Favorites for the World Cup title? Who could surpass? The 48 teams by level

On July 19, a country will win the FIFA World Cup. But on June 11, 48 different teams – from Curaçao to Portugal, from Uzbekistan to France – will realize an impossible dream. The one in which everything is possible. We delve 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. Some teams are feeling the pressure. Some are potential overachievers. And others are simply excited to participate in this tournament. Here’s a look at the 48 World Cup teams with 50 days to go before the tournament. GO TO: Big task ahead | Will make it interesting | Don’t neglect them | can make a deep run | Pressure to perform | Title or failure Who doesn’t love a World Cup debutant? The island nation off the coast of Africa with a population of 500,000 (the third smallest team ever after Iceland in 2018 and Curacao this year) will dive into the deep end by opening the group stage against Spain. The Blue Sharks will be led by long-time coach Bubista, who has been at the helm since 2020. Ones to watch: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK) 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). (WLD) and have lost four straight games (all in 2006). World Cup Odds: +100000Odds to get out of group: +225 Group H opponents: Spain (June 15), Uruguay (June 21), Saudi Arabia (June 26) Will Blue Wave’s Cinderella story continue this summer? The Dutch territory became the smallest nation, both in terms of population (156,000 inhabitants) and area, to qualify for a World Cup. But things could be tough for Curacao with a group that includes Ecuador and four-time world champions Germany. And the team will have to do it without legendary Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, who led the Netherlands in the 1994 U.S. World Cup. Advocaat stepped down in March to care for his ill daughter. One to watch: Leandro Bacuna (Iğdır FK) is a 34-year-old central midfielder and right back who is Curaçao’s captain as well as its overall leader in terms of matches (70). Fact: CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football) teams making their World Cup debut are 2-6-3 (WLD), with the United States winning in 1930 and Costa Rica winning in 1990. World Cup title odds: +150,000 Odds to get out of group: +800 Group E opponents: Germany (June 14), Ecuador (June 20), Ivory Coast (June 25). You have to feel good for Haiti, which is returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play any of its qualifying matches at home. It’s never easy to knock out more experienced CONCACAF teams like Costa Rica and Honduras, but the Grenadiers relied on their strong defense to reach the 48-team field. The next step? Brazil, Scotland and Morocco this summer. One to watch: Duckenz Nazon, who plays for Iranian club Esteghlal, is a 31-year-old striker and is Haiti’s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals. Fact: Haiti is looking for its first World Cup victory, going 0-3-0 (WLD) in its only other appearance in 1974. World Cup title odds: +150,000 Chances of exiting the group: +700 Group C opponents: Scotland (June 13), Brazil (June 19), Morocco (June 24) Last team to officially qualify for the World Cup in March, the Lions of Mesopotamia are rewarded with arguably the toughest group on the field: France, Norway and Senegal. Led by former Australia coach Graham Arnold, this Iraqi team should feel happy to be playing in their second World Cup appearance in the team’s history. One to watch: Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town) is a 24-year-old striker who played for Ipswich Town and Stoke City before being loaned to his current club. Fact: during its only participation in the World Cup in 1986, Iraq lost its three group matches: against Paraguay, Belgium and Mexico. World Cup title odds: +100,000Odds to get out of group: +350 Group G opponents: Norway (June 16), France (June 22), Senegal (June 26) With an expanded field of 48 teams, Jordan will make its first trip to the World Cup after coming close in 2014 by participating in the intercontinental qualifiers. This team, nicknamed “The Chivalrous Ones”, faces a big mountain this summer in a group that includes Argentina, Austria and Algeria. One to watch: Musa Al-Taamari (Rennes) is a 28-year-old winger who has spent the last three seasons in French Ligue 1 and will captain Jordan. Fact: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams making their World Cup debut are winless, with a record of 0-10-1 (WLD). World Cup title odds: +150,000Odds to get out of group: +275 Group J opponents: Austria (June 17), Algeria (June 22), Argentina (June 27) Uzbekistan’s biggest name may be its coach. Fabio Cannavaro, one of the greatest defenders of all time, led Italy to the World Cup in 2006. Alongside a successful playing career, he coached at several clubs in Asia. He only took over from Uzbekistan in October, after the White Wolves had already secured their first ever World Cup berth. To watch: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City) is a 22-year-old central defender and right-back who scored in the FA Cup in 2025. Things to know: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Başakşehir) will captain the team at 30 and is second in the Turkish Süper Lig for the number of goals scored this season with 16 (as of April 9). Group K opponents: Colombia (June 17), Portugal (June 23), DR Congo (June 27). DR Congo were not expected to get this far, but a surprising qualifying campaign that notably beat traditional African powers Nigeria and Cameroon saw the Leopards return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 (when the country was known as Zaire). DR Congo needed to beat Jamaica in the intercontinental qualifiers to book their place this summer. West Ham United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka heads an intriguing list with plenty of European experience. One to watch: Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) is a 29-year-old winger who has played in the English Premier League for the past five seasons, including scoring 49 goals for Brentford in four seasons. Please note: DR Congo is led by Sébastien Desabre, who has won 29 matches and drawn eight out of 48 times since taking office in 2022. World Cup title odds: +70000 Odds of leaving the group: -155 Group K opponents: Portugal (June 17), Colombia (June 23), Uzbekistan (June 27) Are we underestimating Ghana? There is some individual talent here on this roster, led by standout Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo. But Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus is still sidelined with a quadriceps injury, and tough group stage opponents (including England and Ghana) could leave the Black Stars in trouble. Ghana notably recruited Carlos Queiroz, who led three previous teams (South Africa, Portugal, Iran) to the World Cup, as coach in March. One to watch: Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) is a 31-year-old striker who has played in the Spanish La Liga since 2014, scoring over 100 goals in over 500 matches with his current club. Worth noting: Ghana has appeared in five of the last six World Cups, including reaching the quarterfinals in 2010. World Cup title odds: +35,000 Group exit odds: -155 Group L opponents: Panama (June 17), England (June 23), Croatia (June 27). draws) but were unable to reach the round of 16. The return of star striker Chris Wood – who earlier this month played his first game for Nottingham Forest in almost six months following a knee injury – will give the All-Whites some hope this summer. One to watch: Marko Stamenić (Swansea City) is a 24-year-old midfielder who has scored two goals and provided two assists in the English Premier League in 32 matches (as of April 9). Fact: New Zealand is looking for its first ever World Cup victory, having gone 0-3-3 (WLD) in two previous appearances (1982, 2010). World Cup title odds: +100,000Odds to get out of group: +175 Group G opponents: Iran (June 15), Egypt (June 21), Belgium (June 26) Never underestimate a tough CONCACAF team, and that’s what Panama is. Just ask the United States, who lost to the Central American side in the 2024 Copa América and in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. With England, Croatia and Ghana as group stage opponents, expect Los Canaleros to try to surprise these more talented teams. One to watch: Amir Murrilo (Beşiktaş) is a 30-year-old right back who made 62 appearances for Marseille from 2020 to 2026. Fact to know: Panama are aiming for their first World Cup point, going 0-3-0 (WLD) with all matches in 2018. World Cup title odds: +100,000Odds to advance in the group: +220 Group L Opponents: Ghana (June 17), Croatia (June 23), England (June 27). Now in their second consecutive World Cup, the 2022 hosts qualified for 2026 on their playing merit this time around. Led by former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, they are still looking for their first point on football’s biggest stage. They will have to do it in a group that includes co-host Canada. What to Watch: Akram Afif (Al Sadd) is a 29-year-old winger who has the third most appearances for Qatar with 132 and also ranks third in goals with 41. Fact to Know: Qatar is looking to score its first World Cup point, after going 0-3-0 (WLD) in 2022. World Cup Title Odds: +100,000 Chances of leave the group: +300 Opponents from group B: Switzerland (June 13), Canada (June 18), Bosnia-Herzegovina (June 24). Saudi Arabia made headlines in 2022 by beating eventual champions Argentina in a shock group stage match. The Green Falcons have reached seven of the last nine World Cups, but they will need to pull off another monumental upset against Spain or Uruguay in this group stage. And they will have to do it without Hervé Renard, who abruptly left his position as coach at the beginning of April. One to watch: Saud Abdulhamid (Lens) is a 26-year-old right-back who signed with Roma in 2024 before being loaned to Lens last year. Fact: Saudi Arabia has participated in seven of the last nine World Cups and its last appearance in the round of 16 was in 1994. Odds for the World Cup title: +100,000 Odds of advancing from the group: +120 Group H opponents: Uruguay (June 15), Spain (June 21), Cape Verde (June 26). South Africa will play the first match of the entire World Cup for the second time in its history and, interestingly, against the same opponent. In 2010, he hosted Mexico in Johannesburg, but this time Bafana Bafana will be the visitors to Mexico City’s renovated Estadio Azteca. With a co-host and a tough South Korea team in the same group, it could be difficult to achieve success this summer. To watch: Lyle Foster (Burnley) is a 25-year-old center forward who played in the French Ligue 1, the Belgian Pro League and is currently