[World Cup 2026] Average Height Ranking of All 48 National Squads

At a World Cup where a single set piece can flip a match, a team's “height” is a fine weapon in its own right. Aerial duels, bundling in loose balls—that single figure, average height, hints at each nation's preferred way of playing. Let's line up the 48 countries of the North American tournament in order of height.

Note: Height is the simple average of each nation's 26 registered players.

Here, too, the conclusion first. The tallest are Bosnia and Norway at 187.2cm, the shortest Saudi Arabia at 178.4cm. Japan comes 32nd at 181.7cm, sitting right around the middle.

Tallest: Bosnia, Norway and Germany

At the top, Bosnia and Norway are level at 187.2cm (as they are tied, Bosnia edges first place with its taller maximum). Bosnia have the 201cm Raderic towering above, while Norway also boast a tall roster including Ajer (198cm) and Heggem (192cm). Germany (186.2cm), Sweden (186.0cm) and Belgium (185.8cm) follow, with the upper reaches almost a European monopoly. Belgium also have the 200cm goalkeeper Penders, so once a match turns into an aerial battle their pressure becomes considerable.

The Tallest Overall Is 205cm—Austria's Wiegele

Austria (9th) did not reach the top in team average, but individually they hold the “tallest player” in the entire tournament. Reserve goalkeeper Wiegele stands a remarkable 205cm—a size rarely seen even on the World Cup stage. Next come Bosnia's Raderic (201cm), England's Burn (201cm) and Belgium's Penders (200cm). A “two-meter wall” lines up in front of each nation's goal.

Shortest: Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Colombia

On the opposite end, the smallest are Saudi Arabia (178.4cm). South Africa (178.8cm), and Colombia and Argentina (both 179.3cm) follow—small-statured teams that compete with agility and technique. Individually, the shortest in the whole tournament is Panama's 160cm Yanis. Curacao's 164cm Antonisse, and the 170cm Messi, are among the “little giants” who wield a real presence even in modern football. You can compete without height—proving that is their role.

Where Do the Powerhouses and Japan Sit?

The surprise is how short the title contenders are. Argentina (179.3cm, 45th) are small-statured, led by Messi (170cm), and Spain (181.7cm, 31st) also stall in the middle of the pack. Their style of striking with technique and possession rather than height shows up clearly in the numbers. On the other hand, Germany (186.2cm), France (184.9cm, 10th) and England (184.2cm, 13th) rank high physically as well. Brazil sit mid-table at 183.1cm (20th), and Japan settled into a fairly average spot at 181.7cm (32nd).

Note: Average height is the simple average of the 26 registered players (based on the latest squad and height data as of June 2026). Tap each team name to freely rearrange that nation's formation and squad.