ESPN power rankings: Spain tipped as 2026 World Cup favourites ahead of kickoff
Defending champions Argentina sit in fourth place as Brazil and England trail in the top five
ESPN has published its 2026 FIFA World Cup power rankings, placing Spain at the summit of the field with just 48 hours remaining before the tournament commences. The rankings were compiled by a panel of 20 global reporters and editors, reflecting a consensus that La Roja holds the strongest case for the title despite lingering concerns over the fitness of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.
Spain’s top ranking follows their performance at the 30-day mark, where they secured three additional first-place votes. Manager Luis de la Fuente has left Yamal, along with Nico Williams and reserve forward Víctor Muñoz, at the team’s base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to continue rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. While De la Fuente remains confident the teenager will be ready for the opening match, his availability remains a significant variable for the squad.
Beyond the injury concerns, ESPN’s analysis highlights tactical uncertainties within the Spanish camp, including decisions regarding the starting goalkeeper and the central defensive line. The panel noted that Spain’s recent 1-1 draw against Egypt, where they generated limited scoring opportunities, raised questions about their sharpness. However, their group stage fixture against Cape Verde is viewed as an opportunity to ease into the tournament.
France sits in third place, having received six first-place votes from the voting panel. The reporters point to the potential for a strong campaign under manager Didier Deschamps, who is nearing the end of his tenure, and the presence of star forward Ousmane Dembélé. Although centre-back William Saliba has been declared match-fit following a back injury, France must overcome uneven warm-up results, including a defeat to Ivory Coast.
Defending champions Argentina are ranked fourth, trailing behind Spain and France but ahead of Brazil, who occupy the fifth spot. England are placed sixth, with the panel highlighting manager Thomas Tuchel’s roster selections and reliance on striker Harry Kane. The full top 15 also includes Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Morocco, Norway, Belgium, Colombia, Senegal, Croatia, and Japan, reflecting a diverse field of contenders for the expanded 48-team tournament.
