World Cup Power Rankings: France, Argentina, and Germany Stand Tall
Cristiano Ronaldo finally crashed the World Cup party with a ruthless double. Portugal hit Uzbekistan for five. England, by contrast, trudged through 90 goalless minutes against Ghana. Day 13 had goals, drama and a few existential crises — but barely a ripple at the top of these power rankings.
The giants are settled. It will take something seismic to move them now.
1. France
FIFA ranking: 3
France look like a team that has solved itself. Since the second half of their opener against Senegal, Michael Olise has owned the No 10 role, stitching play together and adding two more assists in a 3-0 dismissal of Iraq. His influence grows by the game.
Kylian Mbappe? Unbothered by a storm delay in Philadelphia, he simply went out and scored twice again, firing France into the knockouts with a swagger that feels ominously familiar.
Norway await on Friday to decide who tops the group. Didier Deschamps will miss that match after the death of his mother, but is expected back for the knockout rounds. France, with rhythm and ruthlessness, will be waiting for him there.
2. Argentina
FIFA ranking: 1
Lionel Messi, 38 years old, is tearing this World Cup to pieces. He has scored all five of Argentina’s goals across their two wins and, with his double against Austria, became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Behind him, the defence has banked back-to-back clean sheets, though Cristian Romero’s knee injury and substitution against Austria is a worrying note.
Argentina still need another forward to ignite. Right now, though, it feels like Messi is quite prepared to drag them as far as his legs will carry them.
3. Germany
FIFA ranking: 10
The 7-1 demolition of Curacao was eye-catching. The 2-1 win over Ivory Coast was defining.
Germany trailed, toiled, then turned to Deniz Undav. Off the bench, he struck twice, the second in added time after a delicious pass from Felix Nmecha and a sharp turn-and-finish. It was the kind of late, nervy victory that forges belief.
Top of Group E. Into the knockouts for the first time since 2014. Julian Nagelsmann’s side suddenly have something they have lacked for a decade: momentum.
4. Spain
FIFA ranking: 2
⬆️ 1
Humiliated by Cape Verde in their opener, Spain responded with fury. Saudi Arabia were swept aside 4-0 in one of the most lopsided performances of the tournament: 22 shots, 2.85 xG, and a scoreline that flattered the beaten side.
Lamine Yamal needed just 10 minutes of his first World Cup start to score, then eased through 45 minutes that will do him the world of good. Mikel Oyarzabal, anonymous to the point of not touching the ball for half an hour against Cape Verde, answered with two goals.
Spain have steadied themselves. Beat Uruguay on Friday, and Group H is theirs.
5. England
FIFA ranking: 4
⬇️ 1
The party stopped as soon as the music got familiar. After the wild 4-2 win over Croatia, England reverted to type with a flat 0-0 against Ghana.
Little invention, fewer chances, and the old doubts came rushing back. The optimism of “It’s coming home” has been muted, if only temporarily.
Beat Panama in the final group game and they still top the group. But this was a jarring reminder of how quickly England can slip from exhilarating to lifeless.
6. Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 8
The Netherlands did more than beat Sweden; they dismantled them. The 5-1 scoreline was a statement.
Brian Brobbey bulldozed through the defence, linking seamlessly with Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville as the front line clicked into something formidable.
Tunisia, reeling and already out, are next. On this evidence, the Dutch should stroll to top spot in a group that once looked awkward.
7. Brazil
FIFA ranking: 6
Brazil needed a response. Haiti provided the canvas.
A 3-0 win restored some order after a scratchy opener. Matheus Cunha looked far more at ease than Igor Thiago in a fluid front line, and Brazil controlled the game with authority.
The real exams lie ahead, starting with Scotland. For now, this was the reset Carlo Ancelotti’s side required.
8. Morocco
FIFA ranking: 7
With a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and an AFCON triumph likely still ringing in their ears, expectations for Morocco are enormous. They are handling that weight.
