Brazil have named Dorival Junior's squad and there are genuine signs of a refreshed attacking identity. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo remain the spine of the attack, with Endrick — explosive and now settled at Real Madrid — bringing something different through the middle. The midfield has depth: Bruno Guimarães, Gerson and Lucas Paquetá provide both steel and creativity. The defensive unit has been shored up with the inclusion of Bremer and Marquinhos, who at 32 remains one of the finest defenders in Europe.

Brazil enter the tournament having won the Copa América in 2024 and are regarded by many as the strongest squad they have assembled since 2006. Whether that translates into tournament football — historically a different challenge to the beautiful game Brazil produce in friendlies — is the central question.

Spain arrive as reigning European champions and with arguably the most exciting young player in the world in their squad. Lamine Yamal is 18 years old heading into this tournament and already has a European Championship winners medal from Euro 2024. His combination with Nico Williams on the wings gives Spain a pace and directness that their possession-based football has sometimes lacked. Pedri and Fabian Ruiz control the tempo in midfield. Robert Lewandowski — wait, wrong team. Spain's striker position remains their one genuine concern: Álvaro Morata carries the responsibility, and he has been in and out of form at Club Atletico de Madrid this season.

Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with a largely settled squad and added one intriguing selection: 20-year-old Pau Cubarsí of Barcelona, who had an outstanding season in central defence and is expected to partner Laporte or Nacho.

France have arguably the deepest squad at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid leads the line and arrives having completed back-to-back La Liga title-winning seasons. Behind him, Antoine Griezmann at 35 was included on the back of another consistent Atletico Madrid season — and his tournament pedigree is undeniable. Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembélé, both in the form of their careers, compete for the wide positions. In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga give Didier Deschamps world-class options.

The question for France, as always, is not talent — it is cohesion. Deschamps has managed significant egos and significant squabbles throughout his tenure. The current squad appears more unified than the fractious 2022 Qatar group, and if the togetherness holds through the knockout rounds, France are the team most equipped to lift the trophy.

Germany host no inferiority complex heading into this tournament despite years of underperformance at major events. Julian Nagelsmann has built a dynamic, high-energy team around the extraordinary talent of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala — two of the most technically gifted young midfielders in world football. Leroy Sané provides the direct running wide, while Kai Havertz occupies the centre-forward role after a strong 2025-26 season at Arsenal.

Germany play in Group B alongside Mexico and one of the host nations' guaranteed places. Home advantage is notoriously unpredictable in a 48-team format, and Germany are expected to advance from the group with room to spare before the real tournament begins.

Lionel Messi turns 39 during the tournament. He has confirmed this is his final World Cup. Argentina's coaches, teammates and the media have been navigating the tension between honouring that reality and pretending normal football is being played. Messi's form at Inter Miami has been extraordinary — 28 goal contributions in 22 MLS appearances in 2026 — and he arrived at the squad gathering in better physical shape than anyone dared hope.

Around him, Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández form a midfield and forward line capable of defeating anyone on the planet on the right day. Argentina are defending champions. They know exactly how to win a World Cup in its messiest, most brutal phase: the knockout stages. And they have Messi, present and motivated, for one final time.

Uruguay are everyone's favourite dark horse and nobody's favourite to actually win it, which is exactly how they like things. Marcelo Bielsa has transformed their pressing and high defensive line into something that genuinely unsettles opponents who expect the traditional Uruguayan defensive block. Darwin Núñez at Liverpool leads the line, backed by Federico Valverde in midfield and Ronald Araújo anchoring the defence.

Uruguay reached the semi-finals of Copa América 2024 before losing to Argentina, and the experience of that run gives this squad belief at knockout football. If they emerge from their group and get a favourable draw in the round of sixteen, they are a legitimate quarter-final or semi-final threat.