Argentina, as one of the host nations, is in Pot 1 for the 2026 World Cup draw, which will take place this Friday. This pot also includes the other two host nations and the top nine teams in the FIFA world ranking. According to the Argentine News Agency, this pot brings together the heaviest contenders for the tournament: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Spain arrives as the leader of the FIFA ranking and probably as the most consistent team of the post-Qatar cycle. Additionally, captain Lionel Messi will be seeking his second World Cup title in the United States, where he lives after joining Inter Miami. France and England make up the most formidable European block, where the French boast the longest squad on the planet, with Kylian Mbappé as their flagship and an ecosystem of stars that makes them permanent contenders. On the English side, the team is experiencing one of the best cycles in its modern history, after being runners-up at the Euro—where they lost to Spain—and will seek to break the 'curse of 1966,' when they won their only World Cup title. Brazil and Portugal offer two different perspectives within Pot 1, as the former is undergoing a football reconstruction supported by the emergence of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick, trying to regain its identity within an elite it no longer dominates as before, without Neymar as a reference. As for Portugal, it is in a stage of maturity, likely with the best generation in its history, with a deep squad that no longer revolves exclusively around Cristiano Ronaldo. On the other hand, the Netherlands maintains a solid structure, with world-class defenders and a constant competitive idea. Belgium, without the pressure of its extinct 'golden generation,' approaches the World Cup with a lower profile but still with the talent to go far. The formidable Germany, despite two disappointing World Cups, remains a dangerous team due to its history, and also has a structure, a generational change, and a competitive culture that should never be underestimated. Finally, the host nations, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, complete Pot 1. Their status as hosts guarantees them an extra boost with their public, logistics, and a favorable environment. The United States arrives with a project that strongly bets on growth; Mexico, with the eternal pressure to break the 'fifth-place' ceiling; and Canada, with a young generation that wants to leave its mark on the first World Cup it organizes. The draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held this Friday at 14:00 (Argentine time). Argentina, the current world champion, presents itself as another of the top favorites, as it maintains an elite competitive base and is going through a natural transition process where young stars continue to coexist with historical names.
