With 100 days until the 2026 World Cup, Spain enter as favorites after a near-perfect qualifying campaign. The European champions dropped only two points in their group, drawing 2-2 with Turkey. Their midfield boasts Rodri, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, while England and France also rank among the tournament's top contenders.

England qualified with a perfect record under Thomas Tuchel, winning all matches without conceding a goal. The squad features Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, though questions remain about optimal team selection. France, led by Kylian Mbappe, were unbeaten in European qualifying and possess a formidable attack including Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise. Defending champions Argentina topped South American qualifying by nine points.

Lionel Messi, turning 39 this summer, remains Argentina's talisman with 43 goals for Inter Miami last season. Lamine Yamal, now 18, won Euro 2024 and appears recovered from injury. Erling Haaland leads Norway's charge after scoring 16 qualifying goals, while Estevao Willian headlines Brazil's talented young generation. Morocco and Japan also impressed in qualifying, setting the stage for an unpredictable tournament across North America.