The ball is set in the middle of the pitch, the whistle is blown and everything is forgotten; much of the globe is glued to their TV to watch the most popular sport in the world: football, more commonly known as soccer. 

For the next month, the FIFA World Cup is taking over North America from June 11–July 19, with games being played in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Across 104 tournament matches, 48 different countries will play for the most desired prize in the sport: the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

The countries are split up into 12 groups, four in each group. They will all play against each other and the top two countries in each group will go on to the Knockout stage, where the battle for the World Cup will become a win-or-go-home match all the way up until the final.

Group A

Mexico- A co-host of the World Cup, ranked 15 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre. They will lean on veteran Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who scored 22 goals for the national team in 2025. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is making his sixth World Cup appearance, comes out of the woodwork every four years to show out for his nation. 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora is the rising star for “El Tri”. In the U-20 World Cup, he put away three goals and had two assists in five matches. Their best World Cup finishes came in 1970 and 1986 in the quarterfinals.

South Korea- The “Taegeuk Warriors” rank 25 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hong Myung-bo. Star player Son Heung-min is South Korea’s captain and all-time leading scorer in European club football. In 144 appearances for his country, he has scored 56 goals. Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Bae Jun-ho, who plays for Stoke City, are both attacking midfielders who are rising stars. This team’s best World Cup finish came in 2002, when it ended up in fourth place.

South Africa- The “Bafana Bafana” rank 60 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hugo Broos. Lyle Foster is the key player for South Africa. The 25-year-old striker plays for Burnley, where he has scored three goals this season. Foster netted two goals and had two assists in the Africa Cup of Nations. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a star in the making. The center-back for Chicago Fire had a passing accuracy of 87%, 12 tackles and 101 clearances this past season. In their three appearances in the World Cup (1998, 2002 and 2010), they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Czechia- Czechia rank 41 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Miroslav Koubek. Patrik Schick remains Czechia’s biggest star. In 28 matches for Bayer Leverkusen, he netted 16 goals and has two assists and in 53 senior appearances for his country, he has scored 26 goals. The rising star Pavel Sulc has jumped onto the scene. The attacking midfielder, who plays for Lyon, has scored 11 goals and had three assists this past season. Czechia’s best World Cup finishes came in 1934 and 1962, where they were runners-up.

Group B

Canada- Co-host of the World Cup, “Les Rouges” rank 30 in FIFA rankings, coached by Jesse Marsch. Alphonso Davies is the main guy for Canada, but remains out after suffering an ACL injury in March. The Left-Back for Bayern Munich had two assists this season, but for his national team in 58 caps he has over 15 goals scored and 17 assists. Forward Jonathan David is also a player to look out for in his first season at Juventus; he made 35 league appearances (20 starts) while recording 6 goals and 4 assists. In both of there Wold Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Switzerland- Switzerland rank 19 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Murat Yakin. Granit Xhaka the is a midfielder for Sunderland, is the key player for his nation and has earned 143 caps. Goalkeeper for Borussia Dortmund, Gregor Kobel has 19 appearances with multiple clean sheets. 20-year-old Johan Manzambi is on the come-up, having two goals and two assists for Freiburg as a midfielder. Their best World Cup finishes came in 1934, 1938 and 1954 as they finished in the Quarterfinals.

Qatar- The previous host of the World Cup rank 55 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Julen Lopetegui. The star player is Akram Afif. He plays as a left winger for Al Sadd and is Qatar’s most decorated player. In 127 caps, he has put away 40 goals. Almoez Ali is another player to look out for; he is the team’s all-time leading scorer, having won the Golden Boot at the 2019 Asian Cup as well. Both players have been central to Qatar’s rise. Their best finish was at the last World Cup, where they made it for the first time, getting out in the group stage.

Bosnia & Herzegovina- Bosnia & Herzegovina rank 65 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sergej Barbarez. Edin Dzeko is the star player for his nation. At 40-years-old, he has over 73 goals in 148 international appearances since his debut in 2007. 12 years ago, he scored, helping beat Iran 3-1 for its first World Cup win. Kerim Alajbegović is the rising star for this country. The 18-year-old plays at Red Bull Salzburg; he has nine goals and three assists, manning the middle. Their best finish was in 2014 in the Group stage. 

