After each international break, we rank the 10 national teams that appear in the strongest position to compete for glory in the United States, Canada, and Mexico based on current form and squad depth. With less than a year to go, here’s how the picture looks.

10. Ecuador (-3)
Ecuador had a tough international break, drawing 1-1 with both the USA and Mexico, who were dominant in both encounters. The unbeaten streak stretches to 13 matches, but victories have been scarce — only one in their last seven. That win came against Argentina, and one draw was against Brazil, making the streak impressive but perhaps unsustainable. Momentum seems to be fading for La Tri.

9. Netherlands (re-entry)
After a shaky September with a draw against Poland and a narrow win over Lithuania, the Netherlands bounced back with 4-0 victories over Malta and Finland, all but sealing World Cup qualification. However, concerns remain: they haven’t beaten a top-tier side since Ronald Koeman’s tenure began almost three years ago. Nevertheless, their squad quality keeps them firmly in the top 10, replacing Germany, who struggled against Northern Ireland.

8. Norway (+2)
Norway climb two spots following a 5-0 demolition of Israel, marking a perfect qualifying campaign so far — six matches, six wins, 29 goals scored, and only three conceded. Erling Haaland is in sensational form, supported by Martin Ødegaard, Oscar Bobb, Ahmed Nusa, and Alexander Sørloth. A draw against New Zealand followed, but with most key players absent. At full strength, Norway looks terrifyingly effective.

7. Morocco (+1)
Morocco eased through friendlies with Bahrain and a dead-rubber qualifier against Congo, winning 1-0 in both games. Their record now stands at 23 wins from 25 matches, including 16 consecutive victories by the first-choice squad — a men’s international record. Morocco’s impressive run to the World Cup semi-finals last year was no fluke, and hosting the Africa Cup of Nations later this year will only add experience. They are genuine contenders.

6. Brazil
Brazil began the break promisingly, thrashing South Korea 5-0 and leading Japan 2-0, before collapsing in the second half to lose 3-2. Under Carlo Ancelotti, they have just three wins from six matches, making their current form puzzling given the squad and managerial pedigree. Despite their talent, Brazil is underperforming.

5. Portugal (-1)
Portugal’s struggles continued with a 2-2 draw against Hungary and a narrow win over Ireland thanks to a last-minute goal. Despite superior xG numbers in both matches, clinical finishing remains a concern for Roberto Martínez’s side, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

4. France (-1)
France also drew 2-2 against a side they narrowly beat in September, this time Iceland. While it might seem concerning, Didier Deschamps’ teams often falter in qualifiers only to peak at major tournaments. Still, three nations currently appear stronger.

3. England (+2)
Thomas Tuchel’s England is hitting its stride. The Three Lions became the first European side to qualify for the World Cup, defeating Latvia 5-0 and beating Wales 3-0 without Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Cole Palmer. Six competitive matches under Tuchel, and zero goals conceded — results may come at the cost of flair against weaker opponents, but the outcomes are undeniable.

2. Argentina
Questions around Lionel Messi’s availability remain, but Argentina impressed against Venezuela, winning 1-0 with chances aplenty from Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Giovani Lo Celso. With or without Messi, the defending champions are in strong shape, as shown in their 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.

1. Spain
Spain remain favorites after comfortable victories over Georgia and Bulgaria, even without rising star Lamine Yamal. Excluding penalty shootouts, La Roja have gone 23 matches unbeaten since March 2023. Pedri’s emergence as one of the world’s best midfielders further strengthens Spain’s claim to the top spot.