A draw with Brazil, a win over Scotland, and two smart finishes from Ismael Saibari have them well placed in Group C. Topping the group may demand a big win over Haiti, depending on Brazil’s result against Scotland, but progression is within reach.
For a team now accustomed to making history, simply getting through is the minimum requirement.
9. United States
FIFA ranking: 17
People are whispering it now: can the U.S. actually win this thing? That alone shows how far they’ve come.
A 4-1 demolition of Paraguay, then a controlled 2-0 victory over Australia — all without needing Christian Pulisic for the second game. Mauricio Pochettino’s team are vibrant, adventurous and stacked with attacking options.
Already confirmed as group winners, they can rotate against Turkey. The bigger question is how deep this energy can carry them.
10. Norway
FIFA ranking: 31
The dark horses are thundering on. Seven goals in two games, a 3-2 win over Senegal, and a growing sense that Norway are no longer just a fun outsider.
They ripped through the (stripped) African champions’ defence, forcing errors and carving out chance after chance. Erling Haaland, unsurprisingly, is at the centre of it all with another brace.
The defending remains shaky. But when you can outscore almost anyone, the rest of the world starts paying attention.
11. Colombia
FIFA ranking: 14
⬆️ 1
Colombia keep winning, if not convincingly. Two games, two victories, and safe passage to the knockouts secured.
They wobbled against Uzbekistan, then edged DR Congo 1-0 when the margin could have been greater. Still, the job is done with a game to spare.
Portugal await in a lip-smacking clash. A draw will be enough to top the group. Style points can come later.
12. Mexico
FIFA ranking: 13
⬇️ 1
First team through. First place secured. Home advantage locked in.
Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to follow up their win over South Africa, and while neither performance sparkled, two wins and two clean sheets are hard to argue with.
Finishing top of Group A means a third-placed opponent in the last 32 and knockout ties in Mexico City. For a co-host, that is a priceless edge.
13. Portugal
FIFA ranking: 5
Portugal needed a reaction. They produced a rout.
Uzbekistan were overwhelmed 5-0, with Ronaldo scoring twice to become the first man to score in six different World Cups. The goals mattered as much for the noise around him as for the record itself.
Still, the context matters: Uzbekistan’s defence froze on the big stage. Colombia, next up, will be a far more accurate measure of Portugal’s ceiling.
14. Croatia
FIFA ranking: 11
Another narrow escape, another reminder of Croatia’s strange tournament resilience.
They needed a late, close-range finish from substitute Ante Budimir to squeeze past Panama 1-0. It was hardly vintage stuff from the veterans of 2018 and 2022.
Yet history keeps warning against writing them off. This generation may be fading, but their knack for surviving remains intact.
15. Egypt
FIFA ranking: 29
At last, a World Cup win for Egypt.
They had to come from behind against New Zealand, but Mohamed Salah decided the game with a goal and an assist, dragging his country to a landmark victory.
Beat Iran on Friday and they top Group G, earning a round-of-32 meeting with a third-placed side. They have not yet looked like a deep-tournament threat, but the pathway is opening.
16. Japan
FIFA ranking: 18
Japan are almost there. A 4-0 dismantling of Tunisia — including an Ayase Ueda double — has left them more than 99 per cent likely to progress.
In the 1,000th World Cup match, they recorded their biggest-ever win at the tournament and became the first Asian side to score four in a World Cup game. Tunisia’s struggles temper the hype, but Japan’s identity is clear: speed, intensity, and an organised, aggressive press.
This is a team that knows exactly what it wants to be.
17. South Korea
FIFA ranking: 22
South Korea’s performance against Mexico was a jolt. They created almost nothing, looked flat, and saw Son Heung-min substituted before the hour.
Qualification now hangs on beating South Africa. The talent is there; the urgency, so far, has not been.
Their big names have one game to change the narrative.
18. Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 19
A new name, a new threat. Johan Manzambi, 20 years and 247 days old, came off the bench and ripped Bosnia and Herzegovina apart.
