Early Euro 2028 Power Rankings: Spain Leads, Portugal Moves On From Ronaldo Saga, Norway Faces Reality Check

Euro 2028 Power Rankings: First Glimpses of the Contenders

Although Euro 2028 is still nearly two years away, recent international breaks have given some insight into how top European teams are shaping up. The tournament will be held across the UK and Ireland, with matches in England, Scotland, Wales, and Dublin. None of the hosts automatically qualify, so 24 spots remain fiercely contested.

Qualifiers start in March, but recent Nations League games have set early tone and seeding for the championship. GOAL has ranked the top 20 UEFA teams from the latest FIFA rankings based on their recent performances.

20. Ukraine

Despite the ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine remains a contender for major tournaments. They opened with a notable win against Hungary but struggled afterward, earning just one point in a draw with Georgia and suffering home losses to Northern Ireland and Hungary. The return of Oleksandr Zinchenko in the new year should help, but improvement is needed.

19. Poland

Poland has qualified for every Euro since 2008 but missed out on the recent World Cup. Robert Lewandowski, who hinted at retirement after playoff defeat, confirmed he'll continue for one more cycle. His hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Romania stood out, but the team scored only once in three other games, highlighting a lack of support around Lewandowski.

18. Hungary

Hungary aims for a fourth consecutive Euros appearance. Early setbacks, including a home loss to Ukraine and a goalless draw in Northern Ireland, were offset by wins over Georgia and Ukraine. Manager Marco Rossi faces pressure but may keep his job for upcoming matches thanks to these recoveries.

17. Wales

Wales showed promise with a home win against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway but failed to score or earn points in three other matches. A costly home defeat to Denmark, partly due to a goalkeeper error, hurt their chances for a favorable qualifying seed despite hosting some tournament games.

16. Turkiye

Turkiye suffered four straight defeats in the Nations League following a disappointing World Cup exit. They conceded 11 goals and scored only twice, lacking attacking firepower without Kenan Yildiz. Manager Vincenzo Montella likely faces dismissal after this poor run.

15. Austria

Missing key players like Arnautovic and Alaba, Austria still collected eight points from four games. Late goals secured wins and draws, demonstrating resilience as they prepare for their third straight major tournament knockout round.

14. Sweden

Sweden impressed with 10 points from four games under Graham Potter. Viktor Gyokeres scored in every match, stepping up after Alexander Isak’s injury. Having cleared tough fixtures, Sweden looks confident to top their group in November.

13. Croatia

New coach Slaven Bilic had a rough start with Croatia, suffering heavy defeats including a 7-0 loss to England. Despite winning in Czechia, questions arise over continuing to rely on 41-year-old Luka Modric as the team transitions between generations.

12. Greece

Greece is showing signs of a new golden generation. Talents like Christos Tzolis and Konstantinos Karetsas helped them remain unbeaten, including a notable 1-0 win in Germany and draws with the Netherlands and Germany. A road win in Serbia highlighted their growing threat.

11. Denmark

Denmark missed the World Cup for the first time in a decade but remains strong enough to qualify for Euro 2028. After fighting back in close matches against Portugal and Norway, they secured wins against Wales and saw Rasmus Hojlund score consistently.

10. Italy

Italy bounced back from a home loss to Belgium by winning three of four Nations League games. Coach Roberto Mancini is integrating younger players such as Michael Kayode and Alessandro Romano. How well this new generation gels will be key to their Euros ambitions.

9. Belgium

Belgium, led by new manager Mark van Bommel, mixed wins and losses. Kevin De Bruyne impressed in victory over Turkiye, while youngster Mika Godts shone in Italy. However, late goals by Michael Olise helped France overcome Belgium twice, showing Belgium still has progress to make.

8. Norway

After a historic World Cup quarter-final with Erling Haaland leading, Norway faced a harsh reality check. Despite a win over Denmark, three losses including two to Portugal and a defeat to Wales suggest a post-tournament slump. It’s better to face struggles now than during qualifiers.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland overcame controversy over player exclusions to win all four Nations League matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding only once. Their opponents may not be the strongest, but momentum is clearly building under Murat Yakin.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands remain unbeaten in the Nations League with two wins and two draws. Newcomer Mexx Meerdink scored twice in Belgrade, and captain Virgil van Dijk reached 100 caps. Under Xavi's guidance, they aim to reclaim their Total Football style by Euro 2028.

5. Germany

Jurgen Klopp’s debut as Germany coach brought mixed results amid experimentation with a large squad. A shock home loss to Greece was balanced by a win over Serbia and a draw in Thessaloniki. While results vary, Klopp is laying groundwork for future success.

4. Portugal

Portugal won all four Nations League games despite drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo leaving camp after being an unused substitute. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos stepped up with three goals each. Without Ronaldo, Portugal could become a more effective team aiming for Euro glory.

3. England

England showed promise after a rough World Cup exit. Though losing to Spain, wins over Czechia both home and away and a 7-0 demolition of Croatia highlighted their attacking strength. Harry Kane scored six times, with others like Jude Bellingham impressing. Post-World Cup recalls suggest bright prospects ahead.

2. France

Zinedine Zidane’s era started positively despite losing Kylian Mbappe to injury. Michael Olise emerged as a star, scoring four goals and assisting twice, including crucial late winners. Balancing an attack packed with talent and defensive solidity will be Zidane’s challenge before upcoming tournaments.

1. Spain

As reigning European and world champions, Spain leads the rankings. Lamine Yamal shone by scoring in Spain's first three matches, including a notable win at Wembley. Victories over Croatia and Czechia completed a perfect Nations League run. With key players still young, Spain looks unstoppable for Euro 2028.