AI Names and Ranks 15 Favourites to Win 2026 World Cup – England & USA Feature
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is well and truly on, with less than a year to go until the United States, Canada, and Mexico host the biggest event in football. Several teams will be going into the tournament – or at least hoping to qualify – with aspirations of going all the way.
Of course, there can only be one champion, and who that will be remains to be seen. But with the help of Grok AI, we have compiled a list of the 15 teams with the best chance of coming out on top in 2026 and earning the right to call themselves the best over the next four years.
15-11
Just missing out on the top 10 are teams with varying degrees of World Cup success in the past. Colombia have already qualified for the tournament, but have never placed higher than the quarter-final run they produced with a prime James Rodriguez in 2014. Meanwhile, Croatia will still be having flashbacks to their 2018 trip to the final where they nearly became the biggest underdog to lift the famous trophy.
One third of the host nations, the United States, have been backed by AI as the 13th favourites despite their atrocious start under former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. Their co-hosts, Mexico, have been given a slightly better chance of success.
The final team to just miss out on the top 10 is Uruguay. If they had the firepower of Diego Forlan, Edinson Cavani, and Luis Suárez all at their peak, things might be different for the two-time world champions.
| AI Ranks World Cup Favourites (15-11) | |
|---|---|
| Rank | Team |
| 15. | Colombia |
| 14. | Croatia |
| 13. | United States |
| 12. | Mexico |
| 11. | Uruguay |
10. Belgium
The golden generation of Belgium has been and gone, but there is still plenty of talent for Rudi Garcia to work with heading into his first tournament as the Red Devils boss. Garcia replaced Domenico Tedesco, who was sacked at the beginning of the year, and with Belgium currently second in their World Cup qualifying group, there is still more to be done to make it to the tournament.
Grok noted that Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership and the quality of widemen Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard could be key to any success the Belgians may or may not have. They are a long shot, but not the worst to pick up in a sweepstake.
9. Italy
This feels incredible to say but since Italy won the World Cup in 2006, they have never qualified past the group stages of the tournament. In fact, Gli Azzurri haven’t even appeared at the last two editions, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar just a year after they won the Euros in the final against England.
There have been some managerial changes since that victory, with Gennaro Gattuso now at the helm. The intimidating former midfielder will be hoping to bring his experience of winning the big one to his playing squad.
8. Netherlands
One of the best and most famous national teams there are, the Netherlands are still yet to win the World Cup. They finished runners-up in 2010 after Andres Iniesta fired home a heartbreaking winner in extra time. Since then, the Oranje have failed to put together a team that strong, and they have also paled in comparison to those they fielded in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 Euros will give them hope for next summer. If Ronald Koeman can keep his players on side despite his rough track record, there could be a dark horse run for the Dutch.
7. Portugal
Where Cristiano Ronaldo goes, opportunity follows. Now 40, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar remains the most experienced figure on the pitch. Ronaldo will aim to channel the magic of his Euro 2016 triumph, using that unforgettable summer as inspiration to finally complete his trophy collection, much like long-time rival Lionel Messi did in the previous tournament.
With talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes at his side, Roberto Martinez has a strong squad to guide a Portugal side who have already picked up silverware in the last 12 months with the 2024/25 Nations League. Best believe that if they do win it, it will be dedicated to the late Diogo Jota.
6. Germany
The Germany of old is starting to resurface, much to the alarm of their competitors. They opened the last major international tournament in spectacular style, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala slicing through defences with ease. Although their campaign ended in the quarter-finals at the hands of eventual champions Spain, the experience offered invaluable lessons.
Under Julian Nagelsmann’s leadership, Germany is preparing for a serious push at the 2026 World Cup, still chasing the next addition to a trophy haul that includes three European Championships and four World Cups.
5. Argentina
The defending champions are all the way down in fifth according to the AI, which doesn’t bode amazingly well for Lionel Messi’s chances of going back to back. But, it certainly could be worse.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina haven’t dominated their opponents with flair, but have relied on a composed, assured style befitting champions. Perhaps that’s why they aren’t the favourites this time, just as they weren’t last summer. Narrow victories became their trademark in Qatar, and a similar approach will likely be needed if they hope to add another star above their national badge.
4. England
Adding a second star to the Three Lions’ badge would be a huge milestone, particularly after defeats in two consecutive European Championship finals.
Many feel England is better positioned than ever to claim a major trophy; it just requires someone to seize the moment. The real test will be striking the right balance between established stars and system-focused players. At present, it seems improbable that talents like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer could all start together, creating a unique challenge for Thomas Tuchel, who was brought in to replace Gareth Southgate for that very reason.
3. Spain
It almost feels like a throwback to 2010, when Spain captured two European Championships and a World Cup. In 2024, they secured a record fourth European title, and now they head into the World Cup as favourites to add another major trophy.
With stars like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dean Huijsen, Martin Zubimendi, and Pau Cubarsi, there’s every indication that La Roja could be on the brink of a new golden era. They’ve already shown they have what it takes – now it’s a question of whether they can maintain their dominance on the world stage.
2. Brazil
Brazil holds the record as the most decorated nation in World Cup history, boasting five titles. Though their golden era feels far away, the current squad is confident they can recapture the brilliance that defined those past victories.
What may have been the problem before is that the managers in recent years haven’t had the personality to deal with some of the superstars that ply their trade at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. As the AI notes though, that will no longer be a problem with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. The Italian is one of the most successful coaches in the sport’s history, and if he were able to add the World Cup to his trophy cabinet, he will only strengthen his legacy.
1. France
Before last summer’s European Championship, attention centered on France and the extraordinary depth of their squad, where even the fourth-choice players seemed capable of winning the tournament. Yet, like in the previous World Cup – even with Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick in the final, victory eluded them.
Still, their squad depth remains formidable, giving them a strong foundation to finally overcome the disappointments of recent near-misses. You can never count out Les Bleus and Dider Deschamps’ winning formula is one that is tried and tested.