Group C

Brazil- The “Seleção” rank sixth in FIFA rankings, coached by Carlo Ancelotti. With world-class players all over the pitch for Brazil, it’s hard to pick a few. The most notable name, Neymar, is the team’s all-time leading scorer at 79 goals, but a string of injuries over the last several seasons has kept him questionable. Vinícius Júnior is one of the most electrifying players in the world, having won two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid. He has over eight goals in 45 international appearances. Raphinha is another player to look out for; the Barcelona speedster cannot be stopped when it comes to netting goals at FC Barcelona. He finished with 34 goals this season. Brazil’s defensive line is anchored by Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães. They have won the World Cup 5 times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002).

Morocco- “The Atlas Lions” rank eighth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi. There might not have been a better storyline in the 2022 World Cup than Morocco’s incredible semifinal run. Star player Achraf Hakimi is a right back for Paris Saint-Germain and has

earned 88 caps for Morocco since debuting in 2016. He is a force on both sides of the ball, scoring goals, getting assists and playing world-class defense. Another key player is Youssef En-Nesyri; he is a forward for Fenerbahçe and has earned 85 caps for Morocco. En-Nesyri scored Morocco’s winning goal in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against Portugal, the biggest result in the country’s history. Their best finish was last World Cup with a fourth-place finish.

Scotland- Scotland ranks 43 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Steve Clarke. Their key player is John McGinn. The Middlefielder put up five goals and four assists at Aston Villa. Another key piece is attacking midfielder Scott McTominay, in 2024 saw him win the Serie A title and the Italian league’s MVP with Napoli. He had 10 goals and three assists last season for his club. Scotland has a lot of young players on the rise like Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Fletcher and Findlay Curtis, who are all under the age of 20 and might see the pitch. In eight World Cup appearances, Scotland hasn’t made it past the group stage.  

Haiti- Haiti ranks 83 in the FIFA rankings. Coached by Sébastien Migné. Duckens Nazon has been one of Haiti’s most productive players of all time, becoming the team’s all-time leading goalscorer with multiple appearances in the Gold Cup and Nations League. The 32-year-old plays for Persian Gulf Pro and, in seven matches, has one goal and one assist. Ruben Providence is a younger player to look out for. The 24-year-old scored the opening goal for Haiti in their 4-0 international friendly victory against New Zealand in June 2026. This is Haiti’s second time in the World Cup there best finish was in 1974, where they didn’t make it out of the group stage.

Group D

United States- Also co-hosts of the World Cup, the USMNT rank 16 in FIFA rankings, coached by Mauricio Pochettino. Captain America himself, Christian Pulisic, will be the focal point. The 27-year-old winger plays for AC Milan and has over 30 goals for the national team. Players to watch are midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. Both are expected to help both defend and distribute the ball from their positions. Chris Richards, who has emerged as a solid center-back for English club Crystal Palace, is turning into the Americans’ best defender. Rising star 21-year-old Alex Freeman plays for Villarreal as anchoring the back line. Their best finish was in 1930, where they placed third.

Australia- The “Socceroos” rank 27 in FIFA rankings, coached by Tony Popovic. If he can stay healthy, Jackson Irvine will be the man in the midfield for Australia. He has had over 80 appearances for his nation. Mathew Ryan is the longtime captain for Australia in goal. He has played in the three previous World Cups and has over 100 appearances for his country. Jordan Bos is the rising star for this team. The 23-year-old leftback plays for Feyenoord and had four goals and six assists last season. Australia’s best finish was the Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022.

Paraguay- Paraguay ranks 40 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Gustavo Alfaro. Julio Enciso is a young forward who will be a key focal point for them. The 22-year-old plays for Strasbourg and had three goals and six assists with his club last season. Center-backs Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete will anchor the aggressive backline. Alexandro Maidana is a rising talent for Paraguay’s backline. The 20-year-old left-back has two goals in nine appearances with his club, Talleres. Paraguay’s best finish was in 2010, getting all the way to the Quarterfinals.

