherlands)2537DEF16Alex FreemanOrlando City (MLS, United States)2115DEF22Mark McKenzieToulouse (Ligue 1, France)2727DEF13Tim ReamCharlotte FC (MLS, United States)3880DEF3Chris RichardsCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)2636DEF5Antonee RobinsonFulham (Premier League, England)2852DEF12Miles RobinsonFC Cincinnati (MLS, United States)2938DEF23Joe ScallyBorussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga, Germany)2324DEF6Auston TrustyCeltic (Premiership, Scotland)275MID11Brenden AaronsonLeeds United (Premier League, England)2557MID4Tyler AdamsBournemouth (Premier League, England)2752MID14Sebastian BerhalterVancouver Whitecaps (MLS, Canada)2511MID7Gio ReynaBorussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga, Germany)2336MID8Weston McKennieJuventus (Serie A, Italy)2764MID15Cristian RoldanSeattle Sounders (MLS, United States)3045MID17Malik TillmanBayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, Germany)2328MID26Alejandro ZendejasClub America (Liga MX, Mexico)2813FWD20Folarin BalogunAS Monaco (Ligue 1, France)2425FWD9Ricardo PepiPSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie, Netherlands)2335FWD10Christian PulisicAC Milan (Serie A, Italy)2784FWD21Timothy WeahMarseille (Ligue 1, France)2649FWD19Haji WrightCoventry City (Championship, England)2820

9. Norway

Any side with Erling Haaland — the world’s best pure No. 9 — in the mix is sure to have a head start, but this Norway side is not here to mess around. Indeed, they have a deep mix of talent that has the potential to spark a surprisingly deep run in this summer’s World Cup.

It all starts with Haaland, of course, who boasts an unbelievable 55 goals in 49 international appearances. Across the past two years of international play, dating back to a 3-0 friendly win in June of 2024, Haaland has scored a truly jaw-dropping 28 goals in 18 appearances, including two hat-tricks and one legendary five-goal haul in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Yet it takes more than just Haaland to make this Norway team formidable. Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard wears the captain’s armband, regarded as one of the best passers in the world even coming off a down season at Arsenal where he was forced to do more dirty work than usual. The success of Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League this season provided the national team with good talent depth, while young Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup is an up-and-coming star in good form.

Look out for the Landslaget this summer.

Head coach: Stale Solbakken (Norway)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Norway’s 2026 World Cup squad

PositionNo.PlayerClubAgeCapsGK1Orjan NylandSevilla (La Liga, Spain)3569GK13Egil SelvikWatford (Championship, England)286GK12Sander TangvikHamburg (Bundesliga, Germany)230DEF3Kristoffer AjerBrentford (Premier League, England)2850DEF15Fredrik Andre BjorkanBodo/Glimt (Eliteserien, Norway)2719DEF25Henrik FalchenerVikingur (Eliteserien, Norway)231DEF17Torbjorn HeggemBologna (Serie A, Italy)2513DEF24Sondre LangasDerby County (Championship, England)252DEF4Leo Skiri OstigardGenoa (Serie A, Italy)2636DEF16Marcus PedersenTorino (Serie A, Italy)2531DEF26Julian RyersonBorussia Dortmund (Bundesliga, Germany)2841DEF5David Moller WolfeWolves (Championship, England)2420MID19Thelo AasgaardRangers (Premiership, Scotland)246MID14Fredrik AursnesBenfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)3020MID6Patrick BergBodo/Glimt (Eliteserien, Norway)2841MID8Sander BergeFulham (Premier League, England)2864MID23Jens Petter HaugeBodo/Glimt (Eliteserien, Norway)2614MID20Antonio NusaRB Leipzig (Bundesliga, Germany)2122MID10Martin OdegaardArsenal (Premier League, England)2767MID21Andreas SchjelderupBenfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)2110MID2Morten ThorsbyCremonese (Serie A, Italy)3030MID18Kristian ThorstveldtSassuolo (Serie A, Italy)2735FWD22Oscar BobbFulham (Premier League, England)2218FWD9Erling HaalandMan City (Premier League, England)2549FWD11Jorgen Strand LarsenCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)2626FWD7Alexander SorlothAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)3070

8. Brazil

For casual fans used to reading a Brazil squad list bursting with glittering superstars and global icons, this 26-man roster will be nothing short of a splash of cold water to the face.

Sure, the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha give this squad its world-class flair, and the back line is anchored by world-class defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos. But even they have struggled to replicate their title-winning club form for the national team, and beyond that is a list of players who do not measure up to the depth this team once enjoyed.

