The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is well underway, with the knockout stages here after a prolonged group stage.
Argentina are looking to defend their crown following their epic penalty shootout win over France in the 2022 final, but how are each of the leading contenders looking? FourFourTwo ranks each of the most impressive teams so far.
World Cup 2026 power rankings
With some of the possible contenders already knocked out, the stage is set for everyone else to go at it hammer and tongs in the knockout stages.
10. Norway
There was optimism that Norway could be dark horses at their first World Cup since 1998, and that has proved to be the case so far.
With Erling Haaland leading the line and Martin Odegaard pulling the strings, as well as the lively Antonio Nusa out wide, there is some real quality in their team. Whether they are strong enough defensively to go deep in the tournament remains to be seen, but their firepower makes them outsiders.
9. Mexico
Mexico have grown used to falling short at the first knockout hurdle, showing early promise but then failing to advance to the latter stages of the World Cup.
This time, though, they look a more formidable outfit, particularly when playing at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they are rarely beaten and could face England in the last 16.
They can't be ruled out having won all of their games without conceding a goal up to this point, but the question is whether or not they have enough quality to go all the way. That is still a doubt, but there is a doggedness about this Mexico team that could take them far, even if they will lose their home advantage for the quarter-finals and beyond.
8. USA
Whisper it quietly, but the USA could be genuine contenders at their home World Cup, with the backing of a vocal, expectant crowd and an effervescent style of play under Mauricio Pochettino.
The co-hosts caught the eye in the group stage with an emphatic win over Paraguay and a comfortable victory over Australia, before an inconsequential slip-up against Turkey.
There is an identity and energy about the Americans that could yet see them spring a few surprises. Winning the World Cup remains a long shot, but this might be there best chance ever.
7. Portugal
Portugal finished second in their group and did not entirely convince, beating Uzbekistan 5-0 but labouring to draws against DR Congo and Colombia amid question marks about a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's efficacy in a team built to service him.
Roberto Martinez insists on starting the ageing star, who is surrounded by real quality and arguably the most gifted midfield at the World Cup. There have been few signs so far that Portugal are a cohesive enough team to win the tournament, but there is enough quality in the team to beat anyone if things click.
6. Morocco
It shouldn't be a huge surprise that Morocco are a genuine contender to win the World Cup given they are ranked seventh in the world and reached the semi-finals four years ago.
They look a more polished team now, with Achraf Hakimi, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ismael Saibari impressing in a team that looks remarkably difficult to beat.
Morocco were the better side in their group clash with Brazil, and no one will want to face them in the knockout stages, with the Netherlands already falling victim to the disputed African champions.
5. Brazil
There are certain rules to the World Cup. Here's one: When a tournament is played in the Americas, Brazil have a shot at winning it. That's just how it is.
Carlo Ancelotti's record at club level is unimpeachable and his assured presence will surely help Brazil as they go deeper in the competition, having edge past Japan in the last 32.
The Selecao have not always impressed at the tournament so far, producing moments of quality amid some patch performances, but with a manger who has excelled in knockout football and several world-class players, they can't be ruled out.
4. England
England comfortably advanced from their group but there were some concerns after a goalless draw with Ghana and a slightly soporific win over Panama.
A scintillating win over Croatia was evidence of what Thomas Tuchel's team can do when playing at their flowing best, but will we see more of that? A last 16 clash against Mexico in Mexico City - should England beat DR Congo - will be a real test.
The Three Lions remain contenders, with Harry Kane leading the line, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield and some quality options in wide areas. Defence has been identified as a potential issue, particularly right-back given Reece James' latest injury, but England still boast one of the tournament's strongest squads.
3. Spain
It has been a low key start to the World Cup for Spain, who were picked by many as the favourites for this tournament having superbly won Euro 2024 two years ago.
With Lamine Yamal older and even better, in a team with a well-established style of play, the assumption is that they will make it to at least the semi-final, where they could meet France.
That would be a blockbuster clash, but based on the World Cup so far, Spain might go into it as slight underdogs. If they can find some rhythm and momentum during the knockout stages, though, La Roja could go all the way.
2. Argentina
Argentina were expected to be amongst the contenders again as they look to defend the Jules Rimet trophy.
Lionel Messi's exceptional start to the tournament has only strengthened their chances. He has six goals to his name and looks unencumbered after the relief of ending Argentina's long wait for a third World Cup four years ago.
Lionel Scaloni's team appear to have a relatively kind run to the semi-finals of this year's tournament, where they could meet England or Brazil in a mouthwatering last four clash. Whether they have enough left in the tank to beat the very best remains to be seen, but with Messi on form they could be difficult to contain.
1. France
Can anyone stop France? With each game, Les Blues look more and more likely to power their way to a third World Cup, which would be a fitting way to finish for manager Didier Deschamps.
This iteration might be the best we have seen of Deschamps' tenure. Mbappe is scoring for fun, Michael Olise is creating chance after chance, and they are complimented by the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue (with Rayan Cherki on the bench for good measure).
The defence isn't bad too: Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have a strong partnership. It's hard to find a weakness, and France are very much the favourites as things stand.