Türkiye- Türkiye ranks 22 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Vincenzo Montella. 21-year-old Arda Güler is the star for this team. The midfielder has risen to the occasion for his country when called upon. For Real Madrid last season, he had four goals and nine assists. Hakan Çalhanoğlu is another player to watch out for; the defensive midfielder plays for Milan, having nine goals and four assists for them. He has over 100 senior appearances for the national team. Their best World Cup finish was in 2002, where they placed third.

Group E

Germany- Germany ranks 10 In FIFA rankings, coached by Julian Nagelsmann. A squad with world-class players all over the pitch, this

team mixes established players and emerging talent. Florian Wirtz is an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen and one of Germany’s most productive young players, contributing goals and assists for his club and the national team. Jamal Musiala an attacking midfielder or winger for Bayern Munich and was named to the EURO 2024 Team of the Tournament after helping Germany reach the semifinals. Manuel Neuer came out of international retirement to be named as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the age of 40. They have won the World Cup four times: in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.

Ecuador- Ecuador ranks 23 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sebastián Beccacece. Moises Caicedo is the nation’s key player and is often considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He plays for Chelsea and is known for his passing and interceptions. Ecuador has one of the better defensive pairings in the tournament with center-back Willian Pacho, who helped PSG win the Champions League in 2025. Along with Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié. Kendry Páez is a rising star. He plays as an attacking midfielder or right winger for Argentine Primera on loan. Ecuador’s  best World Cup finish was in 2006, going all the way to the Round of 16.

Ivory Coast- The “Les Éléphants” rank 34 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Emerse Faé. Franck Kessié anchors the Ivory Coast midfield with top-level experience. The midfielder played a central role in the 2024 AFCON title run, including the decisive penalty in the final. At Al-Ahli, he had five goals and three assists, with a box-to-box presence. Nicolas Pépé is another key player, having over 50 caps and scoring double-digit goals for his nation. This team has made the World Cup three times (2006, 2010 and 2014), not making it out of the group stage.

Curaçao- Curaçao is the smallest country that has ever competed at the World Cup, ranked 82 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Dick Advocaat. Key players: Rangelo Janga is the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 20 goals and Leandro Bacuna, who has more than 15 goals as a midfielder or right-back combined; they combine for a veteran entering the World Cup. 22-year-old Livano Comenencia is a rising star at right-back for the team; he has had over 15 caps for the national team, being a presence on the defensive end. This is the nation’s first World Cup.

Group F 

Netherlands- The “Oranje” ranks seventh in FIFA rankings, coached by Ronald Koeman. The Dutch have built a long history of elite talent along with several instances of reaching the latter stages of major tournaments. The team is filled with talented players. A major player is Virgil van Dijk is the Netherlands’ most experienced defender and a long-time captain of the national team. He has won the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and multiple domestic cups with Liverpool. He has over 80 appearances for his country. More key players are Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong. Depay is the nation’s top goal scorer with over 50 goals and is one of the most reliable attacking players for the nation. de Jong is a central midfielder for Barcelona and has been a core part of the Dutch national team since debuting in 2018. Having over 60 caps and he remains essential to the Netherlands’ midfield control. The Netherlands might be the best national team to have never won the World Cup, getting runner-up three times (1974, 1978 and 2010)

Japan- The “Samurai Blue” rank 18 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hajime Moriyasu. Notable players are Liverpool defensive midfielder Wataru Endo; is a dependable ball-winning midfielder. As Japan’s captain, he is known for leadership and tactical discipline. Takefusa Kubo, known as “Japanese Messi” by Japanese football fans, brings creativity and flair, combining sharp dribbling with vision in attack for Real Sociedad. Kaoru Mitoma, who plays at Brighton, adds explosive pace and elite one-on-one ability in the midfield. 21-year-old Keisuke Goto is a star in the making on the attack. At his club Sint-Truiden, he scored 11 goals and had seven assists. Japan’s best finish in the World Cup was the Round of 16 four times (2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022).

