This summer is going to be epic with the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams and spread across three countries. Expectations are high, pressure is on and this is a must-see tournament with world-class players aiming to step up big.
But in a tournament with the best of the best from each nation competing, which teams will be the serious World Cup title contenders? Which teams could punch above their weight? And what about co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada?
We’re diving into the World Cup field by placing all the teams into distinct tiers, breaking down what to know about them and what to look for when they take the field. From squads that are feeling the pressure to potential overachievers to those that are simply thrilled to be at this tournament, here’s a look at all 48 World Cup teams.
JUMP TO: Tall Task Ahead | Will Make It Interesting | Don’t Overlook Them | Can Make A Deep Run | Pressure To Perform | Title Or Bust
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Who doesn’t love a World Cup first-timer? The island nation off the coast of Africa with a population of 500,000 (the third-smallest team ever after Iceland in 2018 and Curaçao this year) will dive into the deep end by opening up group-stage action against Spain. The Blue Sharks will be led by longtime coach Bubista, who’s been in charge since 2020.
Keep An Eye On: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır F.K.) is a 36-year-old winger who is Cape Verde’s captain as well as its all-time leader in goals (22) and appearances (96).
Fact To Know: Teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) making their World Cup debut are 4-8-1 (W-L-D), and have lost four straight games (all coming in 2006).
World Cup odds: +100000
Odds to advance from group: +225
Group H opponents: Spain (June 15), Uruguay (June 21), Saudi Arabia (June 26)
(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
You have to feel good for Haiti, which returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play any of its qualifying matches on home soil. It’s never easy to take out more experienced CONCACAF sides like Costa Rica and Honduras, but Les Grenadiers relied on their stout defense to reach the 48-team field. Up next? Brazil, Scotland and Morocco this summer.
Keep an eye on: Duckenz Nazon, who plays at Iranian club Esteghlal, is a 31-year-old striker and is Haiti’s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals.
Fact to know: Haiti is looking for its first win in the World Cup ever, going 0-3-0 (W-L-D) in its only other appearance in 1974.
World Cup title odds: +150000
Odds to advance from group: +700
Group C opponents: Scotland (June 13), Brazil (June 19), Morocco (June 24)
(Photo by Julio Cesar AGUILAR / AFP via Getty Images)
With the expanded 48-team field, Jordan will make its debut trip to the World Cup after having come close in 2014 by making the intercontinental playoffs. This team, which goes by “The Chivalrous Ones,” faces a big mountain this summer in a group that includes Argentina, Austria and Algeria.
Keep an eye on: Musa Al-Taamari (Rennes) is a 28-year-old winger who spent the last three seasons playing in France’s Ligue 1 and will captain Jordan.
Fact to know: Teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) making their World Cup debut are winless, going 0-10-1 (W-L-D).
World Cup title odds: +150000
Odds to advance from group: +275
Group J opponents: Austria (June 17), Algeria (June 22), Argentina (June 27)
(Photo by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Images)
Congo DR wasn’t supposed to make it this far, but a surprising qualifying campaign that included beating traditional African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon has the Leopards back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974 (when the country was known as Zaire). Congo DR needed to beat Jamaica at the intercontinental playoffs to book its spot this summer. West Ham United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka headlines an intriguing roster with plenty of European experience.
Keep an eye on: Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) is a 29-year-old winger who has played in the English Premier League for the past five seasons, most notably scoring 49 goals for Brentford in four seasons.
Fact to know: Congo DR is managed by Sébastien Desabre, who has won 29 games and drawn eight times out of 48 matches since taking over in 2022.
World Cup title odds: +70000
Odds to advance from group: -155
Group K opponents: Portugal (June 17), Columbia (June 23), Uzbekistan (June 27)
(Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
New Zealand returns to the big stage for the first time since 2010 when the team notably went undefeated (three straight draws) but couldn’t reach the knockout round. The return of star striker Chris Wood — who earlier this month played his first match for Nottingham Forest in nearly six months following a knee injury — will give the All-Whites some hope this summer.
Keep an eye on: Marko Stamenić (Swansea City) is a 24-year-old midfielder who has scored two goals and two assists in the English Football Championship in 32 appearances (as of April 9).
Fact to know: New Zealand is looking for its first-ever win at the World Cup, going 0-3-3 (W-L-D) in two previous appearances (1982, 2010).
World Cup title odds: +100000
Odds to advance from group: +175
Group G opponents: Iran (June 15), Egypt (June 21), Belgium (June 26)
(Photo by Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Now in their second straight World Cup, the 2022 hosts qualified for 2026 on their playing merit this time around. Led by former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, they’re still looking for their first point on soccer’s biggest stage. They’ll have to do so in a group that includes co-hosts Canada.