Given the right circumstances, an ageing Casemiro can pair well with Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, supporting Matheus Cunha. But they have failed to come together for any reasonable stretch of time for Brazil in the past few years, and they still must prove they can stand up to the titans of Europe.

The most glaringly thin position is at full-back, where the team is completely devoid of any notable talent and a host of domestic-based role players will have to do. It’s going to be a difficult job for Carlo Ancelotti this summer in his first national team gig, missing a litany of key players to injury and failing to help himself by omitting Chelsea striker Joao Pedro.

Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad

PosNo.NameClubAgeCapsGK1Alisson BeckerLiverpool (Premier League, England)3376GK23EdersonFenerbahce (Super Lig, Turkey)3231GK12WevertonGremio (Serie A, Brazil)381DEF14BremerJuventus (Serie A, Italy)296DEF13DaniloFlamengo (Serie A, Brazil)3468DEF3GabrielArsenal (Premier League, England)2817DEF24Roger IbanezAl Ahli (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)275DEF4MarquinhosPSG (Ligue 1, France)32104DEF15Leo PereiraFlamengo (Serie A, Brazil)302DEF6Alex SandroFlamengo (Serie A, Brazil)3543DEF16Douglas SantosZenit St. Petersburg (Premier League, Russia)325DEF2WesleyAS Roma (Serie A, Italy)226MID5CasemiroMan United (Premier League, England)3484MID17FabinhoAl Ittihad (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)3231MID8Bruno GuimaraesNewcastle (Premier League, England)2841MID20Lucas PaquetaFlamengo (Serie A, Brazil)2861MID18Danilo SantosBotafogo (Serie A, Brazil)252FWD9Matheus CunhaMan United (Premier League, England)2621FWD19EndrickLyon (Ligue 1, France)1915FWD21Luiz HenriqueZenit St. Petersburg (Premier League, Russia)2513FWD22Gabriel MartinelliArsenal (Premier League, England)2422FWD10NeymarSantos (Serie A, Brazil)34128FWD11RaphinhaBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2937FWD26RayanBournemouth (Premier League, England)191FWD25Igor ThiagoBrentford (Premier League, England)242FWD7Vinicius Jr.Real Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2547

7. Germany

While a few stars from the last era of German football remain dotting their roster, this squad is chock full of relatively lesser-known names plucked from mid-table Bundesliga sides. The likes of Nadiem Amiri, Felix Nmecha, Max Beier, Jamie Leweling, and Waldemar Anton are new faces for casual fans who are used to being familiar with Germany’s entire roster.

Even a number of the established stars in this squad have question marks looming over their heads.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is 40 years old and has been poor at the club level for some time now, but still decided to come out of retirement for one more World Cup run. Kai Havertz is one of the most effective and versatile forwards in the world, but the Arsenal man is coming off an injury-riddled season. There’s no debating the talent of playmaker Florian Wirtz, but he struggled to adapt in his first season at Liverpool. And Jamal Musiala is one of the best young No. 10’s in the game, but still doesn’t quite seem himself after returning from a nasty broken leg last summer.

The best player in this squad right now, arguably, is largely underrated centre-back Jonathan Tah, who was one of the few exports from Xabi Alonso’s title-winning side at Bayer Leverkusen who established himself well at his new club, becoming one of the top defenders in the world. There are a ton of questions about this German squad, even if they possess raw talent across the board.

Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad

PositionNo.PlayerClubAgeCapsGK12Oliver BaumannHoffenheim (Bundesliga, Germany)3511GK1Manuel NeuerBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)40124GK21Alexander NubelBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)293DEF3Waldemar AntonBorussia Dortmund (Bundesliga, Germany)2912DEF18Nathaniel BrownEintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga, Germany)223DEF13Pascal GrossBrighton and Hove Albion (Premier League, England)3418DEF6Joshua KimmichBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)31108DEF22David RaumRB Leipzig (Bundesliga, Germany)2836DEF2Antonio RudigerReal Madrid (La Liga, Spain)3382DEF15Nico SchlotterbeckBorussia Dortmund (Bundesliga, Germany)2625DEF4Jonathan TahBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)3045DEF24Malick ThiawNewcastle United (Premier League, England)245MID20Nadiem AmiriMainz (Bundesliga, Germany)299MID8Leon GoretzkaBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)3169MID25Lennart KarlBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)182MID10Jamal MusialaBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)2340MID23Felix NmechaBorussia Dortmund (Bundesliga, Germany)256MID5Aleksandar PavlovicBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)229MID19Leroy SaneGalatasaray (Super Lig, Turkey)3074MID16Angelo StillerStuttgart (Bundesliga, Germany)257MID17Florian WirtzLiverpool (Premier League, England)2339FWD14Maximilian BeierBorussia Dortmund (Bundesliga, Germany)237FWD7Kai HavertzArsenal (Premier League, England)2657FWD9Jamie LewelingStuttgart (Bundesliga, Germany)254FWD26Deniz UndavStuttgart (Bundesliga, Germany)297FWD11Nick WoltemadeNewcastle United (Premier League, England)2410

