Spain cement their status as the best team in the world

The 2026 World Cup settled any lingering debates about which international team is the best on the planet.

Spain became the latest World Cup winners by defeating Argentina in a hard-fought final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

A 1-0 victory after extra-time looks narrow on paper, but the gulf in quality between the two teams was yawning.

Read on as we assess Spain’s achievement, before looking at the teams who are behind them in the pecking order.

Spain

Spain’s failure to win the World Cup since their thrilling success in 2010 raised questions about their position in the international rankings.

However, the 2024 European champions proved they are the best team in the world by sweeping their rivals aside this summer.

The only blemish on their record was a goalless draw against Cape Verde in the group stage. Belgium were the only team to score against them.

Having also claimed the European title in 2008 and 2012, Spain are undoubtedly the most successful international team in the last 20 years.

Many teams attempt to match their style of play, but none come close to achieving the same blend of defensive stability, midfield creativity and attacking thrust.

When considering that many of Spain’s top players still have their best years ahead of them, it would be a major surprise if they failed to add more trophies to their tally.

Argentina

You would be hard pressed to argue that Argentina are anywhere near having the best team in the world, despite their impressive record in international football.

They won the World Cup in 2022 and reached the final in 2014 and 2026. They also won the Copa America title twice (2021 & 2024) and finished runners-up on three occasions (2007, 2015 & 2016).

However, their success has been built around the brilliance of one man – Lionel Messi. His playmaking skills have taken an average squad to another level.

Messi was the standout performer for Argentina at Qatar 2022, and stood head and shoulders above his teammates at this summer’s tournament.

The 39-year-old was well marshalled by Spain in the final, but that does not detract from what he has achieved with the national team.

Argentina were having a barren time before Messi arrived on the scene and it will be intriguing to see how they fare when he finally steps aside.

England

According to the results at the 2026 World Cup, England are the third best team in the world. Only the most biased fan would claim that is true.

The Three Lions are still waiting to add to their 1966 World Cup victory, which is a dismal state of affairs when considering the resources at their disposal.

Manager Thomas Tuchel talked a good game when he was appointed, but subsequently fluffed his lines with a tactical meltdown against Argentina this summer.

England had their opponents right where they wanted them after taking the lead, but Tuchel failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity.

He allowed Argentina back into the game, thus blowing the chance to reach the final. A 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off proved nothing.

England have plenty of players capable of playing free-flowing football. They unfortunately have a manager who makes Gareth Southgate look tactically astute.

France

Sixteen years after a player revolt resulted in France making an early exit from the World Cup, they have established themselves as one of the best teams on the planet.

Outgoing head coach Didier Deschamps transformed France’s fortunes, famously guiding them to football’s holy grail in 2018.

Deschamps will feel aggrieved that France have not added to their tally, particularly when considering the abundance of quality in their squad.

They were outclassed by Spain in the semi-final, before producing a turgid first half display in the first half of the third-place play-off against England.

Les Bleus showed character to push the Three Lions hard after the break, but had ultimately given themselves too much to do.

Zinedine Zidane will now be tasked with building on the foundations Deschamps has established. It would be no surprise if he helps to knock Spain off their perch.

Brazil

Brazil are currently fifth in the FIFA rankings after exiting the World Cup in the last-16. The 2-1 defeat against Norway highlighted how they have regressed in recent years.

The Samba Kings have not won the World Cup since 2002, while three Copa America titles are a poor return for a nation with their track record in football.

Some critics have questioned whether Brazil are more a brand than a team, effectively living on past glories rather than delivering in the modern era.

Brazil looked under-par this summer, particularly in midfield, where they lacked the players capable of giving half-decent teams a run for their money.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s track record of success in club football gives Brazil every chance of climbing back to the top of the tree in world football.

Brazil will now embark on a new cycle which they hope will culminate with success at the centenary World Cup in 2030.

Spain cement their status as the best team in the world