World Cup 2026 power rankings: Counting down all 48 teams

 The World Cup is nearly here, and it's bigger than ever.

With an expanded field, more teams from every region had an opportunity to reach the finals. As the matches approach, USA TODAY Sports ranks all 48 teams from least likely to lift the trophy to most likely.

Is Argentina the favorite to repeat? Can a minnow pull off a shock? And who's the dark horse?

48. Curacao

The debutants make for an amazing story, but their group would be difficult even for a much larger nation.

47. Jordan

Already underdogs, Jordan couldn't afford to see key players go down with injury like it has.

46. Qatar

Since narrowly securing qualification, Qatar hasn't won a match. Preparations being disrupted by the war in Iran is understandable, but it's tough to see them delivering a better showing than 2022.

45. Cape Verde

Another new face in the World Cup, the Blue Sharks are going to need some heroic performances from veteran players to get anything out of their first trip to the biggest stage.

44. New Zealand

Though they were defensively stout, results in 2025 were not positive for Darren Bazeley's squad, which will also have to prove it can defend against top teams.

43. Iraq

Graham Arnold's squad overcame many obstacles to qualify from FIFA's intercontinental playoff, but a spot in the "Group of Death" is a rude reward.

42. Saudi Arabia

A late managerial change rarely portends success, though March's friendlies didn't go well at all for the Green Falcons.

41. Panama

Central America's only representative in the World Cup would be higher were it not for two big blows: Uncertainty around do-it-all midfielder Coco Carrasquilla's fitness and getting drawn into a group with England, Croatia and Ghana.

40. Czechia

The draw for our lowest-ranked European team is favorable, but they'll still need to muck things up and get a bit fortunate in front of goal to move on.

39. Tunisia

The AFCON was unimpressive, and the attack is too unpredictable to expect big things in Mexico (and one U.S. game).

38. Uzbekistan

Our highest-ranked debutant, Uzbekistan has some real talent, but they're yet to be tested against the types of teams they're about to face.

37. Haiti

More than just a remarkable story, Haiti blend veteran national team players with new recruits who play in top European leagues.