With the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, the rankings are shifting as teams battle for a spot in the knockout stages. Here's a re-ranking of the 48 teams after the first 20 matches, with a focus on the top six and some notable movements.
- France (FIFA ranking: 2)
France remains at the top, showcasing their dominance with a 3-0 win over Sweden. Kylian Mbappe's goal-scoring prowess and Michael Olise's assists are key to their success. The team's form and live projection tool forecasts a strong chance of winning the World Cup.
- Argentina (FIFA ranking: 1)
Argentina, the defending champions, breezed through their group with three convincing wins. Lionel Messi's goal-scoring prowess and the team's overall performance solidify their top-two position. They face Cape Verde in the round of 32, followed by a potential match against Egypt in the round of 16.
- Brazil (FIFA ranking: 5)
Brazil made light work of Scotland and Haiti, but concerns arose in their draw with Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti's calm demeanor and Gabriel Martinelli's goal-scoring prowess kept them in the top three. They face Norway or the Ivory Coast in the next round.
- Spain (FIFA ranking: 3)
Spain's tournament began with a draw against Cape Verde, but they bounced back with back-to-back wins. Their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia was impressive, and they showed resilience against Uruguay. They play Austria next.
- England (FIFA ranking: 4)
England's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They faced DR Congo on Wednesday, hoping to replicate their opening-game performance against Croatia. Manager Thomas Tuchel's right-back dilemma adds an intriguing layer to their strategy.
- Mexico (FIFA ranking: 9)
Mexico's perfect record and goal-scoring prowess, including a 2-0 win over Ecuador, have propelled them to the top six. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez's goal contributions, along with their home support, make them a formidable force in the last 16.
- Morocco (FIFA ranking: 6)
Morocco's round-of-32 victory against the Netherlands showcases their growth. Manager Mohamed Ouahbi's nurturing of the next generation and the team's dual-national recruitment, exemplified by Issa Diop, are notable strengths.
- Norway (FIFA ranking: 23)
Norway's defense stood tall against the Ivory Coast, and their attacking prowess, including Erling Haaland's goal, secured their place in the last 16. They face Brazil in a mouthwatering tie.
- Colombia (FIFA ranking: 11)
Colombia's attacking talent and willing runners have been impressive. Wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, despite not being entirely convincing, confirmed their progression. They face Ghana in the round of 32.
- United States (FIFA ranking: 15)
The U.S. team has brought excitement to the tournament with their positive and adventurous football. They face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Portugal (FIFA ranking: 8)
Portugal's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess and the team's overall performance have kept them in the top 12. They face Croatia in the round of 32, setting up a potential round-of-16 tie with Spain.
- Croatia (FIFA ranking: 13)
Croatia's 4-2-3-1 formation seems to be working, and they have shown quality across the team. They face Portugal in the next round, aiming to reach the quarter-finals.
- Switzerland (FIFA ranking: 16)
Switzerland's performances have been encouraging, with Johan Manzambi's goal contributions. They face Algeria in the round of 32, aiming to progress further.
- Canada (FIFA ranking: 32)
Canada's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Morocco in a 'free hit' game, aiming to progress further.
- Belgium (FIFA ranking: 10)
Belgium's performances have been unconvincing, but they topped their group. They face Senegal in the round of 32, aiming to reach the quarter-finals.
- Egypt (FIFA ranking: 26)
Egypt's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Australia in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Ghana (FIFA ranking: 65)
Ghana's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Colombia in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Senegal (FIFA ranking: 18)
Senegal's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Belgium in the round of 32, aiming to reach the quarter-finals.
- Paraguay (FIFA ranking: 37)
Paraguay's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face tournament favorites France in the last 16, aiming to reach the quarter-finals.
- Algeria (FIFA ranking: 29)
Algeria's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Switzerland in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Austria (FIFA ranking: 22)
Austria's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Spain in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Australia (FIFA ranking: 28)
Australia's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Egypt in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- DR Congo (FIFA ranking: 41)
DR Congo's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face England in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
- Cape Verde (FIFA ranking: 64)
Cape Verde's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face Argentina in the round of 32, aiming to make history.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (FIFA ranking: 61)
Bosnia and Herzegovina's performance has been a mix of the good and the bad. They face the United States in the round of 32, aiming to reach the last 16.
The eliminated teams include the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Ivory Coast, Sweden, Ecuador, South Africa, Iran, New Zealand, Turkey, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Scotland, Curacao, Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Panama, Jordan, Haiti, Qatar, Iraq, and Tunisia.
