Spain just finished a World Cup run that will be talked about for decades. Not just because they won it. But because they let in one goal. One. Across eight matches, in a tournament that had more games than any World Cup before it. That is absurd.
Think about what that actually means. Every other champion in history played at least one fewer match because this was the first 48-team field. Spain still gave up fewer goals than any of them. The last time a team defended like this was probably when defenses actually meant something different. And Spain did it with two 19-year-olds — Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi — starting key minutes.
The future in Spain is terrifying for everyone else. Eleven players on this roster are 25 or younger. They co-host the 2030 World Cup. A roster this young and this experienced just won everything. That doesn’t happen often.
Argentina landed at No. 2 and that feels right. But the gap between them and Spain might be bigger than the rankings suggest. Lionel Messi is 39. He covered himself in glory this tournament, no question. But nine players on this squad are 30 or older. Eight of them are at least 32. The next Copa America and the 2030 World Cup will feature a very different Argentina roster. They are the second-best team in the world right now. That might not hold.
France dropped to No. 3, and the big reason is Zinedine Zidane. He’s taking over for Didier Deschamps, who got outcoached twice in this tournament — by Paraguay and Spain. Zidane won a lot at Real Madrid and he’s better tactically than people give him credit for. Kylian Mbappe is 27 now, already has two Golden Boots and more World Cup goals (22) than anyone in history. At 31 for the next World Cup, he might just rewrite the record books entirely. If Zidane brings the tactical edge back, France is dangerous.
England finished third on the field but fourth in these rankings. The bronze medal match felt like an NBA All-Star Game, and honestly that sums up their tournament. Thomas Tuchel made some questionable coaching decisions that cost them. Jude Bellingham announced himself as the guy for the next cycle. They have a good mix of ages. But they need to figure out the manager situation.
Morocco jumped to No. 5 and proved 2022 was no fluke. Ismael Saibari got hurt and that might have cost them a deeper run. This golden generation still has legs, and they co-host in 2030. They will be dangerous.
Norway came in at No. 6 and the world fell in love with Erling Haaland. He carried them to the quarterfinals. But he needs help. Martin Odegaard will be in his 30s by the next World Cup. The good news is Antonio Musa and Oscar Bobb will be 25 and 27. If those guys develop, Norway could do something real.
Portugal was the biggest disappointment. We thought they had the deepest roster in the field. Roberto Martinez wasted it, same way he did with Belgium four years ago. Losing Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo might actually help them. Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos are ready to take over. And they co-host in 2030.
Brazil landed at No. 8 and that might be too low. Vinicius Jr. is entering his prime. Endrick and Rayan get four more years to develop. Carlo Ancelotti is signed for the next cycle. They need to replace Alisson, Casemiro and Marquinos. But it’s Brazil. They’ll figure out attackers. The question is the spine.
Belgium checked in at No. 9. The golden generation is mostly done — Lukaku, De Bruyne, Courtois. But Nathan Ngoy, Amadou Onana, Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere all stepped up. Those four will still be under 30 in 2030. That’s something.
Netherlands rounded out the top 10. They have top-10 talent. Ronald Koeman played scared against Morocco and it cost them. A new manager and they bounce back. Switzerland had a great run but they are not a top-10 team. Simple as that.
Spain is the champion. The rest of the world has three years and 11 months to figure out how to score on them.
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