Keep an eye on: Akram Afif (Al Sadd) is a 29-year-old winger who has the third-most appearances for Qatar with 132 and also ranks tied-for-third in goals with 41.
Fact to know: Qatar is looking for its first point ever at the World Cup, having gone 0-3-0 (W-L-D) in 2022.
World Cup title odds: +100000
Odds to advance from group: +300
Group B opponents: Switzerland (June 13), Canada (June 18), Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 24)
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
South Africa will play in the first match of the entire World Cup for the second time in its history and, interestingly enough, against the same opponent. In 2010, it welcomed Mexico to Johannesburg, but this time, Bafana Bafana will be visitors at the renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. With a co-host and a tough South Korea team in the same group, it could be difficult to make a run this summer.
Keep an eye on: Lyle Foster (Burnley) is a 25-year-old center forward who has played in France Ligue 1, the Belgian Pro League and currently plays in the English Premier League.
Fact to know: South Africa took down France in the group stage in 2010, defeating it, 3-2.
World Cup title odds: +80000
Odds to advance from group: +150
Group A opponents: Mexico (June 11), Czechia (June 18), South Korea (June 24)
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The second opponent for the USA during the group stage, expect the Socceroos to be a tough foe in Seattle. Australia gave Lionel Messi and eventual champions Argentina a scare in the round of 16 in Qatar before losing, 2-1, and the 2026 event marks their sixth straight World Cup trip. Organized and physical under coach Tony Popovic, they’ll be a tough out.
Keep an eye on: Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli) is a 33-year-old central midfielder who has played in the Scottish Premiership, England’s Championship and Germany’s Bundesliga.
Fact to know: Two of Australia’s four total wins at the World Cup came in 2022, defeating Denmark and Tunisia.
World Cup title odds: +45000
Odds to advance from group: +100
Group D opponents: Türkiye (June 14), United States (June 19), Paraguay (June 25)
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Qualifying for the World Cup out of the UEFA playoffs in March, the Czechs are back for the first time since 2006. Needing penalties to oust Ireland and Denmark, the team will have to navigate a tricky group stage that includes taking on Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
Keep an eye on: Patrick Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) is a 30-year-old striker who needs three goals to move into third all time for Czechia.
Fact to know: Czechia became an independent nation in 1993 but made the finals twice as Czechoslovakia in 1934 and 1962.
World Cup title odds: +15000
Odds to advance from group: -475
Group A opponents: South Korea (June 11), South Africa (June 20), Mexico (June 24)
(Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
It’s been a while since we last saw the Ivory Coast at the World Cup — its last appearance was in 2014 — and this is a different generation than when the legendary Didier Drogba was captaining the Elephants. But there is talent on this roster, and a 4-0 thumping over South Korea in a March friendly will provide momentum for this summer.
Keep an eye on: Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is a 23-year-old winger who has made 63 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists (as of April 10).
Fact to know: Ivory Coast has made three previous World Cup appearances but never advanced past the group stage.
World Cup title odds: +25000
Odds to advance from group: -370
Group E opponents: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curaçao (June 25)
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
With seven World Cup appearances in its history, is Tunisia ready to finally reach the knockout stage? The Eagles of Carthage know that’s a tough assignment with Netherlands and Japan in their group. A fun detail — Tunisia was the first African nation to win a World Cup match when it beat Mexico in 1978.
Keep an eye on: Elias Saad (Hannover 96) is a 26-year-old winger who has been playing in Germany since 2019.
Fact to know: This will be Tunisia’s sixth World Cup appearance in the last eight editions of the tournament.
World Cup title odds: +50000
Odds to advance from group: +120
Group F opponents: Sweden (June 14), Japan (June 21), Netherlands (June 25)
(Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Fans will know to watch out for Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool legend who announced earlier in the year that it will be his final season at Anfield. Egypt — the most successful team in Africa with seven continental titles — will lean on Salah to help get the Pharaohs out of the group stage for the first time in the World Cup.
Keep an eye on: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) is a 27-year-old center forward who scored 37 goals and 20 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga before moving to the English Premier League.
Fact to know: Egypt is looking for its first win ever at the World Cup, recording a 0-5-2 (W-L-D) record in its three previous appearances (1934, 1990, 2018).
World Cup title odds: +30000
Odds to advance from group: -310
Group G opponents: Belgium (June 15), New Zealand (June 21), Iran (June 26)
(Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The Tartan Army will be full voice this summer with Scotland back in the World Cup for its first appearance since 1998. The Scots will be riding the success of its star midfielder Scott McTominay, who scored an epic bicycle-kick golazo to clinch his country’s spot back in November. A former Manchester United product, McTominay has found his stride with Italian club Napoli. He’ll have the chance to shine this summer against Brazil and Morocco.
Keep an eye on: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) is a 32-year-old left back who is Scotland’s captain and second overall in national team appearances with 92.