His late double sealed a 4-1 win and made him the youngest player to score twice as a substitute in a men’s World Cup match. Switzerland now face Canada knowing a draw is enough to go through; a win would give them top spot.
With Manzambi emerging, they suddenly look a lot more dangerous.
19. Canada
FIFA ranking: 30
Canada finally arrived at a World Cup — emphatically.
A 6-0 evisceration of Qatar delivered their first-ever tournament win and showcased exactly what Jesse Marsch wants: aggressive pressing, relentless running, and ruthless finishing. Jonathan David’s hat-trick capped a night when almost everything clicked.
Ismael Kone’s injury is a blow, but the equation is simple: draw with Switzerland and the co-hosts are into the knockouts.
20. Ghana
FIFA ranking: 73
⬆️ 3
Ghana’s World Cup could hardly be going better.
They followed a last-gasp win over Panama with a disciplined, stubborn 0-0 against England. They even threatened on the counter and might have had a penalty for Ezri Konsa’s challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu had VAR not gone missing at the crucial moment.
Four points from two games should be enough. From rank outsiders to genuine knockout contenders — and they’ve earned every step.
21. Belgium
FIFA ranking: 9
⬇️ 1
The number next to Belgium’s name looks more and more like a relic.
They dominated Iran on paper — 23 shots, 1.82 xG, 70 per cent possession — but failed to win again. The stats still say Kevin De Bruyne is one of the Premier League’s greats and Romelu Lukaku is their record scorer. The pitch says this team is only half-formed.
No wins against Egypt or Iran. Even if they beat New Zealand, how far can they really go? They badly need Jeremy Doku back at full throttle.
22. Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 33
⬇️ 1
Ivory Coast went toe to toe with Germany and led for over half an hour. That alone shows their level.
Yan Diomande and Amad have tormented full-backs, but they could not see out what would have been a statement result. Still, the numbers are on their side: a 95 per cent chance of reaching the knockouts for the first time, according to The Athletic’s model.
They have proved they belong. Now they must prove they can finish.
23. Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 16
⬇️ 1
Two games, 44 shots, 3.88 xG, three goals — and only two points. Uruguay are living a striker’s nightmare.
They finished level on points with Brazil and Colombia in qualifying, but brought wretched form into the tournament and have not shaken it off. Cape Verde’s 40-yard free kick slipping through a flimsy two-man wall summed up their fragility.
Now they need a result against Spain. Marcelo Bielsa’s carefully drawn plans did not include this kind of jeopardy.
24. Algeria
FIFA ranking: 28
Set pieces might be Algeria’s golden ticket.
Both goals in their comeback win over Jordan came from corners, a weapon that could trouble stronger opponents when chances are scarce. Riyad Mahrez, restored to the starting XI, knitted attacks together and created from open play.
Their fate now rests on Sunday’s clash with Austria. Second place is up for grabs, but a minus-two goal difference means they still have plenty of work to do.
25. Sweden
FIFA ranking: 38
Sweden have seen both sides of a 5-1 scoreline. That contrast tells their story.
They shredded Tunisia in their opener with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak in full flow, then were torn apart by the Netherlands. The gap between them and the true elite remains clear.
They can crush weaker sides. Against the best, their flaws are brutally exposed.
26. Senegal
FIFA ranking: 15
Senegal’s World Cup is slipping away.
They started brightly against France but have since conceded six goals across two games. Ismaila Sarr’s double against Norway and Ibrahim Mbaye’s strike versus France show they can hurt anyone, but defensive lapses are killing them.
Edouard Mendy’s saves kept the scoreline respectable against Norway before he went off injured. Now they need a heavy win over Iraq and favourable results elsewhere just to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams.
27. Australia
FIFA ranking: 27
Australia’s optimism from beating Turkey evaporated against the United States.
Tony Popovic’s decision to bench both Turkey scorers, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, blunted their counter-attacking threat. Without Irankunda’s pace, they looked pedestrian and were overrun, especially in the first half.
