The 2026 World Cup qualifiers have highlighted an increasingly pronounced divide between dominant nations and lower-ranked teams. The latest matches have confirmed this trend, with performances varying greatly depending on the level of the selections. FIFA had promised a fairer format for this edition, but gaps persist on the field.

Major nations like England or France continue to rack up wins against less well-equipped opponents. Their squads, often bolstered by players from the top leagues, display technical mastery and physical power that are hard to counter. Conversely, smaller nations struggle to keep up, despite sometimes impressive tactical efforts. The evolution of the game seen in other competitions does not always bridge the gap. This divide raises questions about the fairness of the new qualifying format. Some observers believe that matches between teams of vastly different levels risk discouraging fans of smaller nations. Others point out that football remains an unpredictable sport where surprises are always possible. For now, the results confirm a pattern of dominance by the major powers, though exceptions do exist. The next set of qualifying matches could either confirm or disprove this trend. Will smaller nations have the chance to spring a surprise? Or will the big teams maintain their lead? One thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a two-tier competition.