playing in the English Premier League. Fact: South Africa beat France in the group stage in 2010, beating them 3-2. World Cup title odds: +80000Odds to exit group: +150 Group A opponents: Mexico (June 11), Czechia (June 18), South Korea (June 24) Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, Algeria will have the honor of opening their campaign against defending champion Argentina in Kansas City. But the Greens will be able to compete for that second place in the group stage for the knockout stages, notably with former Premier League winger Riyad Mahrez and Manchester City upstart left-back Rayan Ait Nouri. To watch: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) is a 35-year-old winger who will captain Algeria. He spent 10 seasons in the English Premier League, scoring 82 goals and 63 assists in 284 league appearances for Leicester City and Manchester City. Please note: Algeria is one of five CAF teams to have reached the round of 16 in the 21st century. Odds for the World Cup title: +35,000 Odds to get out of the group: -250 Group J opponents: Argentina (June 16), Jordan (June 22), Austria (June 27). USA’s second opponent in the group stage, expect the Socceroos to be a tough opponent 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 consecutive trip to the World Cup. Organized and physical under the direction of coach Tony Popovic, they will be difficult. One to watch: Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli) is a 33-year-old central midfielder who has played in the Scottish Premiership, English Championship and German Bundesliga. Fact: Two of Australia’s four total World Cup victories came in 2022, beating Denmark and Tunisia. Odds for World Cup title: +45,000Odds to get out of group: +100 Group D opponents: T ürkiye (June 14), USA (June 19), Paraguay (June 25) It still seems incredible that Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to prevent Italy from participating in another World Cup. But, as one of this summer’s feel-good storylines, this team could cause trouble – and they face co-hosts Canada in the group stage. Legendary striker Edin Džeko, now 41, is back in the spotlight, as is American-born Esmir Bajraktarević (aka the “Milwaukee Messi”) who scored the decisive penalty against Italy. One to watch: Edin Dzeko (Schalke 04) is a 40-year-old striker who has played for Manchester City, Roma and Inter Milan. Worth noting: Bosnia and Herzegovina is making its second World Cup appearance since becoming an independent nation in 1992. World Cup title odds: +25,000 Chances of exiting the group: -475 Group B opponents: Canada (June 12), Switzerland (June 19), Qatar (June 24). Qualified for the World Cup after the UEFA qualifiers 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 facing Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. One to watch: Patrick Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) is a 30-year-old striker who needs three goals to move into third place all-time for the Czech Republic. Fact: Czechia became an independent nation in 1993, but twice reached the final against Czechoslovakia in 1934 and 1962. World Cup title odds: +15,000 Chances of exiting the group: -475 Group A opponents: South Korea (June 11), South Africa (June 20), Mexico (June 24). The goal of Team Melli, which has qualified for four consecutive World Cup tournaments, is to finally reach the knockout stage for the first time in their team’s history. In a group including Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, this could be a reasonable target. One to watch: Medhi Taremi (Olympiacos) is a 33-year-old striker who played for Porto and Inter Milan. Fact: Iran has three all-time World Cup victories, having beaten the United States (1998), Morocco (2018) and Wales (2022). World Cup title odds: +30,000Odds to get out of group: -230 Group G opponents: New Zealand (June 15), Belgium (June 21), Egypt (June 26) It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Ivory Coast at the World Cup – their last appearance was in 2014 – and they’re a different generation than when the legendary Didier Drogba captained the Elephants. But there is talent on this team, and a 4-0 win over South Korea in a friendly in March will provide momentum heading into this summer. One to watch: Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is a 23-year-old winger who has made 63 Premier League appearances, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists (as of April 10). Fact: Ivory Coast has already participated in the World Cup three times but has never progressed beyond the group stage. World Cup Title Odds: +25,000 Chances of Exiting Group: -370 Group E Opponents: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curacao (June 25) Under the leadership of Graham Potter, Sweden have had one of the most remarkable runs of any team to compete in the World Cup. The Swedes failed to win a single match in their first qualifying campaign, but reached the World Cup playoffs thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations Leagues. Will talented Premier League attacking duo Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres – who scored four goals in March’s qualifiers – deliver this summer? One to watch: Isak (Liverpool) is a 26-year-old striker who scored 62 goals and 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle United before joining his current club. To wit: Sweden has reached