
100 Days Out: A 64‑Team World Cup Contention Ranking
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup 100 days away, the piece ranks all 64 teams in contention (42 qualified, 22 in playoff paths), highlighting heavyweights like Spain, France, Argentina, England, Portugal, Brazil and Germany, while noting which squads are still awaiting qualification (Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Wales, Ireland, Ukraine, Czechia, Poland and others) and what their playoff routes look like as North American hosts prepare for the tournament.