Paraguay now stand between them and second place. It is suddenly a far tougher task than it looked a few days ago.
28. Austria
FIFA ranking: 25
Ralf Rangnick shuffled his pack against Argentina, bringing in Kevin Danso at the back and Paul Wanner in midfield. The problem remains the same.
Austria have quality, but not a prolific striker or a truly watertight defence — as Jordan’s goal underlined. Their strength is spread, not concentrated, and that makes hurting top teams difficult.
Algeria’s win over Jordan has turned Sunday’s meeting into a straight shootout for second place.
29. Scotland
FIFA ranking: 41
Scotland have become obsessed with permutations. How many goals can they afford to concede to Brazil and still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams?
They edged Haiti 1-0, then pushed Morocco hard in a narrow 1-0 defeat, showing enough grit to suggest Brazil will not have it all their own way.
Any positive result on Wednesday — any at all — and Scotland reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time. The margin for error is tiny, but the opportunity is enormous.
30. Iran
FIFA ranking: 20
Iran’s draw with Belgium looked, on the surface, like a triumph.
They created clear chances, scored from a clever free kick only for it to be ruled offside, and still await their first win. The frustration stems from the margins: failing to beat 10-man Belgium, dropping points to New Zealand in their opener.
They now rely on Egypt easing off in the final Group G match. Hope remains, but it is hanging by a thread.
31. Ecuador
FIFA ranking: 24
Nineteen matches. Two years. No defeats. Then this.
Ecuador have collapsed into wastefulness, losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curacao despite generating 4.08 xG without scoring. Enner Valencia, so lethal in Qatar 2022, has not found the same edge at 36.
Germany await on Thursday. Ecuador can only hope Nagelsmann rotates heavily. Their unbeaten aura has vanished.
32. Paraguay
FIFA ranking: 40
This is what Paraguay were supposed to look like.
They flew out against Turkey, scoring after two minutes with Matias Galarza’s long-range strike, then held firm after Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at a World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
Turkey poured forward. Paraguay did not break. Now they face Australia without their star forward, but with their identity restored: stubborn, organised, dangerous.
33. Cape Verde
FIFA ranking: 67
Cape Verde are writing one of the great World Cup stories.
They stunned Spain with a draw, then held Uruguay 2-2, scoring from a 40-yard free kick and a moment of brilliance from substitute Helio Varela. Two former world champions, two famous results.
Beat Saudi Arabia and they will be the most unlikely knockout team this tournament has ever seen. Even a draw might be enough. Extraordinary.
34. Saudi Arabia
FIFA ranking: 60
Reality bit hard for Saudi Arabia.
Spain’s 4-0 win could have been far heavier, such was their dominance. Yet the Saudis still have a clear, attainable target: beat Cape Verde and finish on four points, likely in at least third place.
Given the group they landed in, they would have taken that scenario in a heartbeat.
35. New Zealand
FIFA ranking: 85
Stubborn, awkward, hard to kill. New Zealand’s World Cup identity has barely changed since 2010.
They finally lost a game at the tournament — their first defeat since 1982 — going down 3-1 to Egypt despite leading through Finn Surman.
Now comes a chance at history: beat a faltering Belgium on Saturday and they are almost certainly into the knockouts for the first time. The opportunity is as big as the name in front of them.
36. Czech Republic
FIFA ranking: 43
⬆️ 1
They started perfectly. Michal Sadilek scored the fastest goal of this World Cup after five minutes and seven seconds against South Africa.
They finished frustrated. A late equaliser left them with a 1-1 draw that suits neither side.
To reach the knockouts, they must now beat co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Few tasks are tougher.
37. Bosnia and Herzegovina
FIFA ranking: 64
⬆️ 1
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s late collapse against Switzerland has left them on the brink.
Qatar await in Seattle on Wednesday. Win, and four points should be enough to go through. Lose, and they are out.
There is no more room for error.
38. DR Congo
FIFA ranking: 46
⬆️ 2
DR Congo continue to punch above their perceived weight.
