The World Cup stands as one of the most anticipated sporting events on the planet, with teams from all over the globe competing for glory and bragging rights. With just two years to go until the next tournament, we've put together a breakdown of key teams and their current performance in the build-up to 2026.

One of the biggest stories in international football right now is the ongoing battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players have been in sensational form this season, with Ronaldo leading Juventus to Serie A victory while Messi continues to shine for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. However, it's clear that both stars will be heavily relied upon by their respective clubs come the World Cup, and they'll need to maintain their form if they want to lead their teams to success.

Another team that's worth keeping an eye on is Argentina, who will be looking to defend their title from 2018. The South American giants have had a mixed start to the year, with their Copa America campaign falling short of expectations but still leaving them with plenty of confidence heading into the World Cup. They'll be hoping to bounce back with another strong showing at the tournament, led by the likes of Lionel Scaloni and Sergio Aguero.

In terms of other top teams, Germany has continued to impress under new coach Julian Nagelsmann, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles and reaching the Champions League final last season. Meanwhile, Belgium have also been in excellent form, with their recent win against England in Euro 2020 qualifying providing further evidence of their attacking prowess.

Of course, there are always going to be surprises when it comes to the World Cup, and the tournament itself can often provide some of the most memorable moments in sports history. But with so much talent on show, there's no doubt that 2026 will once again be a thrilling affair.