2024 has provided some exceptional drama on the international stage but all attention now turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Qualification for the tournament – hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – is underway on the majority of continents and the return of a summer World Cup has supporters already salivating across the globe.
Who will make it to football’s most prestigious competition remains to be seen, although a change in format now ensures a record 48 sides reach the finals. Eyes will be firmly fixed on the world’s elite nations and the form they find themselves in during the qualification process.
Here are 90min’s power rankings for the best teams in international football.
Six COMEBOL nations qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup and inaugural competition winners Uruguay are well placed to secure their spot in North America.
La Celeste were in impressive form during the summer’s Copa America and reached the semi-final before their heated exit at the hands of Colombia. Marcelo Bielsa’s side endured a patch of rough form after the tournament but earned four points in meetings with Colombia and Brazil over the November international break in World Cup qualifying.
Revenge on Colombia came in the form of a 3-2 victory, while Federico Valverde’s goal secured a 1-1 draw with Brazil that leaves Uruguay second in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.
It’s no secret that Italy endured a disastrous Euro 2024 campaign but former Scudetto-winning Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has helped the Azzurri turn a corner since then.
Italy were unbeaten during their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League group stage campaign until their November defeat to France, narrowly missing out on top spot in League A’s Group 2.
Having beaten France, Belgium and Israel since the summer’s disappointment, Italy will test themselves against Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
After a hugely underwhelming Copa America campaign over the summer, Brazil find themselves in improved form since their return to CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. However, they remain some way from their best.
Vinicius Junior and co. failed to win away at Venezuela before stumbling to a home draw with Uruguay over the November international break, leaving them fifth in qualifying and seven points behind rivals Argentina.
Dorival Junior is yet to inspire as the country’s head coach, although Brazil no longer boast the same depth as they once did.
Losses to Uruguay and high-flying Ecuador have dampened the mood around the Colombian national team ever so slightly, but Nestor Lorenzo’s side remain in a strong position despite November defeats.
Having been narrowly beaten by Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final, Colombia went on to beat the world champions in qualifying back in September, following that success up with a 4-0 thrashing of Chile in October.
With Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in tremendous form and former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez rejuvenated, Colombia should ease their way to qualification for the World Cup.
Portugal may have underwhelmed at Euro 2024 under Roberto Martinez but they have only lost four of their last 26 matches in all competitions as a star-studded squad grow more comfortable together.
Cristiano Ronaldo found the net regularly as Portugal eased through their Nations League group, beating Poland, Croatia and Scotland to secure top spot. They will face Denmark in the last eight.
While Portugal must tilt away from Ronaldo in the coming years, the veteran has silenced his Euro 2024 critics with some impressive Nations League outings.
A home tournament promised excitement for Germany supporters after some dark days under now Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, but Euro 2024 came too soon for Julian Nagelsmann at the beginning of his project.
Germany played positively over the summer and their young talent shone bright, even if a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain felt like a wasted opportunity.
However, Germany have been unbeaten since as they eased to top spot in their Nations League group, with a handsome 7-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in November highlighting the attacking potential of Nagelsmann’s side.
England may not have been entirely convincing during their promotion back to League A in the Nations League but we mustn’t forget the Three Lions were European Championship finalists over the summer.
Gareth Southgate has since departed, marking a new dawn for the national team as Thomas Tuchel prepares to take charge of his first match in March. The brief is clear: win the World Cup in 2026.
England showed glimpses of their attacking potential under interim manager Lee Carsley but forward-thinking football and the development of youth is likely to be traded for organisation and pragmatism following the appointment of former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Tuchel.
France were tipped as the favourites for Euro 2024 but failed to deliver on the big stage, even if they did reach the semi-final. Kylian Mbappe struggled in Germany and his teammates did little heavy lifting themselves at the tournament.
Didier Deschamps retained his position as head coach ahead of the subsequent Nations League group stage and despite a shaky beginning, Les Bleus secured top spot as they progressed to the quarters.
An insanely talented squad makes life easier for Deschamps, whose side remain second in the FIFA world rankings, and a second Nations League triumph would set them up nicely ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Spain are in simply sensational form. Since the 2022 World Cup, they have failed to win just four of their 27 outings, triumphing at Euro 2024 under Luis de la Fuente after seven straight victories.
Their positive form has continued in the 2024/25 Nations League as they aim to defend their crown. Five wins and a draw from six group stage matches was the strongest record of any League A team.
The likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams carry hopes of a dominant generation and La Roja will be eager to carry their exceptional form into the 2026 World Cup.
There can be little doubt over the best international team in the world as things stand. World champions and 2024 Copa America victors Argentina have won the last three major tournaments they have entered, with Lionel Scaloni having masterminded their remarkable success.
Lionel Messi continues to deliver on his international swansong and Lautaro Martinez has developed into the clutch goalscorer every international powerhouse requires.
They were excellent over the summer as they won the Copa America and they lead the way in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, currently sat five points ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
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