The Guardian has published a lighthearted early "power rankings" feature looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, assessing which national teams have the strongest foundations to compete for the title four years from now. The piece follows the 2026 tournament, which saw veterans such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Neymar, James Rodríguez and Guillermo Ochoa make likely international farewells, prompting a shift in focus towards younger squads with players in their twenties who can build towards the next cycle with more certainty.

Spain, freshly crowned 2026 champions and set to co-host the 2030 tournament, top the list, with manager Luis de la Fuente's squad—featuring Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Nico Williams and a deep pool of promising younger players—seen as well-placed to defend their crown. France are ranked second, entering a new era under incoming head coach Zinedine Zidane, who replaces Didier Deschamps following France's semi-final defeat to Spain; the squad still relies on senior figures such as goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The full list covers ten nations judged to have the strongest prospects of reaching at least the quarter-finals in 2030.