2024 has provided some extraordinary drama on the international stage, but all attention now turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Qualifiers for the tournament – hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – are taking place on the majority of continents, and the return of the summer World Cup is already making fans salivate around the world.
It remains to be seen who will qualify for football's most prestigious competition, although the change in format now ensures a record 48 teams will reach the finals. All eyes will be on the world's elite teams and the level they will find themselves in during the qualification process.
here 90 minutes Power rankings of the best teams in international football.
Six Comebol countries automatically qualify for the tournament World Cup 2026 Winners of the inaugural competition Uruguay are well placed to secure their place in North America.
La Celeste were in fantastic form during last summer's Copa America and reached the semi-finals before qualifying Hot exit at the hands of Colombia. Coach Marcelo Bielsa's team suffered from difficult periods after the tournament, but earned four points in the matches between Colombia and Brazil during the international break in November in the World Cup qualifiers.
Colombia took revenge with a 3-2 victory, while Federico Valverde's goal contributed to a 1-1 draw with Brazil, leaving Uruguay in second place in the group. CONMEBOL qualifiers standings.
It's no secret that Italy suffered a disastrous Euro 2024 campaign, but former Serie A-winning Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has helped the Azzurri turn the corner since then.
Italy was undefeated during the match 2024/25 UEFA Nations League The group stage until their defeat in November by France, narrowly missing out on top of Group B in League One.
Having beaten France, Belgium and Israel since the summer disappointment, Italy will test itself against Germany in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March.
After a disappointing Copa America campaign over the summer, Brazil They find themselves in better form since their return to CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. However, they are still some way from their best.
Vinicius Junior & Co. The Argentine national team failed to achieve a win away to Venezuela before drawing at home with Uruguay during the international break last November, which left them in fifth place in the qualifiers, seven points behind their rival, Argentina.
Dorival Junior has not yet been inspiring as the country's head coach, although Brazil no longer has the same depth they once did.
Defeats to in-form Uruguay and Ecuador dampened the Colombian side's mood slightly, but Nestor Lorenzo's side remain in a strong position despite their defeats in November.
After narrowly losing to Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final, Colombia went on to beat the world champions in qualifying in September, following on from that success by beating Chile 4-0 in October.
With Liverpool's Luis Diaz on the rise and former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez rejuvenated, Colombia must ease their way into World Cup qualification.
Portugal may have come up short at Euro 2024 under Roberto Martinez, but they have lost just four of their last 26 matches in all competitions as the star-studded squad grows more comfortable together.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored regularly as Portugal easily progressed through their UEFA Nations League group, beating Poland, Croatia and Scotland to maintain top spot in the group. They will face Denmark in the quarter-finals.
While Portugal will have to move away from Ronaldo in the coming years, the veteran has silenced his critics at Euro 2024 with some impressive matches in the UEFA Nations League.
The local tournament promised excitement Germany Fans are after some dark days under current Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, but Euro 2024 has come too soon for Julian Nagelsmann at the start of his project.
Germany played positively over the summer and their young talent shone, even if a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain seemed like a missed opportunity.
However, Germany have been unbeaten since then, rising to the top of their UEFA Nations League group, with a 7-0 thrashing of Bosnia and Herzegovina in November highlighting the attacking potential of Nagelsmann's side.
England They may not have been entirely convincing during their promotion to League One in the UEFA Nations League, but we must not forget that the Three Lions reached the European Championship final over the summer.
Since then, Gareth Southgate has departed, marking a new dawn for the national team Thomas Tuchel is set to take charge for his first match in March. The conclusion is clear: win the World Cup in 2026.
England have shown glimpses of their attacking potential under interim coach Lee Carsley, but forward-thinking football and youth development are likely to be replaced with organization and realism following the appointment of former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Tuchel.
France He was one of the favorites to win the 2024 European Championship, but he failed to provide the required level at the senior level, even if he reached the semi-finals. Kylian Mbappe struggled in Germany and his teammates did not lift much in the tournament.
Didier Deschamps retained his position as head coach ahead of the subsequent UEFA Nations League group stage, and despite a shaky start, France secured top spot as they progressed to the last eight.
An insanely talented squad makes life easier for Deschamps, whose side remain second in the FIFA World Rankings, and winning the Nations League for the second time would position them well ahead of the next World Cup.
Spain She is in simply sexy shape. Since the 2022 World Cup, they have failed to win just four of their 27 matches, and won Euro 2024 under Luis de la Fuente after seven straight wins.
Their positive form has continued in the 2024/25 Nations League as they aim to defend their title. Five wins and a draw from six group stage matches was the strongest record of any team in League One.
The likes of Lamine Yamal and Neco Williams hold out hopes of a dominant generation, and Spain will be keen to continue their exceptional form at the 2026 World Cup.
There can be no doubt about the best international team in the world in the current situation. World champions and winners of Copa America 2024 Argentina They have won the last three major tournaments they have participated in, with Lionel Scaloni the mastermind of their remarkable success.
Lionel Messi continues to produce impressive international performances, and Lautaro Martinez has developed into the goalscorer that every international power demands.
They have been excellent over the summer winning the Copa America and topping CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, currently five points ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