6. Netherlands

Nobody is talking about the Netherlands coming into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but they should be, because the Oranje enter this summer’s tournament with a glittering list of players in the prime of their careers and in good club form.

Virgil van Dijk may have lost a step as he crosses 34 years old, but he remains a leader at the back and a strong performer in defence. He is supported by world-class full-back duo Denzel Dumfries and Jurrien Timber on either side, and experienced Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in the middle. Frenkie De Jong’s tumultuous off-field story at Barcelona distracts from what a top midfield distributor he is, and Tijjani Reijnders provides good creativity in the middle.

Cody Gakpo isn’t exactly a true No. 9, but he is a proven goal scorer at international level, and is surrounded by exceptional talent up front, as in-form Donyell Malen is waiting to break out alongside veteran Memphis Depay who continues to churn out international goals no matter what his club situation may be.

The Dutch likely aren’t title contenders, but they have the talent available to make a surprising semifinal run if they can spring an upset or two.

Head coach: Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)

MORE:A complete breakdown of the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad

PositionNo.PlayerClubAgeCapsGK23Mark FlekkenBayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, Germany)3211GK13Robin RoefsSunderland (Premier League, England)230GK1Bart VerbruggenBrighton (Premier League, England)2327DEF5Nathan AkeMan City (Premier League, England)3158DEF4Virgil van DijkLiverpool (Premier League, England)3490DEF22Denzel DumfriesInter Milan (Serie A, Italy)3071DEF25Jorrel HatoChelsea (Premier League, England)207DEF6Jan Paul van HeckeBrighton (Premier League, England)2510DEF2Jurrien TimberArsenal (Premier League, England)2423DEF15Micky van de VenTottenham (Premier League, England)2519MID8Ryan GravenberchLiverpool (Premier League, England)2425MID20Teun KoopmeinersJuventus (Serie A, Italy)2827MID21Frenkie de JongBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2964MID14Tijjani ReijndersMan City (Premier League, England)2730MID3Marten de RoonAtalanta (Serie A, Italy)3542MID16Guus TilPSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie, Netherlands)286MID26Quinten TimberMarseille (Ligue 1, France)286MID12Mats WiefferBrighton (Premier League, England)2614FWD19Brian BrobbeySunderland (Premier League, England)2410FWD10Memphis DepayCorinthians (Serie A, Brazil)32108FWD11Cody GakpoLiverpool (Premier League, England)2748FWD7Justin KluivertBournemouth (Premier League, England)2711FWD17Noa LangGalatasaray (Super Lig, Turkey)2615FWD18Donyell MalenAS Roma (Serie A, Italy)2751FWD24Crysencio SummervilleWest Ham (Championship, England)240FWD9Wout WeghorstAjax (Eredivisie, Netherlands)3351

5. Argentina

Defending champions Argentina do not boast quite the same level of recognisable world-class talent as their European counterparts, but that is what makes Lionel Scaloni the world-class coach he is. Even with legend Lionel Messi in the side, Argentina are less about piecing together Ballon d’Or candidates and more about becoming greater than the sum of its parts.

The likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Exequiel Palacios, and Lisandro Martinez play for big European clubs, of course, but they have never been considered amongst the top echelon of superstars in the current generation, yet they are all major contributors of the Argentine national team’s title-winning squad.

Outside of Messi, who is still able to log consistent 90-minute performances at 38 years old when not dealing with hamstring injuries, the real gem of this squad is Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, who has been flirting with a move to Real Madrid of late. He makes this side go, but has plenty of help in that regard.