Tunisia- Tunisia rank 44 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sabri Lamouchi. Hannibal Mejbri is a key player to look out for; the young midfielder from Burnley F.C adds a creative option running the middle. Another player who mans the middle is Ellyes Skhiri; he anchors the Tunisia midfield with 74 caps. He plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, mostly playing on the defensive end. Khalil Ayari is rising through the ranks as the 21-year-old plays for Paris Saint-Germain; he is a left-footed winger. In six appearances in the World Cup (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022), they haven’t made it out of the group stage. 

Sweden- Sweden rank 48 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Graham Potter. Forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres both have struggled at their clubs this season in England. Isak plays for Liverpool, having three goals and one assist. Gyökeres plays for Arsenal, having five goals and one assist. Gustaf Lagerbielke is another player to keep an eye on on the defensive side. The Braga defender put in a crucial performance in the playoff final against Poland, scoring with a thunderous header and keeping well-known striker Robert Lewandowski quiet. Their best finish was in 1958 when they were runner-ups.

Group G

Belgium- “The Red Devils” rank ninth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Rudi Garcia. Belgium has been one of Europe’s most consistent national teams over the past decade, qualifying for every major tournament since 2014 with young and old talent all across the pitch. Kevin De Bruyne: Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, he plays at Napoli, having five goals and two assists, manning the middle. Attackers Jérémy Doku and Romelu Lukaku will man the attack. Doku is on the rise. Most known for his speed and dribbling ability, the winger for Manchester City had five goals ans five assists last season. Lukaku, at the age of 33, critics claim he still has a long way to go before starting, but his skill is undoubtedly having the most goals for his nation at 90 goals in over 120 caps. Thibaut Courtois is Belgium’s long-time first-choice goalkeeper and has earned 107 caps since debuting in 2011. He has had multiple clean sheets and is a winner of the Golden Glove in 2018. Belgium’s best finish came in 2018, when it placed third. 

Iran- Iran ranks 21 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Amir Ghalenoei. The star to look out for is Mehdi Taremi; he leads the Iran attack at Olympiacos, where he had 10 goals and three assists. Majid Hosseini plays the back line for the nation; he brings World Cup experience.

Allahyar Sayyadmanesh provides a younger attacking option, bringing pace and versatility. At his club, he had seven goals and four assists. Aria Yousefi is the younger player on the rise; the midfielder and defender plays for Sepahan. In six appearances at the World Cup, they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Egypt- “The Pharaohs” rank 29 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hossam Hassan. Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s most influential player of all-time, backed by a world-class résumé that includes Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title and over 60 international goals. The right winger or right midfielder has seven goals and seven assists for Liverpool this season. His consistency on the national level has carried Egypt through multiple AFCON campaigns and World Cup qualifying cycles. Another player to look out for is Omar Marmoush. He plays as a forward for Manchester City, having three goals and three assists. Ibrahim Adel is on the rise, playing for Nordsjælland; he has had three goals and one assist in 11 matches this season. Egypt has made the World Cup three times (1934, 1990 and 2018), not making it out of the group stage. 

New Zealand- The “All Whites” rank 85 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Darren Bazeley. Chris Woods is the player to keep an eye on. He is the most accomplished modern-era striker for his nation, with over 85 international caps and a scoring record that ranks among the first in the country’s history with over 45 goals. He plays for Nottingham Forest, having scored three goals this season. Defender Tim Payne has been going viral, dubbed the “least known player” by Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini. Payne plays at Wellington Phoenix and had four assists last season, while also playing on the backline. Ben Old is a player on the rise for New Zealand; the 23-year-old has played one match for his club Saint-Étienne, manning the middle. This team’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1982 and 2010, losing in the group stage.

Group H

Spain- “La Roja” rank second in the FIFA rankings, coached by Luis de la Fuente. Spain has world-class players, young and old, all over the pitch. Lamine Yamal is a right-winger for FC Barcelona and one of Spain’s most productive young internationals. At 18 years old, he has 16 goals and 11 assists for his club and he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, the highest placement ever for a teenager. Next to him on the attack are Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), and Ferran Torres(Barcelona). They all bring dynamic scoring threats that will hurt opposing teams’ backlines. There middle has youth and experience with Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid) and Mikel Merino (Arsenal). Rodri is Spain’s first-choice holding midfielderhe has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies. He captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Spanish players in history to win the award. Pedri is a young name for FC Barcelona; he is known for his ball control, dribbling, passing and playmaking. At his club, he has two goals and nine assists. Spain’s best finish came in 2010 with a World Cup win.