the quarterfinals three times since 1974, most recently in 2018. World Cup title odds: +8,000 Chances of advancing from the group: -250 Group F opponents: Tunisia (June 14), Netherlands (June 20), Japan (June 25) With seven World Cup appearances in its history, are Tunisia ready to finally reach the round of 16? The Carthage Eagles know it’s a tough task with the Netherlands and Japan in their group. A fun detail: Tunisia was the first African nation to win a World Cup match by beating Mexico in 1978. To watch: Elias Saad (Hanover 96) is a 26-year-old winger who has been playing in Germany since 2019. Note: this will be Tunisia’s sixth participation in the World Cup in the last eight editions of the tournament. World Cup title odds: +50,000Odds to advance from group: +120 Group F opponents: Sweden (June 14), Japan (June 21), Netherlands (June 25) Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, Austria will rely on a strong core of veterans this summer. Real Madrid defender David Alaba and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer lead a squad coached by Ralf Rangnick, who served as interim manager at Manchester United. The Austrians can certainly hold their place in a group that includes Lionel Messi and Argentina. One to watch: Alaba (Real Madrid) is a 33-year-old central defender, captain of Austria and second all-time on the team with 112 appearances. Note: Austria’s best result at the World Cup dates back to 1954, reaching the semi-finals and finishing in third place. World Cup title odds: +10,000 Chances of advancing from group: -340 Group J opponents: Jordan (June 17), Argentina (June 22), Algeria (June 27) Fans will be wary of Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool legend who announced earlier in the year that this would be his final season at Anfield. Egypt – Africa’s most successful team with seven continental titles – will rely on Salah to help the Pharaohs advance out of the group stage for the first time in the World Cup. One to watch: 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: Egypt is looking for its first World Cup victory, recording a record of 0-5-2 (WLD) in its three previous appearances (1934, 1990, 2018). Odds for World Cup title: +30,000 Odds to get out of group: -310 Group G opponents: Belgium (June 15), New Zealand (June 21), Iran (June 26). Paraguay will look to spoil the party as the United States’ first opponent in the group stage. La Albirroja will be led by midfielder Miguel Almirón, who is a familiar face having played for MLS side Atlanta United and Premier League mainstay Newcastle United before a return to MLS. The team received some good news after a knee injury to midfielder Diego Gomez (Brighton & Hove Albion) in early April appeared less serious than initially expected. One to watch: Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who made 57 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion before joining the French Ligue 1 last year. Fact: Paraguay reached the quarter-finals in its last participation in the World Cup in 2010, losing to Spain, the eventual champion that year. World Cup title odds: +20,000Odds to advance from group: -575 Group D opponents: USA (June 12), Turkey (June 20), Paraguay (June 25) The Tartan Army will be in full voice this summer with Scotland returning to the World Cup for their first appearance since 1998. The Scots will benefit from the success of their star midfielder Scott McTominay, who scored a golazo epic on bike kick. to secure his country’s place in November. A former Manchester United product, McTominay found his calling with Italian club Napoli. He will have the chance to shine this summer against Brazil and Morocco. One to watch: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) is a 32-year-old left back who is Scotland’s captain and second overall in national team rankings with 92. Fact: In their eight World Cup appearances, Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage. World Cup title odds: +20,000Odds to advance from group: -230 Group C opponents: Haiti (June 13), Morocco (June 19), Brazil (June 24) Will history repeat itself as it did in 2002 when Senegal beat France in their opening match? The Lions of Teranga will no longer surprise anyone like they did back then, especially since Senegal has become one of the strongest teams in Africa. Led by former Liverpool and Bayern winger Sadio Mané, Senegal are expected to make some noise in a group that includes tough opponents France and Norway. One to watch: Mané (Al-Nassr) is a 34-year-old winger who made 269 appearances for Liverpool from 2016 to 2022, scoring 120 goals and 46 assists during that time. Fact: Senegal is one of three CAF teams to have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002. Odds for the World Cup title: +10,000 Chances of exiting the group: -200 Group I opponents: France (June 16), Norway (June 22), Iraq (June 26). In 2002, as co-hosts, the team became the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals. How far can South Korea go this summer? He will face co-host Mexico, but with many stars based in Europe, 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 continue that momentum at the World Cup. One to watch: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is a 29-year-old central defender who has been named best defender in Italy (Serie A) in 2023 and recently won the Bundesliga title last season. Fact: South Korea has qualified for the round of 16 in three of the last six World Cups. World Cup title odds: +35,000 Chances of advancing from group: -330 Group A opponents: Czechia (June 11), Mexico (June 18), South Africa (June 24) Longtime star Romelu Lukaku has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but Belgium still has plenty of experience. The Red Devils’ golden generation – which includes Lukaku, veteran Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid world goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – can make one last push for an elusive trophy. Belgium played a major role in the 5-2 victory over the United States in a friendly in March, thanks in no small part to their supporting cast which includes Manchester City’s electric winger Jeremy Doku. One to watch: De Bruyne (Napoli) is a 34-year-old midfielder who holds the record for the fastest player to reach 100 assists in the English Premier League. Note: Belgium’s best result at the World Cup came in the semi-finals, in 1986 and 2018. Odds for the World Cup title: +3,500 Chances of getting out of the group: – 2,000 Group G opponents: Egypt (June 15), Iran (June 21), New Zealand (June 26) Runner-up in 2018. Third place in 2022. Weight of the cut higher than that of Croatia? Already boasting one of the most magnificent jerseys in all of football, the checkered team cannot be counted out in 2026, especially with their level of experience and the fact that they are managed by superstar Luka Modrić. The 40-year-old midfielder and 2018 Balon d’Or winner has six Champions League trophies to his name since his time at Real Madrid. One to watch: Joško Gvardiol is a 24-year-old center and left back from Manchester City who was signed for a reported $106 million by his current club in 2023, the second highest transfer fee in Premier League history. Fact: Croatia has participated in the World Cup six times and qualified for the semi-finals in three of those appearances. World Cup title odds: +9,000 Chances of advancing from group: -475 Group L opponents: England (June 17), Panama (June 23), Ghana (June 27) The four-time World Cup winner’s depth took a hit when it was announced on April 18 that striker Serge Gnabry had torn an adductor muscle, likely ending any hopes of the Bayern Munich star playing for Germany this summer. Despite the likely absence of Gnabry, Germany is still capable of succeeding, if not winning it all. But since winning everything in 2014 in Brazil, the Germans have not made it out of the group stage. Midfielder Florian Wirtz helped Bayer Leverkusen remain unbeaten en route to the German title two seasons ago before being named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2025 and then making a big move to Liverpool. In March, Wirtz, 22, scored his 10th goal in just 39 matches for his country. To watch: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) is a 23-year-old attacking midfielder who has played more than 140 Bundesliga matches with his current club since 2019. Note: no team has played in more World Cup finals than Germany with eight. World Cup title odds: +1400Odds to get out of group: -10000 Group E opponents: Curaçao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), Ecuador (June 25) Could this be the summer of the Blue Samurai? Japan looked impressive in March in their friendly wins over England and Scotland, which only added to the buzz around one of Asia’s most talented teams. Japan produced two of the biggest upsets of 2022 by beating Germany and Spain in the group stage, but the team never progressed beyond the round of 16. On the field, the team’s supporters, who are known for cleaning the stadiums after matches, must be congratulated. One to watch: 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: Japan has reached the round of 16 in four of the last seven World Cups. World Cup title odds: +5000Odds to get out of group: -340 Group F opponents: Netherlands (June 14), Tunisia (June 21), Sweden (June 25) Behind the best team to never win a World Cup, these fans are hungry for a trophy. Just look at recent major tournaments like the men’s and women’s Euros and the way fans flood the streets in bright orange. The Dutch have plenty of individual talent to make noise, from Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo (winger) and defender Virgil van Dijk. Four years ago, the Oranje took eventual champions Argentina to a thrilling penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. How far can this group go in 2026? Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has a physical squad, fast wingers and a ton of players with big game experience. One to watch: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) is a 23-year-old defensive midfielder who won the English Premier League last season, making 37 league appearances for his current club. Fact: The Netherlands have reached the World Cup final three times but have yet to win. Odds for World Cup title: +2000Odds to get out of group: -1400 Group F opponents: Japan (June 14), Sweden (June 20), Tunisia (June 25) Switzerland is as reliable as the watches produced in the country; this team is heading to its sixth consecutive World Cup. He has reached the round of 16 in each of the last three editions. Led by Premier League veterans Manuel Akanji (defender) and captain Granit of the last three World Cups, as well as four of the last five. World Cup