The Athletic Re-Ranks 48 World Cup Teams, Keeping Spain No. 1 Ahead of France
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
The Athletic Re-Ranks 48 World Cup Teams, Keeping Spain No. 1 Ahead of France
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Summary
Spain stayed atop The Athletic’s updated 48-team World Cup rankings, with France second and defending champion Argentina third ahead of the June 11 tournament start.
The reshuffle from April reflects late changes including managerial moves, injuries and squad decisions, with England rising from No. 6 to No. 5 while Brazil slipped from No. 4 to No. 4? No—Brazil stayed high at No. 4 and Germany climbed to No. 6.
Key movers lower down included the United States up to No. 22 from No. 23, Austria up to No. 27 from No. 29 and Ghana down to No. 28 from No. 26 after coaching upheaval and absences.
The ranking also highlights tournament-wide uncertainty beyond form, citing concerns around ticket prices, visas, transport costs and even wars as the 2026 World Cup opens across Canada, Mexico and the United States.