Uruguay-  “La Celeste” rank 17 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Marcelo Bielsa. Federico Valverde is a midfielder for Real Madrid and one of Uruguay’s most established players, earning 71 caps; he contributes goals, assists and significant defensive coverage. He has scored five

goals and had eight assists for his club. Ronald Araújo is a defender for FC Barcelona and has become a regular starter for his nation. The center back is known for his defense, but will sometimes score, having three goals for his club. José María Giménez is a central defender for Atlético Madrid and has been part of Uruguay’s team since 2013, having over 95 appearances. Uruguay won the World Cup twice in 1930 and 1950. 

Saudi Arabia- Saudi Arabia ranks 61 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Georgios Donis. Salem Al-Dawsari is the key player for his nation and enters the tournament as Saudi Arabia’s most experienced attacking presence. He has scored over 20 goals for his nation in over 120 appearances. He plays at Al-Hilal, having eight goals ans eight assists this season. Musab Al-Juwayr is rising the ranks. He adds a younger midfield option at the age of 22-years-old. He plays at Al-Qadsiah, scoring six goals and 11 assists. Saud Abdulhamid plays right-back for his national team, being a reliable defender.  This team’s best World Cup finish came in 1994, going to the Round of 16.

Cape Verde- Cape Verde rank 69 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Bubista. Ryan Mendes is the main player for his nation. At 36-years-old, the winger is Cape Verde’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 20 goals and appearance leader, having appeared in multiple AFCON tournaments and providing goals throughout many tournaments. He plays at Iğdır and has had five goals so far for his club. Sidny Lopes Cabral is another player to look out for; the 23-year-old plays for Benfica at right-back. This is Cape Verde’s first time being in the World Cup.

Group I

France- “Les Bleus” rank first in the FIFA rankings, coached by Didier Deschamps. Across the world, France has dominated international play with world-class players. Kylian Mbappé is France’s most accomplished active player. He won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup tournament with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final and played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup title. Another forward, Ousmane Dembélé, plays for Paris Saint‑Germain and is a senior regular for the France national football team. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2025 and is known for his elite two-footed dribbling, blistering acceleration and creative playmaking. William Saliba is a central defender for Arsenal and has become a regular call-up on the defensive end. N’Golo Kanté is a veteran that man the midfield, creating opportunities for others at the age of 35. France won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018. It was also runner-up in the last World Cup.

Senegal- Senegal rank 14 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Pape Thiaw. Sadio Mané is the name for Senegal and is one of Africa’s most decorated players of all time. He is the all-time leading goal-scorer with over 50 goals for his nation. He plays at Al-Nassr, having 10 goals and six assists this season. Idrissa Gana Gueye brings a defensive presence to the midfield. He plays for Everton, bringing defense but also

scoring, having two goals and three assists. Kalidou Koulibaly remains one of Senegal’s most accomplished defenders. He provided key defensive performances throughout the 2022 World Cup. This team’s best finish in a World Cup came in 2002 with a quarterfinal finish.

Norway- “De Røde” rank 31 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Ståle Solbakken. The main player for this team is Erling Haaland and he will be hard to stop. The Manchester City superstar striker has already surpassed 100 goals in Premier League play and helped the team win its first-ever Champions League trophy. His goal rate is incredible, especially when he plays for Norway. He has more goals than appearances, having over 55 goals in 48 appearances. Martin Ødegaard has had injury issues, but his skill is next to none in the midfield. His ability to control in midfield and steadily supply him with chances to score. Right behind Haaland is another huge striker, Alexander Sørloth, who has notched over 25 goals for Norway across more than 65 appearances. This could be many people’s dark horse pick in the World Cup. Their best finishes came in 1938 and 1998, going to the round of 16.