title odds: +10,000Odds to get out of group: -1,800 Group B opponents: Qatar (June 13), Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 18), Canada (June 24) Turkey returns to the World Cup after a 24-year hiatus after reaching the semi-finals in 2002, losing to eventual champions Brazil by a single goal. This summer, in a group with co-hosts Australia, Paraguay and the United States, the Crescent Stars are probably the favorites to win. This is due to the presence of star players in Europe’s top leagues, including Real Madrid youngster Arda Güler, Juventus attacking midfielder Kenan Yıldız and veteran Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu. One to watch: Güler (Real Madrid) is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who has made over 100 appearances for his current club since joining in 2023. Fact: This is Turkey’s third appearance at the World Cup, having done so in 1954 and 2002. World Cup title odds: +6500 Group exit odds: -500 Group F opponents: Australia (June 13), Paraguay (June 19), USA (June 25) Winners of the first ever World Cup in 1930, Uruguay are aiming to reach the final again for the first time since their second title in 1950. Marcelo Bielsa, who took over as coach in 2023, has been criticized recently after a series of poor results in friendlies, which even prompted long-time striker Luis Suárez to consider returning to the national team. team duty. But this team still has talent, notably Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. It will have to intensify in a group that includes Spain and Saudi Arabia. To watch: Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) is a 27-year-old central defender who has played more than 200 matches with his current club since 2019. Note: Uruguay is one of 10 nations to have participated in the World Cup 15 times. World Cup title odds: +6,500 Chances of advancing from group: -800 Group H opponents: Saudi Arabia (June 15), Cape Verde (June 21), Spain (June 26) Canada returned to the World Cup in 2022 after last participating in 1986. And now, this summer, the Canadians are co-hosts. Can Wisconsin native and former MLS player Jesse Marsch make the team’s history by winning Canada’s first World Cup match? Alphonso Davies, who can play as a striker or defender, has been a key player for Bayern Munich for several seasons. It remains the focal point of Canada. In a group that seems relatively winnable – although the other three teams could say the same – Canada will want to at least qualify for the round of 16 to make this tournament a success. One to watch: Jonathan David (Juventus) is a 26-year-old striker who scored 87 goals and provided 17 assists in 178 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille before his move to Italy last year. Fact: Canada is aiming for its first point at the World Cup, with a record of 0-6-0 (WLD). World Cup title odds: +20,000 Chances of advancing from group: -500 Group B opponents: Bosnia-Herzegovina (June 12), Qatar (June 18), Switzerland (June 24) Two losses in March against fellow World Cup teams France and Croatia were disappointing, but Colombia could be one of the biggest surprises of this summer. Supported by a large crowd, Los Cafeteros finished behind Argentina and Ecuador in the South American qualifiers. Attacking midfielder James Rodriguez joined Minnesota United this season in a bid to get playing time ahead of the World Cup, although he is still trying to find regular playing time and was even hospitalized for dehydration in March. Colombia’s group stage final in Miami against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal could be the loudest first-round match of the tournament. One to watch: Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) is a 29-year-old winger who spent four seasons at Liverpool and is currently third in the Bundesliga for goals (15) and assists (13). Fact: this will be Colombia’s seventh participation in the World Cup, with its best result in 2014, reaching the quarter-finals. Odds for World Cup title: +4000 Odds to get out of group: -800 Group K opponents: Uzbekistan (June 17), DR Congo (June 23), Portugal (June 27). Ecuador could be South America’s toughest team at this World Cup, headlined by players who are causing a stir across Europe. The Tri finished second in the South American qualifiers behind Argentina and ahead of Brazil. Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo, who plays for Chelsea, is perhaps the best in the world in his position. Two draws in March against Morocco and the Netherlands have not slowed Ecuador down, and this summer’s group stage final against Germany could very well decide the group. To watch: Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain) is a 24-year-old central defender who has played more than 30 Champions League matches with his current club. Good 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: +8000Odds to advance from group: -900 Group E opponents: Ivory Coast (June 14), Curacao (June 20), Germany (June 25) Mexico will now have hosted World Cup matches at three is repeated. The previous two times? He reached the quarter-finals. It would be disastrous not to do so this time around, especially given the home-court advantage El Tri will have. Mexico held on at home in a friendly against Portugal in March, settling for a scoreless draw before another stalemate against Belgium in Chicago. The co-host