They followed a shock 1-1 draw with Portugal with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, defending stoutly and threatening on the break through Yoane Wissa.
Beat Uzbekistan this weekend and four points should carry them into the knockouts. For a side many expected to fade early, that would be a remarkable achievement.
39. Qatar
FIFA ranking: 56
Everything that could go wrong against Canada did. Six goals conceded, two red cards, a humiliation on home soil.
And yet, the path is still simple: beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and four points will almost certainly be enough to progress.
They have one last chance to salvage pride — and their tournament.
40. Curacao
FIFA ranking: 82
⬆️ 1
Eloy Room produced one of the great goalkeeping displays of this World Cup.
His 15 saves against Ecuador secured Curacao’s first-ever World Cup point and kept their hopes alive. Beat Ivory Coast, and progression is still possible.
For a debut nation, they have already made history. Now they chase something even bigger.
41. South Africa
FIFA ranking: 61
⬆️ 2
South Africa improved against the Czech Republic, fought back, and claimed a late draw. It was admirable, but probably not enough.
They now have to beat South Korea to advance. No more calculations, no more maybes. Just a must-win game against superior opposition.
42. Iraq
FIFA ranking: 57
⬆️ 2
Iraq have been outgunned, pure and simple.
Facing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in consecutive games is a brutal assignment. Losing captain Aymen Hussein to injury after 26 minutes against France only deepened the challenge.
To have any chance, they must thrash Senegal. It feels like fantasy, but mathematically, the door is still ajar.
43. Uzbekistan
FIFA ranking: 50
⬇️ 1
Uzbekistan’s bright opening against Colombia dissolved in Lisbon.
Portugal and Ronaldo tore them apart in a 5-0 defeat that left star man Abdukodir Khusanov in tears at full time. The defending was naive, the occasion overwhelming.
They were not expected to take much from their first two games, but the damage to confidence and goal difference is severe. Beat DR Congo and hope for chaos elsewhere — that is all that’s left.
Eliminated teams
44. Panama
FIFA ranking: 34
⬇️ 8
Panama are out, but not disgraced.
Two 1-0 defeats — to Ghana via a last-minute goal and to Croatia — leave them with regrets over missed chances rather than a sense of being outclassed.
They will replay those moments in their minds for years.
45. Jordan
FIFA ranking: 63
Jordan’s debut World Cup ends with two defeats, to Austria and Algeria.
They scored in both games, but could not shut the door at the other end — a contrast to some other newcomers who have survived on heroic goalkeeping.
The foundations are there. The experience will sting.
46. Haiti
FIFA ranking: 83
Haiti were the first team eliminated, but they have not been the worst.
Thrown into a brutal group, unable to play on home soil due to political unrest, they pushed Scotland hard and might feel unlucky to leave that game empty-handed. Brazil was always going to be a bridge too far; they conceded three in the first half, then held the second half 0-0.
They face Morocco still chasing a first World Cup point. For a team back on this stage for the first time since 1974, that would mean everything.
47. Turkey
FIFA ranking: 23
Turkey, the eternal dark horses, have fallen at the first fence again.
Drawn in arguably the softest group, blessed with Kenan Yildiz, Arda Guler, Ferdi Kadioglu and Hakan Calhanoglu, they are somehow out after two games and 62 shots without a single goal.
Paraguay played half a match with 10 men and still kept them out. Luck might be a factor, but if you cannot score in those circumstances, you do not deserve any.
48. Tunisia
FIFA ranking: 45
Tunisia’s campaign has been brutal.
A 5-1 hammering by Sweden cost Sabri Lamouchi his job. Herve Renard arrived and promptly watched Japan run riot in a 4-0 defeat.
Minus eight on goal difference after two matches. No team has lost heavier. Their World Cup ends not with a whimper, but with a resounding thud.
The hierarchy, for now, holds. France and Argentina march on, Germany rediscover themselves, Spain remember who they are. Behind them, the scramble grows more desperate with every passing day.
Who blinks first?