Iraq- Iraq ranks 57 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Graham Arnold. Aymen Hussein is their key player, having over 25 goals in over 90 appearances for his country. He was the match-winner in the play-off versus Bolivia. He plays for Al-Karma, where he hasn’t had any goals yet this season. Amir Al Ammari is a central midfielder; he provides playmaking and anchoring in the middle. He plays for Cracovia, where he has one goal and three assists this season. Iraq made the World Cup one time before this one in 1986, where it lost in the group stage. 

Group J

Argentina- “La Albiceleste” rank third in the FIFA rankings, coached by Lionel Scaloni. This nation won the last World Cup and will provide a blend of proven champions and rising stars who can shape the tournament. This team is headed up by Lionel Messi, who is widely known as the greatest player of all time. He leads his nation in appearances with over 190 and in goals with over 115. Striker Lautaro Martínez will be central to Argentina’s attack. For his club, Inter, he has 17 goals and six assists. Julián Álvarez is another name; he offers versatility and creativity, capable of playing wide, centrally or in a supporting role in the attack. He plays for Atlético Madrid, where he netted 10 goals and had five assists for his club. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul continues to be the team’s engine, offering work rate and passion that is undeniable. Emiliano Martínez remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers and has consistently stepped up his stoppage rate in penalty kick situations. They have a chance to win it back-to-back if their world-class players keep their pace from last cycle. They have won the World Cup three times (1978, 1986 and 2022).

Austria- “Wunderteam” ranks 24 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Ralf Rangnick. Marcel Sabitzer is a player to watch; he is predominantly a central midfielder, but can play in a multitude of roles, including attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, winger and second striker. The 32-year-old plays at Dortmund and has scored one goal for them while having two assists. David Alaba is Austria’s most decorated player,

with more than 30 major trophies. He plays centre-back for Real Madrid and was considered one of the best in the world at this position. Despite being 36- years-old, Marko Arnautović is a key player for his team; he is the all-time leader in both goals with over 45 and caps with more than 130, reaching those milestones after 17 years with the national team. His veteran experience brings a lot to this attack. This team’s  best finish was third in the 1954 World Cup.

Algeria- Algeria ranks 28 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Vladimir Petković. Riyad Mahrez is the key player for this nation, ans he remains one of Algeria’s most accomplished players. The left-winger plays for Al-Ahli and has scored four goals and had eight assists this season for his club. Rayan Aït-Nouri is a defender known for his defense at Manchester City. His profile combines strong ball-carrying, defensive range and versatility on the pitch. Ramy Bensebaini is another defender on this back-line. He plays for Borussia Dortmund and has played multiple positions in the back line for them. Ibrahim Maza is on the come-up; the 20-year-old footballer plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the midfield. He has had three goals and four assists for his club. Algeria’s  best World Cup finish came in 2014, going out in the round of 16.

Jordan- Jordan ranks 63 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Jamal Sellami. Musa Al-Taamari leads his nation into the World Cup as the program’s most accomplished attacker. He has had over 20 goals for his nation at his club Rennes; he has had six goals and six assists. Yazan Al-Arab provides experience at center back through consistent performances. He plays for FC Seoul in Korea and plays strong defense. Noor Al-Rawabdeh is another player to look out for; he adds midfield balance for this squad. This is the team’s first World Cup appearance. 

Group K

Portugal- “Seleção das Quinas” rank fifth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Roberto Martinez. This year’s team has produced one of the deepest talent pools in Europe and could be their year, as they have one of the best and most talented midfield cores in international football with Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG). Fernandes at Manchester United and has been one of Portugal’s most productive creators. For his club, he had 21 assists and nine goals. Silva is known for his exceptional technical ability, tactical intelligence and relentless work rate. Lastly, Neves, who has been on the rise he plays for Paris Saint-Germain and helped them win the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo, known as one of the greatest in football history, is Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 140 goals and appearances with over 220. Ronaldo can be the guy that makes this team win; he has won five Ballon d’Or trophies and remains one of the most decorated players in history.  Portugal’s best finishes in the World Cup came in 1966, 2006 wher they finished third in ‘66 and fourth in ‘06.

