Euro 2028 Early Power Rankings: Spain Leads, Portugal Moves On From Ronaldo Saga, Norway Faces Reality Check
Euro 2028 Early Power Rankings: Snapshot of Europe’s Top Teams
The Euro 2028 tournament in the UK and Ireland still feels far off, but the recent extended international break offered early hints about how teams are shaping up ahead of qualifying and beyond. The championship will be hosted across England, Scotland, Wales, and Dublin, with no automatic qualifications for the hosts, leaving 24 places up for grabs.
Qualifying kicks off in March, but recent Nations League games gave us a glimpse at form and potential, so here’s a ranking based on the 20 highest-ranked UEFA sides in the latest provisional FIFA rankings after this international window.
20. Ukraine
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine remain competitive. After a strong win in Hungary thanks to Danylo Sikan, their momentum faltered with just a draw against Georgia and losses at home to Northern Ireland and Hungary. The return of Oleksandr Zinchenko next year should boost their chances, but there’s work to do.
19. Poland
Robert Lewandowski starred with a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Romania, but Poland struggled otherwise, earning only one point from three other matches. Manager Jan Urban highlighted a lack of attacking support for Lewandowski as a key issue.
18. Hungary
Hungary missed out on the World Cup again but continue to qualify regularly for the Euros. After a shaky start with a home loss to Ukraine and a draw in Northern Ireland, they recovered with wins over Georgia and Ukraine. Manager Marco Rossi remains under pressure but could stay on through November.
17. Wales
Wales' highlight was a home win over Norway, showing promise in front of their passionate fans. But aside from that, they failed to score or take points in three other games. A costly error led to defeat against Denmark, and hopes for good seeding in qualifiers look slim.
16. Turkiye
Turkiye’s post-World Cup period has been grim, losing all four Nations League games and conceding 11 goals. Absences like Kenan Yildiz hurt their attack, and Arda Guler couldn’t lift the team. Coach Vincenzo Montella is likely to be replaced amid low morale.
15. Austria
Missing key veterans like Marko Arnautovic and David Alaba, Austria still went unbeaten, earning eight points from four games. They often had to rely on late goals or comebacks, revealing resilience despite some struggles.
14. Sweden
Sweden showed signs of progress under Graham Potter, picking up 10 points. Viktor Gyokeres impressed by scoring in every game, stepping up after Alexander Isak’s injury. Their toughest match is done, so finishing top in November looks possible.
13. Croatia
After Zlatko Dalic left, Slaven Bilic returned but Croatia’s results were poor — including heavy defeats to Spain and England. At 41, Luka Modric’s continued presence raises questions, as the team seems stuck between eras.
12. Greece
Greece, currently 20th in Europe, may rise thanks to young talents like Christos Tzolis, Konstantinos Karetsas, and Charalampos Kostoulas. An unbeaten Nations League run included a notable 1-0 win in Germany and draws against top teams, signaling a promising future.
11. Denmark
Denmark missed the World Cup but remain strong contenders for Euro qualification. They had mixed Nations League results, including a narrow loss to Portugal and a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Norway. Rasmus Hojlund’s form was a bright spot, scoring in three games.
10. Italy
With Roberto Mancini back, Italy are trusting a younger generation. Despite an opening loss to Belgium, they bounced back with wins over Turkiye and a draw against France. Emerging players like Michael Kayode, Pio Esposito, and Alessandro Romano caught attention.
9. Belgium
Belgium, now under Mark van Bommel, have begun rebuilding after many Golden Generation stars retired. Mika Godts shone in a win over Italy, while Kevin De Bruyne produced standout moments. Still, two late defeats to France reveal they have ground to cover.
8. Norway
Erling Haaland led Norway to their first World Cup quarter-final, raising hopes. Yet the post-tournament reality hit hard: one win over Denmark followed by three losses, including home and away to Portugal and a poor game in Wales. This may be a hangover better felt now than in qualifying.
7. Switzerland
Switzerland remain reliable contenders, reaching quarter-finals in recent Euros and World Cups. Despite controversy around players faking vaccine documents, they won all four Nations League matches, scoring 11 and conceding just once, building strong momentum.
6. Netherlands
The Netherlands, aiming to recover from a poor World Cup, started their Nations League with two wins and two draws, sitting top of their group. Newcomer Mexx Meerdink impressed alongside veterans like Virgil van Dijk, suggesting strength heading into qualifying.
5. Germany
Jurgen Klopp’s debut as Germany coach saw mixed results. He split a large squad into two groups, leading to some uneven performances, including a shock home loss to Greece. With his strongest lineup still forming, five points from four matches offer a base to build on.
4. Portugal
Portugal won all four matches under new coach Jorge Jesus, shaking off a disappointing World Cup. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos both scored three goals. Cristiano Ronaldo’s mid-break exit after being an unused substitute marked a turning point; without him, Portugal might actually improve their chances.
3. England
Thomas Tuchel faced pressure after England’s World Cup semi-final loss, but the team showed plenty of attacking promise in Nations League. Despite a loss to Spain, they thrashed Croatia 7-0 and won twice against Czechia. Harry Kane scored six goals, with others like Jude Bellingham impressing.
2. France
Under Zinedine Zidane, France started their Nations League well despite Kylian Mbappe’s injury. Michael Olise stepped up with four goals and two assists, including a late winner in Belgium. Zidane will need to balance this exciting attack with defensive solidity to succeed.
1. Spain
As reigning European and world champions, Spain look set to be the team to beat in 2028. Young star Lamine Yamal led by example, scoring in their first three matches, including a win at Wembley. Victories over Croatia and Czechia completed a perfect Nations League start. Pedri and Mikel Merino also contributed crucial goals. Spain appear unstoppable right now.
