Viva's Power Rankings — No.4: Germany, Musiala returning, a system finally built for the modern game, and twelve years of waiting

Germany have not won a World Cup since 2014. Musiala is back from injury. Wirtz is at his peak. Nagelsmann has finally built a system that matches the talent available. Fourth on this list — and Viva's dark horse for the final.

Viva's Power Rankings — No.5: Argentina, the defending champions, the wounded squad, and Messi's final chapter

Argentina are the defending World Cup champions. They have lost Foyth and potentially Romero to injury. Messi turns 39 during the tournament. They are fifth on this list — and still capable of winning the whole thing.

Top 10 World Cup 2026 Stars — No.4: Lionel Messi, 38 years old, defending champions, one last time

Lionel Messi turns 39 three days before Argentina's first group match. He is the defending World Cup champion. He is almost certainly playing his last tournament. None of that context is necessary to explain why he is here — the football does that.

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.1: Lamine Yamal, 18 years old, arguably the best player in the world, and just getting started

Lamine Yamal is 18 years old. He is arguably the best player in the world right now, regardless of age. Spain are the tournament favourites and he is the reason. This is not hyperbole — it is the assessment of everyone watching closely enough to know.

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.2: Jamal Musiala, the player Germany built their World Cup around — and the injury comeback that makes him more dangerous

Jamal Musiala is 22 years old and the best player Germany have had in a generation. He missed significant time through injury. He is back. Players who return from injury with a point to prove at a World Cup tend to produce the tournament's most memorable moments.

Top 10 World Cup 2026 Stars — No.5: Vinícius Júnior, the most dangerous attacker in world football on his day

Vinícius Júnior is the most dangerous attacker in world football when everything clicks. Brazil have lost three key players to injury. The pressure on him is enormous. He has been here before.

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.3: João Neves, the PSG midfielder who has already won everything — except a World Cup

João Neves is 21 years old and has already won back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG. He is Portugal's most important midfielder. The list of things he hasn't won is getting shorter. A World Cup is next on it.

Viva's Power Rankings — No.6: England, sixty years of hurt, Bellingham at his peak, and the squad that has no more excuses

England have not won the World Cup since 1966. In 2026 they have Bellingham at 22, a deep and talented squad, and no more reasons to fail. The defensive injuries are a concern. The attacking quality is not.

Top 10 World Cup 2026 Stars — No.6: Jude Bellingham, the weight of England and the quality to carry it

Jude Bellingham is 22 years old and the most important player England have had since the 1990s. Real Madrid built their system around him. England have done the same. In 2026 the weight of a nation arrives alongside the talent to handle it.

Paraguay — the Guaraní, first World Cup since 2010, and the nation that always finds a way to make the knockout rounds

Paraguay are at their first World Cup since 2010. Los Guaraní reached the quarter-finals that year. In 2026 they are in Group D with USA, Australia and Turkey. The tournament has unfinished business with them.

Qatar — the 2022 hosts, the most controversial World Cup in history, and now just another team fighting to prove they belong

Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup and went out in the group stage. In 2026 they qualify on merit through the AFC. Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina is their chance to show the world they are more than hosts.

Iraq — the Lions of Mesopotamia, a nation rebuilt through football, and a World Cup that means everything

Iraq are at their first World Cup since 1986. Forty years. The Lions of Mesopotamia qualified through the AFC intercontinental pathway. Group I with France, Norway and Senegal awaits.