Colombia- “Los Cafeteros” rank 13 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Néstor Lorenzo. This team is led by Luis Díaz, a winger from Bayern Munich. He has over 70 appearances for his country, and in six matches for his club, he had three goals and two assists. Midfielder James Rodríguez is one of Colombia’s most decorated players, earning over 120 caps. He won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup with six goals

and can be a big goal scorer and contributor for his nation at 34-years-old. Davinson Sánchez is another key player for Colombia; the central defender plays for Galatasaray and is known for pace, physical strength and ball-playing abilities. Colombia’s best finish was in 2014 in the quarterfinals. 

Uzbekistan- Uzbekistan rank 50 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Fabio Cannavaro. Eldor Shomurodov is a key player for his nation; he brings veteran presence to the attack. For his club İstanbul Başakşehir, he had 22 goals and five assists this season. Abdukodir Khusanov headlines after a move to Manchester City. The centre-back and right-back are known for their blistering speed, aggressive 1-v-1 defending and fearless style of play. Husniddin Aliqulov is another main defender for Uzbekistan. This is the team’s first time in the World Cup.

Congo DR- The Congo rank 46 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sebastien Desabre. Captain and defensive leader Chancel Mbemba anchors the back line. He is his national team’s most-capped player with over 100 caps, and he has an ability to stop crucial goals. Newcastle United attacker Yoane Wissa is a key player on the attack. His explosive pace and finishing ability make him the team’s main dangerman. Another defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, plays for West Ham with top-tier defensive quality and international pedigree. Rising star Noah Sadiki, a 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder, will prove to be a dynamic player for this nation. Congo Dr’s  best World Cup finish came in 1974, where they competed under the name Zaire and lost in the Group stage. 

Group L

England– “The Three Lions” rank fourth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Thomas Tuchel. England has remained one of Europe’s most competitive national teams across the last decade, having world-class players on the pitch. Most notably, Harry Kane, who is England’s all-time leading scorer with over 75 international goals. He is known as the best striker in football right now, having 58 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. Jude Bellingham is a midfielder for Real Madrid and one of England’s most accomplished active players. He has over eight goals and five assists this season for his club. Bellingham has earned over 45 caps while contributing goals and assists from midfield. Declan Rice is another central midfielder; he plays for Arsenal and has been a regular starter for England since 2019. Rice has earned 72 caps and is a core part of England’s midfield. England’s best World Cup was in 1966, when they won it all.

Croatia- Croatia ranks 11 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Zlatko Dalić. Luka Modrić is the star for this team and is Croatia’s all-time leader in appearances with over 190 caps and has played in four World Cups. At the age of 40, he plays for AC Milan, contributing two goals and

three assists. Modrić has incredible vision, precise passing, and the ability to control the tempo of a game. Another midfielder, Mateo Kovačić, is key for this team. He has over 110 appearances for his country and at his club level, he plays for Manchester City, where he is an

elite ball-carrying and press resistance. Joško Gvardiol is a defender for Manchester City and he is known for his Elite Defensive Abilities. This team’s best was in 2018 when they lost in the finals.

Panama- “Los Canaleros” rank 33 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Thomas Christiansen. Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla is a key player for this squad. He adds a strong midfield presence, earning 2023 Gold Cup Best Player honors and establishing himself as one of Panama’s most consistent performers. Ismael Díaz leads the attack in four matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup; he had six goals. He can provide big goal scoring for his nation. Amir Murillo contributes extensive experience at right back, anchoring the defense. José Córdoba is on the rise. The Norwich City player is known for his standout role as a center-back in the EFL Championship. Panama’s best World Cup came in 2018, but they didn’t make it out of the group stage.

Ghana- The “Black Stars” rank 74 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Carlos Queiroz. Antoine Semenyo is the star of this nation. The Manchester City winger scored seven goals for his club this season. He is known for his explosive pace, physical power and versatility across the forward line. Another player is Mohammed Kudus, who is an attacking midfielder/forward for Tottenham and has earned 46 caps for Ghana. He scored two goals at the last World Cup and has been one of Ghana’s leading scorers. Iñaki Williams is a forward for Athletic Bilbao and has earned caps for Ghana since switching international eligibility in 2022. Ghana’s best World Cup was in 2010, where they made it to the Quarterfinals.