Fact to know: In its eight World Cup appearances, Scotland has never advanced past the Group Stage.
World Cup title odds: +20000
Odds to advance from group: -230
Group C opponents: Haiti (June 13), Morocco (June 19), Brazil (June 24)
(Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
You can set your watch to South Korea being at the World Cup with the Taegeuk Warriors now making 11 straight tournament appearances. Back in 2002 as co-hosts, the squad became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals. How far can South Korea go this summer? It’ll face co-host Mexico, but with plenty of European-based stars, South Korea could be the favorite in Group A. In his first full season at LAFC, Son Heung-min is in fine form — he leads MLS with seven assists — and will want to keep that up at the World Cup.
Keep an eye on: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is a 29-year-old center back who was named the best defender in Italy (Serie A) in 2023 and most recently won the Bundesliga title last season.
Fact to know: South Korea has advanced to the knockout stage in three of the past six World Cups.
World Cup title odds: +35000
Odds to advance from group: -330
Group A opponents: Czechia (June 11), Mexico (June 18), South Africa (June 24)
(Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
Runners-up in 2018. Third place in 2022. Has anyone punched above its World Cup weight more than Croatia? Already with one of the most magnificently unique kits in all of soccer, the checkered squad can’t be counted out in 2026, especially with its experience level and the fact that it’s led by superstar Luka Modrić. The 40-year-old midfielder and 2018 Balon d’Or winner has six Champions League trophies to his name from his time at Real Madrid.
Keep an eye on: Joško Gvardiol is a 24-year-old Manchester City center back and left back who was signed for a reported $106 million by his current club in 2023, the second-biggest transfer fee in Premier League history.
Fact to know: Croatia has made the World Cup six times and has advanced to the semifinals in three of those appearances.
World Cup title odds: +9000
Odds to advance from group: -475
Group L opponents: England (June 17), Panama (June 23), Ghana (June 27)
(Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Could this be the summer of the Samurai Blue? Japan looked impressive in March in friendly wins over England and Scotland, only adding to the buzz surrounding one of Asia’s most talented teams. Japan produced two of the biggest upsets in 2022 by beating Germany and Spain in the group phase, but the team has never progressed beyond the Round of 16. And as much as Japan is a delight to watch on the pitch, kudos must be given to the team’s supporters, who are known for cleaning up stadiums after matches.
Keep an eye on: Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) is a 28-year-old winger who has made 109 appearances in the English Premier League since the 2022-23 season, recording 22 goals and 18 assists (as of April 12).
Fact to know: Japan has made it to the knockout stage in four of the past seven World Cups.
World Cup title odds: +5000
Odds to advance from group: -340
Group F opponents: Netherlands (June 14), Tunisia (June 21), Sweden (June 25)
(Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
Switzerland is as dependable as the watches produced in the country; this team is headed to its sixth consecutive World Cup. It has reached the Round of 16 in each of the last three editions. Led by Premier League veterans Manuel Akanji (defender) and captain Granit Xhaka (midfielder), the Swiss will try to make at least the quarterfinals this summer — something they haven’t managed since 1954.
Keep an eye on: Xhaka (Sunderland) is a 33-year-old defensive midfielder who is the captain of Switzerland and is also their all-time leader in appearances with 144.
Fact to know: Switzerland has made the knockout stage in each of the last three World Cups, as well as four of the last five.
World Cup title odds: +10000
Odds to advance from group: -1800
Group B opponents: Qatar (June 13), Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 18), Canada (June 24)
(Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The winners of the first-ever World Cup in 1930, Uruguay wants to reach the final once again for the first time since winning its second title in 1950. Marcelo Bielsa, who took over as coach in 2023, has been criticized recently after a run of lackluster results in friendlies, which even prompted longtime striker Luis Suárez to consider returning to national team duty. But this squad still has talent, including Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. It’ll need to step up in a group that includes Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Keep an eye on: Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) is a 27-year-old center back who has made more than 200 appearances with his current club since 2019.
Fact to know: Uruguay is one of 10 nations to have made the World Cup on 15 different occasions.
World Cup title odds: +6500
Odds to advance from group: -800
Group H opponents: Saudi Arabia (June 15), Cape Verde (June 21), Spain (June 26)
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Ecuador could be the toughest team out of South America at this World Cup, headlined by players that are making a splash across Europe. La Tri finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina and ahead of Brazil. Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo, who plays at Chelsea, may be the best in the world at his position. Two draws in March friendlies with Morocco and the Netherlands didn’t slow down Ecuador, and the group-stage finale this summer against Germany could very well decide the group.
Keep an eye on: Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain) is a 24-year-old center back who has made more than 30 Champions League appearances for his current club.
Fact to know: This year’s team is considered Ecuador’s golden generation, with several players playing in Europe’s top leagues.