will rely on veteran Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, but it remains to be seen whether the team will bring in young midfielders Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas. But could an unprecedented sixth participation in the World Cup be on the cards for goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa? One to watch: Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis) is a 29-year-old central midfielder who made one appearance for Real Madrid in 2018 before joining Club América in 2020, where he made 228 appearances before joining his current club last year. Fact: Those aforementioned quarterfinals (in 1970 and 1986) were Mexico’s best results at the World Cup. World Cup title odds: +7000Odds to get out of group: -750 Group A opponents: South Africa (June 11), South Korea (June 18), Czechia (June 24) Morocco won’t sneak up on anyone this time. In fact, expectations will be high for another in-depth run at this summer’s World Cup. In 2022, the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals. Earlier in January, Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the final and were retroactively awarded the title after a controversial final with Senegal. Mohamed Ouahbi, who led the Moroccan U-20 team to a World Youth Championship title in 2025, is now in charge of the senior team. What to watch: Achraf Hakimi is a 27-year-old right back who played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Worth noting: Morocco advanced past the group stage twice, reaching the round of 16 in 1986 and the semi-finals in 2022. World Cup title odds: +6000Group qualification odds : -1000 Group C opponents: Brazil (June 13), Scotland (June 19), Haiti (June 24) After an absence from the World Cup that lasted until 1998, Norway is back and fully looking to make its presence felt. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard may be battling for Premier League supremacy, but they are ready to help Norway navigate a tough group. Haaland – whose father, Alfie, played at the 1994 World Cup – has topped 30 goals in four consecutive seasons for Manchester City and, with 55 international goals before June, is his country’s career goalscorer. One to watch: Ødegaard is a 27-year-old attacking midfielder who captains the Norwegian national team and has made over 200 appearances for current club Arsenal. Please note: this will be Norway’s fourth participation in the World Cup, having eliminated the round of 16 in two of these participations. World Cup title odds: +2800Odds to get out of group: -575 Group I opponents: Iraq (June 16), Senegal (June 22), France (June 26) Playing in a World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1994, the United States hopes 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 the 16th FIFA team. Since finishing fourth in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, the Americans’ best performance was a quarterfinal in 2002. To match that feat this summer, American star Christian Pulisic & Co. will need to win two knockout matches, one more than they have managed in 10 appearances at the competition. Yet this American team is widely considered the most talented of all time, with legitimate European stars such as AC Milan’s Pulisic and Juventus’ Weston McKennie. The core that gained invaluable experience at Qatar 2022 has only just reached its peak and added a top striker in former England youth international Folarin Balogun, who has 18 goals so far for Monaco in 2025-26. Yet ugly March defeats to Belgium and Portugal in pre-World Cup preparations dampened expectations, and Pulisic was caught in a prolonged goal drought for both club and country. His last goal for AC Milan was on December 28, 2025, while his last goal for the Stars and Stripes was on November 2024. As of April 21, Pulisic’s goalless streak stands at 17 matches. What to watch: Pulisic is a 27-year-old striker/winger and was one of two players to score at least 10 goals and at least nine assists in Serie A last season. Fact: The United States has reached the round of 16 in five of its last eight World Cups. World Cup title odds: +6,500 Chances of advancing from group: -575 Group D opponents: Paraguay (June 12), Australia (June 19), Turkey (June 25) The reigning World Cup champions want to become the first country to win back-to-back titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. Will the Albiceleste achieve it, and will the team will she have Lionel Messi in mind? Messi has not officially committed for this summer, but all indications are that the 38-year-old superstar is in contention for back-to-back World Cup titles. With Lionel Scaloni also returning as coach after leading Argentina to glory in 2022, the team has talent at all levels to make the dream a reality. Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first men to play in six World Cups. Messi already holds the record for most matches (26) and is tied for fourth with Just Fontaine (France) with 13, behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16) and Brazil’s Ronaldo (15). and West German Gerd Müller (14). What to watch: Julián Alvarez (Atlético Madrid) is a 26-year-old striker acquired for $104 million from Manchester City in 2024. Fact: Argentina is one of four teams to have reached six World Cup finals, winning three of them. World Cup title odds: +850Odds to get out of group: -10,000 Group J opponents: Algeria (June 16), Austria (June 22), Jordan (June 27) The last time a World Cup final was held in the United States, Brazil came away with the trophy in hand. That 1994 victory then led to a record fifth title in 2002, but Brazilian fans have now waited almost a quarter of a 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, as well as tons of talent. However, one player who doesn’t seem to fit Ancelotti’s plans this summer is Neymar. The long-time Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star has been inconsistent since returning to Brazil to play for club Santos. This could likely see him left out of the World Cup squad altogether this summer. One to watch: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) is a 25-year-old winger who finished second in the voting for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Fact: Brazil is the only nation to have participated in all 23 editions of the World Cup. World Cup title odds: +850Odds to advance from group: -10,000 Group C opponents: Morocco (June 13), Haiti (June 19), Scotland (June 24) Star striker Harry Kane has just won the Bundesliga title with his club Bayern Munich – can he now continue his trophy haul? Kane could also win a Champions League trophy with Bayern, but the ultimate prize will surely be leading England to the World Cup title this summer. Thomas Tuchel is in charge of the Three Lions, and he will have plenty of stars to get him there. Injuries and poor form have hampered some players – such as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold – but this should be one of the strongest teams in the tournament. One to watch: Declan Rice (Arsenal) is a 27-year-old central midfielder who was named to the Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025 for the English Premier League. Note: England’s only World Cup title came in 1966. World Cup title odds: +600 Chances of advancing in the group: -10,000 Group L opponents: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27). time. The line-up will be made up of a who’s who of football celebrities, headlined by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) and Real Madrid star striker Kylian Mbappé. The squad’s depth was hit when Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike – who scored for France in the 2-1 friendly win over Brazil last month – suffered an Achilles injury (announced on April 16). Still, there is plenty of depth in this French team, which will hope to send out Didier Deschamps on a high note, as the longtime coach – he won the World Cup as a player in 1998 – will leave at the end of the summer. One to watch: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) has 29 assists in all competitions this season, three fewer than Lionel Messi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia’s all-time top goal scorer) as the only players to record 32 assists in a single season this century. Please note: France has participated in four of the last seven World Cup finals. Odds for the World Cup title: +600 Odds to get out of the group: -5000 Group I opponents: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26). The question is not whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be at the World Cup but whether Portugal really needs the 41-year-old superstar to lead an attack among the best in the world. Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury earlier and did not play for Portugal in a friendly against the United States in Atlanta in March. But he still brings a brilliant record: a five-time Ballon d’Or winner with more international goals than any other male player with 143 in 266 international matches. And, like his great rival Lionel Messi, Ronaldo could also play six World Cup appearances. What to watch: Vitinha (Portugal) is a 26-year-old defensive midfielder who finished third in the voting for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Fact: This will be Portugal’s seventh consecutive World Cup, with their best results coming in 2006 and 1966, reaching the semi-finals. World Cup title odds: +1100Odds to advance from group: -5000 Group K opponents: DR Congo (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 23), Portugal (June 27) Having not progressed beyond the round of 16 since their only title in 2010, Spain are now set to reach the final thanks to a trio of Barcelona players who will lead the team. In attack, Lamine Yamal, 18, will make his World Cup debut. The defense is set and commanded by Pau Cubarsí, 19 years old. And Pedri will anchor a midfield that will likely also include Manchester City’s Rodri, after a long absence due to a knee injury. Having won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 title, La Roja will be one of the most followed teams this summer. What to watch: 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). Please note: With its Euro 2024 title, Spain is the only country to have won this tournament three times and also the only nation to have won it in consecutive editions (2008, 2012). World Cup Title Odds: +450 Group Advance Odds: -10,000 Group H Opponents: Cape Verde (June 15), Saudi Arabia (June 21), Uruguay (June 26) FIFA World Cup 2026: How to Watch The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in the East. Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34), with each game streamed live and on-demand in the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).