Europe’s biggest delegation

Expansion to 48 teams means UEFA receives 16 places — Europe’s largest-ever World Cup contingent. The continent provided the champions of 2018 and the runners-up of 2022, and remains the deepest pool of contenders.

The usual contenders

Reigning runners-up France, Euro 2024 winners Spain, plus England, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands all carry serious ambitions. Croatia, finalists in 2018 and third in 2022, have repeatedly punched above their weight on the biggest stage.

• France — 2018 champions, 2022 runners-up
• Spain — Euro 2024 winners
• England, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands — perennial contenders
• Croatia — modern over-achievers

Strength in numbers

With 16 European sides in the draw, the depth is staggering — but it also means more potential heavyweight clashes before the final. For Europe’s elite, the challenge of 2026 is not just quality but the stamina to survive a longer, hotter and more crowded route to glory.