World Cup title odds: +8000
Odds to advance from group: -900
Group E opponents: Ivory Coast (June 14), Curaçao (June 20), Germany (June 25)
(Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Morocco won’t sneak up on anyone this time around. In fact, it’ll face big expectations to make another deep run at this summer’s World Cup. In 2022, the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals. Earlier in January, Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, where it reached the final and was retroactively given the title after a controversial finish with Senegal. Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s U-20 team to a Youth World Cup title in 2025, is now in charge of the senior side.
Keep an eye on: Achraf Hakimi is a 27-year-old right back who has played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Fact to know: Morocco has advanced past the group stage twice, making the Round of 16 in 1986 and the semifinals in 2022.
World Cup title odds: +6000
Odds to advance from group: -1000
Group C opponents: Brazil (June 13), Scotland (June 19), Haiti (June 24)
(Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Playing at a World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1994, the United States is hoping to make a deep run this summer under highly paid former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino. It won’t be easy for FIFA’s 16th-ranked squad. Since finishing fourth at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, the Americans’ best showing was a quarterfinal trip in 2002. Just equaling that feat this summer will require American star Christian Pulisic & Co. to win two knockout-stage matches — one more than they’ve managed in 10 tournament appearances.
Still, this USA squad is widely considered the most talented ever, with legitimate European club stars such as AC Milan’s Pulisic and Juventus’ Weston McKennie. The core that gained invaluable experience at Qatar 2022 is just now hitting its prime and has added a top striker in former England youth international Folarin Balogun, who has 18 goals for Monaco so far in 2025-26. Yet ugly March losses to Belgium and Portugal in pre-World Cup tuneups have tempered expectations, and Pulisic has been caught in an extended scoring drought for both club and country. His last goal for AC Milan came on Dec. 28, 2025, while his last goal for the Stars and Stripes was in November 2024. As of April 21, Pulisic’s scoreless streak stands at 17 games.
Keep an eye on: Pulisic is a 27-year-old forward/winger and was one of two players to score at least 10 goals with at least nine assists in Serie A play last season.
Fact to know: USA has made the knockout stage in five of its last eight World Cups.
World Cup title odds: +6500
Odds to advance from group: -575
Group D opponents: Paraguay (June 12), Australia (June 19), Türkiye (June 25)
(Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
The last time a World Cup final was held in the United States, Brazil left with the trophy in hand. That 1994 victory then led to a record fifth title in 2002, but Brazil fans have now waited nearly a quarter-century to add a sixth star to the iconic yellow jersey. The team now has its first non-Brazilian coach in legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, along with tons of talent. One player, however, who doesn’t seem to fit into Ancelotti’s plans this summer is Neymar. The longtime Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star has been inconsistent since returning to Brazil to play for club Santos. That could likely see him being left off the World Cup squad altogether this summer.
Keep an eye on: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) is a 25-year-old winger who finished as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.
Fact to know: Brazil is the only nation to have participated in all 23 editions of the World Cup.
World Cup title odds: +850
Odds to advance from group: -10000
Group C opponents: Morocco (June 13), Haiti (June 19), Scotland (June 24)
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
In what was arguably the greatest World Cup final ever, France fell short on penalties to Argentina in 2022. Now, Les Bleus are stacked once again and expected to finish the job this time. The lineup will be a who’s who of soccer stardom, headlined by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) and star Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé. The team’s depth took a hit when Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike — who scored for France in its 2-1 friendly win against Brazil last month — went down with an Achilles injury (announced on April 16). Still, there is plenty of depth on this French side, which is looking to send out Didier Deschamps on a high note, as the longtime manager — he was a World Cup winner as a player in 1998 — will depart at the end of the summer.
Keep an eye on: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) has 29 assists in all competitions this season, three shy of joining Lionel Messi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia’s all-time goals leader) as the only players to record 32 assists in a single season this century.
Fact to know: France has made four of the last seven World Cup finals.
World Cup title odds: +600
Odds to advance from group: -5000
Group I opponents: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)
(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Not advancing beyond the Round of 16 since its lone title in 2010, Spain is now primed to reach the final thanks to a trio of Barcelona players who’ll lead the squad. In attack, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut. The defense is set and commanded by 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí. And Pedri will anchor a midfield that will also likely include Manchester City’s Rodri, following a long layoff because of a knee injury. Having won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and 2024 Euro title, La Roja will be among the most followed squads this summer.
Keep an eye on: Pedri (Barcelona) is a 23-year-old central midfielder who has the highest transfer value of any midfielder in the world at $176.8 million (according to Transfermarkt).
Fact to know: With its 2024 Euro title, Spain is the only country to have won that tournament three times and also the only nation to have won it in consecutive editions (2008, 2012).
World Cup title odds: +450
Odds to advance from group: -10000
Group H opponents: Cape Verde (June 15), Saudi Arabia (June 21), Uruguay (June 26)
The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