Head coach: Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad

PosNo.NameClubAgeCapsGK23Emiliano MartinezAston Villa (Premier League, England)3359GK1Juan MussoAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)323GK12Geronimo RulliMarseille (Ligue 1, France)347DEF2Leonardo BalerdiMarseille (Ligue 1, France)2711DEF6Lisandro MartinezManchester United (Premier League, England)2826DEF25Facundo MedinaLens (Ligue 1, France)277DEF26Nahuel MolinaAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2858DEF4Gonzalo MontielRiver Plate (Primera Liga, Argentina)2938DEF19Nicolas OtamendiBenfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)38130DEF13Cristian RomeroTottenham Hotspur (Premier League, England)2849DEF3Nicolas TagliaficoLyon (Ligue 1, France)3375MID8Valentin BarcoStrasbourg (Ligue 1, France)212MID7Rodrigo De PaulInter Miami (MLS, United States)3285MID24Enzo FernandezChelsea (Premier League, England)2540MID11Giovani Lo CelsoReal Betis (La Liga, Spain)3065MID20Alexis Mac AllisterLiverpool (Premier League, England)2744MID14Exequiel PalaciosBayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, Germany)2738MID5Leandro ParedesBoca Juniors (Primera Liga, Argentina)3177MID18Nico PazComo (Serie A, Italy)218FWD16Thiago AlmadaAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2514FWD9Julian AlvarezAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2651FWD15Nicolas GonzalezJuventus (Serie A, Italy)2850FWD21Jose LopezPalmeiras (Brasileirao, Brazil)253FWD22Lautaro MartinezInter Milan (Serie A, Italy)2875FWD10Lionel MessiInter Miami (MLS, United States)38198FWD17Giuliano SimeoneAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2311

4. Portugal

With Portugal not considered amongst the top contenders for the World Cup trophy, their talented squad is flying under the radar. What makes this team so impressive on paper is the midfield, which is probably the best in the World Cup field.

PSG star Vitinha is one of the best three midfielders in the world, and he is joined by club teammate Joao Neves who is one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. Tack on Bruno Fernandes, who just set the Premier League single-season assists record and is a world-class midfielder in all phases of the game, and that trio is unquestionably at a higher level than any other side in the competition.

They also boast a strong back line, but their lack of attacking talent is worrying. Rafael Leao endured a brutal season with AC Milan and could be dumped by the Italian club, and Joao Felix darted for the Saudi Pro League in his prime years. Goncalo Ramos just won the Champions League with PSG, but played a clear second fiddle to Ousmane Dembele and represents a clear drop-off from the talent of the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

Head coach: Roberto Martinez (Spain)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad

PosNameClubAgeCapsGKDiogo CostaPorto (Primeira Liga, Portugal)2642GKJose SaWolves (Championship, England)334GKRui SilvaSporting CP (Primeira Division, Portugal)322GKRicardo VelhoGenclerbirligi (Super Lig, Turkey)271DEFTomas AraujoBenfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)243DEFJoao CanceloBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)3166DEFDiogo DalotManchester United (Premier League, England)2733DEFRuben DiasManchester City (Premier League, England)2974DEFGoncalo InacioSporting CP (Primeira Liga, Portugal)2424DEFNuno MendesParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France)2343DEFMatheus NunesManchester City (Premier League, England)2719DEFNelson SemedoFenerbahce (Super Lig, Turkey)3248DEFRenato VeigaVillarreal (La Liga, Spain)2211MIDSamu CostaMallorca (Segunda Division, Spain)254MIDBruno FernandesManchester United (Premier League, England)3187MIDJoao NevesParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France)2121MIDRuben NevesAl Hilal (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)2965MIDBernardo SilvaManchester City (Premier League, England)31107MIDVitinhaParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France)2637FWDFrancisco ConceicaoJuventus (Serie A, Italy)2315FWDJoao FelixAl Nassr (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)2652FWDGoncalo GuedesReal Sociedad (La Liga, Spain)2933FWDRafael LeaoAC Milan (Serie A, Italy)2643FWDPedro NetoChelsea (Premier League, England)2623FWDGoncalo RamosParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France)2424FWDCristiano RonaldoAl Nassr (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)41226FWDFrancisco TrincaoSporting CP (Primeira Liga, Portugal)2617

3. England

As the home of the richest and most talented club league in the world, it’s no surprise that England boasts one of the most loaded rosters of any World Cup participant.

Striker Harry Kane leads the way, as one of the most in-form goal scorers on the planet, and he is propped up by midfield superstar Jude Bellingham who remains one of the world’s best at his position despite a down season at Real Madrid. A host of title-winning Arsenal stars are in the mix, as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are likely to start, and Marc Guehi has become one of the best centre-backs in the world having made a move to Man City.

