Top Teams to Watch This World Cup: The Best National Soccer Teams

The greatest event in soccer is set to kick off in June this year, and all eyes are on the top teams in the 2026 World Cup. If you’re someone who tends to skip out on the Premier or Champions League and only really tunes in around the big WC, you might’ve missed the avalanche of changes to team comps and players since 2022.

We have you covered. Find out everything you need to know about the teams vying for the top spot at the FIFA World Cup with this quick sports blog.

The Best National Soccer Teams

#5. England

This team is looking at one of their best compositions in decades, and that’s saying something. England’s Harry Kane is in full form to work his magic as a striker, and Declan Rice, already the face of many popular sports trading cards, is arguably one of the best midfielders in the tournament this time around.

Whether they can bring it home as one of the best national soccer teams will depend entirely on their ability to maintain their offensive pressure against the more established defensive backlines of squads like Germany and even Croatia.

#4. Brazil

If you’ve followed soccer for a while, you know to never count Brazil out. They’re always in the running for the title of the best team in the 2026 World Cup, and this WC is no different. They were beaten by France 2-1 recently in Foxborough, leading many to question their readiness this year, but their swift recovery against Croatia more than made up for it.

#3. Argentina

The Albiceste is one of the best national soccer teams in the world right now, and it’s not just because they’re being led by arguably the greatest soccer player alive today (sorry, Ronaldo fans!). Messi’s determined to avenge the disappointment of the 2022 WC’s final, and he finally has a team that might be good enough to do it.

Argentina managed to dominate the South American qualifiers this time around with a much stronger defense led by Emiliano Martínez and a strong midfielder in Allister. 

#2. Spain

You can’t have a conversation about the best national soccer teams without mentioning the kings of Europe. This 2026 World Cup team is coming in after a massive Euro 2024 triumph, and their possession-dominant, high-pressing style has evolved into something truly lethal under Luis de la Fuente. 

The fact that the team is stacked with the stars headlining sports card cases doesn’t hurt, either. Lamine Yamal is one of the youngest players in the World Cup, and he’s already made a name for himself at FC Barcelona. Throw in Pedri and Nico Williams, and you’re looking at a team that can dethrone France.

#1. France

FIFA’s own Elo Model ranking has France as the best national soccer team, and it’s not hard to see why. 2022’s defending champs have seemingly carried over their momentum to this WC, with an incredibly strong showing in the March friendlies. Kylian Mbappé’s star power speaks for itself in Les Bleus, and combined with Dembélé in an offensive position, gives them an attacking lineup that will be very hard to contend with.

Perhaps most importantly, France is one of the few teams that has managed to strike a good balance between young and new talent, giving them a measure of unpredictability compared to their competitors.

Collect The Top Teams in the 2026 World Cup

This World Cup has one of the most exciting group stages of all time, and the rivalries have never run hotter. Every top team has something to prove, and we’re all excited to see who can finally conquer soccer’s biggest crown.

Prepping for the big games? Complete your own collection of the best national soccer teams with new sports card releases at the ultimate sports card store! Enjoy free shipping on orders over $199 and competitive prices at Giant Sports Cards, the Ultimate Collector’s Cave™.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 soccer teams in the World Cup?

France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and England are all leading the pack at the World Cup this year. However, there’s still plenty of room for upsets from legendary teams like Germany and Portugal.

Who makes officially licensed soccer World Cup cards?

Panini cards are the go-to choice if you’re looking to collect players from the best national soccer teams this year. Panini is the official FIFA partner for the World Cup and the only trading card brand authorized to produce official FIFA soccer cards this year.

What makes France the team to beat this year?

Above all else, France has already proven that its squad has what it takes to win. Mbappé is in his prime over at Real Madrid, and younger additions like Camavinga have given the team some much-needed dynamism.