World Cup 2026: Top 10 Teams According to Fox Sports' Perspective

This expert stated he is ready for this summer's "football feast" to witness 48 teams from around the world participate in a grand festival spanning three North American countries. However, Lalas believes fans should be realistic because some teams are stronger than others. Some teams have a real chance to win, while others simply enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Below are the top 10 teams in Lalas' ranking of all 48 participants in FIFA World Cup 2026:

Croatia: This team's championship odds are +8000 (joint 17th) with key player midfielder Luka Modrić. Croatia is a team favored by fathers and older fans. Modrić is in the final chapter of his international career and leads a Croatian team that has proven it can defeat any opponent in this tournament.

Germany: This team has championship odds of +1400 (7th) with key player midfielder Jamal Musiala. Even if not exceptionally brilliant and lacking top-tier stars, under coach Julian Nagelsmann's guidance, they will still be formidable opponents this summer.

Netherlands: This team's championship odds are +2000 (8th) with key player defender Virgil van Dijk. Despite possessing a strong squad, the Netherlands is not truly ready to compete with the top teams. They have quality in many positions but are not among the championship contenders.

Brazil: This team has championship odds of +800 (4th) with key player winger Vinícius Júnior. Brazil rarely ranks so low in rankings, but entering this tournament with low expectations could make them more dangerous.

Portugal: With championship odds of +1100 (6th) and key player forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), the factor surrounding Ronaldo will determine Portugal's success or failure. At age 41, he still lacks a World Cup title. It remains unclear whether the attention on him will be an advantage or a hindrance for this team.

Argentina: This team has championship odds of +850 (5th) with key player Lionel Messi. If considered alone, Argentina would be ranked higher; however, no team has successfully defended the title since Brazil won it in 1958 and 1962. Nevertheless, Argentina remains a strong contender with Messi leading.

Colombia: This team has championship odds of +4000 (11th) with key player midfielder James Rodríguez. Weather and environment in the USA could benefit South American teams. Colombia has proven they can compete in major tournaments, with attacking stars like Luis Díaz capable of making a difference.

England: This team has championship odds of +650 (3rd) and key player midfielder Jude Bellingham. It's hard to say, but this is the strongest England team in decades. With Harry Kane in attack alongside Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield, this could be the year they win a major title.

Spain: With championship odds of +500 (1st) and key player midfielder Pedri, this is not the Spain of the previous generation that won Euro and World Cup 2010 but is even better. They won Euro 2024 and haven't lost since March 2024, losing only two matches since early 2023.

France: This team has championship odds of +550 (2nd) with key player Kylian Mbappé. The combination of talent, squad depth, and confidence of the French team is like a "deadly perfume." Coach Didier Deschamps' French team has all the elements to help him end his career with a title in his final major tournament.