However, head coach Thomas Tuchel made some highly questionable roster decisions that could leave this squad vulnerable late in the tournament. Tuchel decided to leave Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, along with a number of other talented snubs. None of those players had particularly strong club seasons, but they all remain proven players at the international and club levels.

Instead of bringing veteran Harry Maguire along after a strong season with Man United, Tuchel selected a potentially vulnerable group of defenders, including Ezri Konsa, Jarrell Quansah, and Djed Spence, while aging veteran Jordan Henderson was bafflingly included despite being cut from a terrible Ajax team a year ago.

There’s plenty for this team to prove despite their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Head coach: Thomas Tuchel (Germany)

MORE:A complete breakdown of England’s 2026 World Cup squad

PositionNo.PlayerClubAgeCapsGK13Dean HendersonCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)294GK1Jordan PickfordEverton (Premier League, England)3282GK23James TraffordManchester City (Premier League, England)231DEF15Dan BurnNewcastle (Premier League, England)346DEF6Marc GuehiManchester City (Premier League, England)2527DEF24Reece JamesChelsea (Premier League, England)2622DEF2Ezri KonsaAston Villa (Premier League, England)2818DEF12Tino LivramentoNewcastle United (Premier League, England)235DEF3Nico O’ReillyManchester City (Premier League, England)213DEF26Jarell QuansahBayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, Germany)231DEF25Djed SpenceTottenham Hotspur (Premier League, England)244DEF5John StonesManchester City (Premier League, England)3187MID8Elliot AndersonNottingham Forest (Premier League, England)237MID10Jude BellinghamReal Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2246MID21Eberechi EzeArsenal (Premier League, England)2716MID14Jordan HendersonBrentford (Premier League, England)3589MID16Kobbie MainooManchester United (Premier League, England)2112MID4Declan RiceArsenal (Premier League, England)2772MID17Morgan RogersAston Villa (Premier League, England)2313FWD18Anthony GordonNewcastle United (Premier League, England)2517FWD9Harry KaneBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)32112FWD20Noni MaduekeArsenal (Premier League, England)2410FWD11Marcus RashfordManchester United (Barcelona, Spain)2870FWD7Bukayo SakaArsenal (Premier League, England)2448FWD22Ivan ToneyAl Ahli (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)307FWD19Ollie WatkinsAston Villa (Premier League, England)3020

2. Spain

Spain have a World Cup-winning roster, that much is clear. But there are a few small deficiencies, largely due to injuries they have been forced to endure heading in to the competition.

First and foremost, the health of superstar winger Lamine Yamal is in question after he suffered a hamstring injury late in the La Liga season. He could miss time, which robs Spain of their progressive workhorse on the right flank, along with world-class levels of creativity and goal scoring. Starting left winger Nico Williams is also less than fully fit, leaving Spain to dig deeper into their winger depth as they hope to support striker Mikel Oyarzabal off a strong La Liga season with Real Sociedad.

Still, they are loaded at the back and in midfield, where Pau Cubarsi is one of the best young defenders in the world and his Barcelona teammate Pedri has blossomed to become arguably the best midfielder in the game.

They also have easily the best goalkeeping trio in the field. Joan Garcia was strong in his first season at Barcelona, while David Raya was arguably Arsenal’s most important player in a Premier League title-winning campaign…and there’s a good chance neither will start as Unai Simon has established himself as a regular for Spain in net.

Head coach: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)

MORE:A complete breakdown of Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad

PositionNo.PlayerClubAgeCapsGK23Unai SimonAthletic Club (La Liga, Spain)2857GK1David RayaArsenal (Premier League, England)3012GK13Joan GarciaBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)251DEF24Marc CucurellaChelsea (Premier League, England)2723DEF3Alejandro GrimaldoBayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, Germany)3012DEF22Pau CubarsiBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)1911DEF14Aymeric LaporteAthletic Club (La Liga, Spain)3144DEF4Eric GarciaBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2519DEF2Marc PubillAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)220DEF5Marcos LlorenteAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)3123DEF12Pedro PorroTottenham (La Liga, Spain)2616MID20PedriBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2340MID8Fabian RuizParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, Spain)3041MID18Martin ZubimendiArsenal (Premier League, England)2725MID9GaviBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2128MID16RodriManchester City (Premier League, England)2961MID15Alex BaenaAtletico Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2415FWD21Mikel OyazarbalReal Sociedad (La Liga, Spain)2952FWD10Dani OlmoBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2848FWD17Nico WilliamsAthletic Club (La Liga, Spain)2330FWD11Yeremy PinoCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)2321FWD7Ferran TorresBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2655FWD26Borja IglesiasCelta Vigo (La Liga, Spain)336FWD25Victor MunozOsasuna (La Liga, Spain)222FWD19Lamine YamalBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)1825

1. France

France have the best squad of any 2026 World Cup team, and it’s not particularly close.

