Spain Leads World Cup Rankings as Yamal Injury Looms

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- Spain is ranked #1 in ESPN FC’s World Cup Power Rankings 30 days out, holding a FIFA rank of 2 and slated to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
- France is ranked #2, currently FIFA rank 1, and will meet Senegal, Iraq and Norway in Group I.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) suffers a significant hamstring injury.
- Hugo Ekitike (France) is ruled out after a serious injury sustained with Liverpool.
- 2026 World Cup opens on June 11 in Mexico City, with Mexico hosting South Africa for the opening match.
Why it matters: Spain’s top spot could be jeopardized if Yamal remains sidelined, while France loses a key striker, potentially altering their title hopes as the tournament begins on June 11.

