FIFA World Cup 2026 Top Team’s Current Preparations: How Are Challengers Preparing For Mega Tournament?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be exciting as many envisage it to be following the expansion of participating teams from 32 to 48 teams, an additional 16 countries will take to the mundial which will be hosted by three North American countries (United States, Mexico and Canada) between 11th of June and 19th of July 2026.
Including the host nations, 12 nations have qualified for the World Cup next year, mainly from the South American and Asian continents. With just under a year left for the gala event, check on the top contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil: Constant in FIFA World Cup Championship Race
Brazil are the only nation never to have missed the World Cup and sealed qualification for the 23rd edition courtesy of a 1-0 win over Paraguay in new manager Carlo Ancelotti’s first win at the helm of the Brazilian national team.
Carlo Ancelotti was mandated to lead the team to success starting with the 2026 World Cup, a trophy that has eluded the national team for 2 decades. Preparations for the mundial begin immediately with concluding games at the CONEMEBOL qualifiers against Chile on 9th September and away at Bolivia on the 14th of September 2024.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why FIFA Club World Cup has Been Underwhelming so Far
Argentina: Defending FIFA World Cup Champions Set for Repeat?
Lionel Scaloni’s team became the first South American country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup following Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay.
With two more matches until the end of World Cup qualifiers in the South American Qualifier group, Argentina host Venezuela and play away at already qualified Ecuador giving manager Lionel Scaloni the oppourtunity to introduce fresh faces like Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Carboni and Franco Mastantuono as the nation begins to bid farewell to Lionel Messi who turns 39 in 2026.
Portugal: Team in Format European Stage
Currently ranked 7th according to the Latest FIFA Ranking, the UEFA Nations League champions are placed in Group F alongside Hungary, Armenia and the Republic of Ireland. Preparations for the World Cup begin with the prosecution of the qualifying matches, and Portugal starts with an away trip to Armenia on the 6th of September, followed by another away trip to Hungary 3 days later. A total of 6 matches will be played on a home and away basis, with the top team automatically qualifying for the World Cup.
Spain: Young and Gifted Side
The Spanish National team will head into qualifiers as favourites with stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri within the ranks of a team many expect to also be favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In Group E alongside Georgia, Bulgaria and Turkey, Spain begins its road to the Mundial in 2026 with an away trip to Bulgaria and then Turkiye, the campaign will conclude with a home tie to Turkiye.
England: Glory Days are Coming?
The three Lions’ journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup under New coach Thomas Tuchel started with England’s 2-0 win over 2nd place Albania in March this year.
Currently ranked 4th in FIFA Rankings, England has racked up additional wins against Latvia (3-0) and Andorra (1-0) assumed the leadership position in Group K with a maximum of 9 points from 3 matches played so far. With Games against Serbia(qualifiers) and Wales (friendly) to come, England will continue to improve its shape ahead of a tournament it’ll hope to win for the first time since 1966.
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