Which European nation has the best chance to win World Cup 2026?

You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

When it comes to winning World Cups, no continent knows how to do it better than Europe.

Outside of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, only European teams have lifted the trophy.

Al Jazeera takes a look at the 16 UEFA qualifiers, of which four previous winners are included – with Italy the fifth team to win it, but missing out on a third consecutive edition when the tournament begins on June 11:

World Cup Appearances: Eight (1934, 1954, 1958, 1978, 1982, 1990, 1998, 2026) Best finish: Third place Overall World Cup record: P29 W12 D4 L13 F43 A47 FIFA ranking: 24 Prediction: Eliminated at group stage

So long a World Cup regular, Austria return to the global stage after a 28-year absence.

Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic leads the line and the hopes of the Austrians, who are coached by former Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick.

Arnautovic netted eight times in a qualifying campaign that saw his side top Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania in their group.