Everyone knows about the wealth of world-class attacking talent Les Bleus boast, with reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Ballon d’Or contender Michael Olise, PSG wonderkid Desire Doue, and Man City playmaker Rayan Cherki all supporting superstar forward Kylian Mbappe.

But what most people don’t give France enough credit for is their outlandish depth in defence as well. William Saliba will start if healthy, but there is incredible talent behind him at centre-back in Bayern starter Dayot Upamecano and likely Real Madrid signing Ibrahima Konate, and the full-back position is loaded too, including Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and Malo Gusto of Chelsea.

Midfield is their weakest position, but it still looks solid as Aurelien Tchouameni will be locked in to the roster and Warren Zaire-Emery is a strong performer too.

Head coach: Didier Deschamps (France)

MORE:A complete breakdown of France’s 2026 World Cup squad

PosNo.NameClubAgeCapsGK16Mike MaignanAC Milan (Serie A, Italy)3038GK23Robin RisserLens (Ligue 1, France)210GK1Brice SambaRennes (Ligue 1, France)324DEF3Lucas DigneAston Villa (Premier League, England)3256DEF2Malo GustoChelsea (Premier League, England)239DEF21Lucas HernandezParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France) 3041DEF19Theo HernandezAl-Hilal (Pro League, Saudi Arabia)2842DEF15Ibrahima KonateLiverpool (Premier League, England)2727DEF5Jules KoundeBarcelona (La Liga, Spain)2746DEF26Maxence LacroixCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)262DEF4Dayot UpamecanoBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)2736DEF17William SalibaArsenal (Premier League, England)2531MID13N’Golo KanteFenerbahce (Super Lig, Turkey)3567MID6Manu KoneAS Roma (Serie A, Italy)2512MID14Adrien RabiotAC Milan (Serie A, Italy)3157MID8Aurelien TchouameniReal Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2644MID18Warren Zaire-EmeryParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France) 2010FWD25Maghnes AklioucheMonaco (Ligue 1, France)247FWD12Bradley BarcolaParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France)2318FWD24Rayan CherkiManchester City (Premier League, England)225FWD7Ousmane DembeleParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France) 2958FWD20Desire DoueParis Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, France) 216FWD22Jean-Philippe MatetaCrystal Palace (Premier League, England)283FWD10Kylian MbappeReal Madrid (La Liga, Spain)2796FWD11Michael OliseBayern Munich (Bundesliga, Germany)2415FWD9Marcus ThuramInter Milan (Serie A, Italy)2833

Honorable mentions

Belgium

This squad has multiple strong points, starting with the best goalkeeper in the world in Thibaut Courtois, but their “Golden Generation” is aging out of its prime quickly, leaving the next generation thin and unproven.

Kevin De Bruyne is now 34 years old and played just 1,300 minutes for Napoli this season as he battled injuries. Romelu Lukaku is 33 and himself was unfit nearly all year. Jeremy Doku is a wizard on the wing, and Youri Tielemans is a monster in the middle, but the attacking talent in this squad is otherwise largely on unproven individuals like Charles De Ketelaere and Alexis Saelemaekers who have not been reliable options.

Morocco

Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best full-back in the world, and he leads a strong squad that is fresh off reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final. Their goalkeeper is also exceptional, with Yassine Bounou one of the breakout stars four years ago in Qatar.

Yet outside of those two players, this team is pieced together with European role players and others dotted across the globe. If 32-year-old striker Ayoub El Kaabi had a great season in Greece with Olympiacos, but he faded towards the end of the long season, and if he struggles with little service up front, it could be tough for this African giant to score goals.

Colombia

While Los Cafeteros boast one of the most experienced sides in the World Cup field, there are few truly top-tier playmakers outside of Bayern Munich superstar Luis Diaz.

James Rodriguez is 34 years old and continues to have a mercurial but largely unsuccessful club career, while other veterans like Davinson Sanchez and Jefferson Lerma play various roles at mid-level European sides.

They can be one of the best South American sides in the field, but they are not quite top-10 quality.

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