The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable as Europe's top teams gear up for the tournament. With a rich history of success in the World Cup, Europe has produced some of the most iconic moments in football history. This year, the continent's best teams will battle it out for the coveted trophy, but who has the best chance to lift the trophy? Let's take a closer look at the 16 UEFA qualifiers and their prospects for the 2026 World Cup.
The Contenders
France
France, the current World Cup holders, are undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the tournament. With an extraordinary depth of talent in every position, they have a serious shot at being crowned World Cup winners for a third time. Kylian Mbappe will lead the line, supported by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Desire Doue. France coach Didier Deschamps will step down after the tournament, but before that, he will hope to emulate West Germany between 1982 and 1990, and Brazil from 1994 to 2002, in reaching three consecutive World Cup finals. Victory in 2018 meant the former midfielder won the competition as both player and manager.
Germany
Germany, a four-time World Cup winner, is another strong contender. Despite failing to make it out of the group stage at the last two editions, the team is determined to turn things around. Julian Nagelsmann's side will need to progress from a group of Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and World Cup debutants Curacao. If they succeed, a serious inquiry into Germany's run will surely ensue. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala point to a bright future, while Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger remain experienced stalwarts.
Spain
Spain, ranked number one in the world and holding the title of European champions, is the favorite for the tournament. Lamine Yamal is the poster boy for the side, and his second successive La Liga title with Barcelona was capped with the recognition of the Player of the Season award. Their only World Cup win, at Germany 2010, came two years after claiming the European crown, and Luis de la Fuente will hope that will be an omen for his side once more. La Roja will have to bounce back from two below-par World Cup performances, which saw them exit the 2022 and 2026 tournaments at the round of 16 stage.
Portugal
Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, has a chance of winning any match. Joao Neves and Vitinha also make things tick in midfield, but it is two of Portugal's greatest that will need to lead the side if they are to reach a final for the first time. This tournament is set to be Ronaldo's farewell - a record-equalling sixth finals, which will be matched by his career-long rival Lionel Messi of Argentina. Whether the 41-year-old can add the last trophy missing from his glittering career may come down to Roberto Martinez pushing one of the greatest of all time for one last tilt.
The Underdogs
Netherlands
The Netherlands, forever the bridesmaids, last missed the bouquet in 2010. Virgil van Dijk is the foundation, while Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong offer the flair accustomed with the total football of the Dutch masters of old. Coach Ronald Koeman has already made clear his ambition: "Our goal is to win the World Cup." Whether Koeman has the necessary tools to deliver remains to be seen.
Belgium
Belgium, a shock group-stage exit at Qatar 2022 struck a huge blow to the team and their golden generation. Still able to call on the talents of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, the Red Devils are boosted by the emergence of Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere. Egypt and Iran will both provide stern tests, while New Zealand will do well to take a point in a tough group.
Croatia
Croatia, the runners-up medal in 2018 was followed by a third-place finish in Qatar, but time is against the team and, in particular, their 40-year-old maestro Luka Modric. Coach Zlatko Dalic will at least be able to build upon the central defensive pairing of the highly regarded and youthful Josko Gvardiol, 24, and Luka Vuskovic, 19, for years to come.
Switzerland
Switzerland have reached the quarterfinalists three times but have a current World Cup form book to reverse if they are to repeat their feats of 1930, 1934, and 1954. The Swiss have qualified for the last six finals but have gone out at the round of 16 stage in five of those appearances. They did, however, only just miss out on a place in the semifinals at Euro 2024, following a penalty shootout defeat by England.
The Dark Horses
Austria
Austria, a World Cup regular, returns to the global stage after a 28-year absence. Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic leads the line and the hopes of the Austrians, who are coached by former Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick. Arnautovic netted eight times in a qualifying campaign that saw his side top Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania in their group.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia, with Edin Dzeko and Kerim Alajbegovic, will provide one of the more interesting forward lines at the finals. The former is aged 40 and his strike partner a mere 18 years of age - Alajbegovic was not even born when Dzeko made his international debut. Former Manchester City striker Dzeko will captain the side, while Alajbegovic's standout season for Red Bull Salzburg has seen Bayer Leverkusen step in with a five-year contract for the winger.
Norway
Norway, led by Erling Haaland's extraordinary 16 goals in qualifying, return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Italy were topped in their group, beaten both home and away, but bigger challenges lie ahead in the opening phase of the World Cup, with France, Senegal, and Iraq awaiting.
Turkey
Turkey, at the domestic level, produces consistent challenges for European club opponents, which makes only a third appearance at a World Cup surprising. The competitive top flight in Turkey is as much known for the relentless support of the crowds, who will hope that their team can finally bring the wealth of talent at home to the global game.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, with Europe's top teams battling it out for the coveted trophy. While France, Germany, and Spain are strong contenders, the underdogs and dark horses should not be underestimated. The tournament will be a showcase of football's finest talent, and the excitement is sure to build as the tournament approaches.
