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

With the tournament still nearly two years away, recent international fixtures have offered a glimpse of how European teams are shaping up for Euro 2028, hosted across England, Scotland, Wales, and Dublin. None of the host nations receive automatic qualification, leaving 24 spots to battle over.

Qualifying starts in March, but Nations League matches recently played have influenced seedings and given hints about team form. Here’s a breakdown of the top 20 UEFA teams based on FIFA rankings after this international break.

20. Ukraine

Despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains a contender for major tournaments. Their campaign was mixed: a notable win in Hungary thanks to Danylo Sikan’s goal, but followed by a draw against Georgia and consecutive home defeats to Northern Ireland and Hungary. The return of Oleksandr Zinchenko next year is expected to boost their chances.

19. Poland

Poland has been a regular at recent Euros but missed the World Cup. Robert Lewandowski, now 38 and playing in MLS, pledged to continue for one more cycle and showed his scoring touch with a hat-trick in a 6-0 rout of Romania. However, Poland struggled otherwise, earning just one point and one goal in three other games, revealing a lack of attacking support around Lewandowski.

18. Hungary

Hungary aims for a fourth straight Euro appearance but stumbled early with losses to Ukraine and a draw in Northern Ireland. They recovered with wins over Georgia and Ukraine late in the break, keeping manager Marco Rossi’s position intact amid pressure.

17. Wales

Wales, co-hosts of the tournament, showed promise with a win over World Cup quarter-finalists Norway, but failed to score or earn points in three other matches. A painful home defeat to Denmark, highlighted by goalkeeper Danny Ward’s mistake, damaged their hopes for a favorable qualifying seed.

16. Turkiye

Turkiye, often seen as underdogs, had a tough break, suffering four straight Nations League losses and conceding 11 goals while scoring only twice. Arda Guler and others couldn't inspire the team, and coach Vincenzo Montella is expected to lose his job after disappointing performances.

15. Austria

Without key players like Marko Arnautovic and David Alaba, Austria managed eight points from four games. Late goals and come-from-behind draws demonstrated resilience, suggesting they’re aiming for a third consecutive major tournament knockout stage.

14. Sweden

Sweden’s Nations League start was strong, collecting 10 points from four games. Viktor Gyokeres emerged as a reliable scorer despite losing strike partner Alexander Isak to injury. With tougher matches behind them, confidence should be high for November’s games.

13. Croatia

Under new coach Slaven Bilic, Croatia had a rough patch, including a heavy 7-0 loss to England. Questions arise about continuing to rely on 41-year-old Luka Modric. The squad seems caught between generations and will need tough decisions ahead of Euro 2028.

12. Greece

Greece showed promise with an unbeaten Nations League run, including a surprise win in Germany. Rising talents like Christos Tzolis, Konstantinos Karetsas, and Charalampos Kostoulas signal a potential golden generation taking shape.

11. Denmark

Missing the World Cup for the first time in a decade, Denmark still looks competitive. Despite mixed results, Rasmus Hojlund’s scoring form stood out. Narrow defeats and wins indicate they remain a solid side aiming for qualification.

10. Italy

Roberto Mancini returned to lead a revamped Italy after their third consecutive World Cup miss. Following an initial loss to Belgium, Italy rebounded with wins against Turkiye and a draw in France. Emerging players like Michael Kayode and Pio Esposito provide fresh hope.

9. Belgium

Belgium, transitioning from their Golden Generation, started new management under Mark van Bommel with mixed results. Kevin De Bruyne impressed, and youngster Mika Godts shone. Still, late losses to France reveal they have ground to cover.

8. Norway

After reaching their first World Cup quarter-final, Norway faced a reality check with one win and three losses in the Nations League. Erling Haaland scored twice in their sole victory but could not prevent defeats, showing signs of a post-tournament slump.

7. Switzerland

Despite controversy involving players falsifying vaccine documents, Switzerland won all four Nations League matches convincingly. Scoring 11 and conceding just once, they look ready to continue deep runs in upcoming tournaments.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands remain unbeaten in the Nations League, with two wins and two draws. New talents like Mexx Meerdink emerged alongside veterans like Virgil van Dijk. Their blend of youth and experience makes them strong contenders.

5. Germany

Jurgen Klopp’s debut as Germany coach saw mixed results, partly due to a large and split squad testing many new players. A shock loss to Greece contrasted with a solid win over Serbia. Klopp’s work is ongoing to rebuild Die Mannschaft.

4. Portugal

New coach Jorge Jesus began with four straight wins despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s mid-camp exit after being an unused substitute. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos stepped up with three goals each. Without Ronaldo, Portugal might be a real threat in 2028.

3. England

Thomas Tuchel’s tenure started with a defeat to Spain but followed with impressive wins over Czechia and a dominant 7-0 victory against Croatia. Harry Kane netted six goals, while young stars like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon made an impact. England looks promising as co-hosts.

2. France

Zinedine Zidane’s era began well despite Kylian Mbappe’s injury. Michael Olise took center stage, scoring four goals and assisting twice, including a late winner against Belgium. France boasts an exciting forward line and must balance attack with defense.

1. Spain

Current European and world champions Spain showed no signs of fatigue. Young star Lamine Yamal opened scoring in their first three Nations League games, including a win at Wembley. Victories over Croatia and Czechia sealed a perfect start, with Pedri and Mikel Merino also shining. Spain appears unstoppable.

Summary of Nations League Performances by Team

• Ukraine: Win against Hungary; draws and defeats followed.
• Poland: One big win vs Romania; other results poor.
• Hungary: Mixed start but ended with wins.
• Wales: One win vs Norway; losses elsewhere.
• Turkiye: Four defeats, 11 goals conceded.
• Austria: Eight points from four games, resilient comebacks.
• Sweden: Ten points; consistent scorer Viktor Gyokeres.
• Croatia: One win, heavy defeats later.
• Greece: Unbeaten; notable win in Germany.
• Denmark: Mixed results; Rasmus Hojlund scored thrice.
• Italy: Seven points from last three games after initial loss.
• Belgium: Two wins, two losses; De Bruyne standout.
• Norway: One win; three losses post-World Cup.
• Switzerland: Four wins; dominant performances.
• Netherlands: Two wins, two draws; new talent emerging.
• Germany: Five points from four games; rebuilding phase.
• Portugal: Four wins despite Ronaldo controversy.
• England: Three wins, one loss; Kane prolific.
• France: Strong start without Mbappe; Olise shines.
• Spain: Perfect record; youth leads the way.