France Remain Top After Gritty Display
France retained the top spot in the Guardian's World Cup 2026 power rankings after a brutal last-16 encounter with Paraguay. Despite facing aggressive tactics, the French showed resilience and determination. "To anyone who wants to go to war with us, this is what you should expect," said Rayan Cherki, highlighting the team's steely resolve.
Spain's Defensive Solidity Keeps Them Second
Spain remained second after keeping their fifth consecutive clean sheet against Portugal. Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the winner, showcasing the depth of Luis de la Fuente's squad. "I want to express the importance of the substitutes who came in later in the game," de la Fuente said. "Not just today, but the contribution in other games has been enormous."
Argentina Survive Scare Against Egypt
Argentina stayed third after a dramatic comeback against Egypt. Lionel Messi missed a penalty but then scored and assisted as Argentina netted three goals in 13 minutes to overturn a deficit. "Whatever happens from here on, this team gives me the feeling that it never stops believing, even when everything is going against it," said coach Lionel Scaloni.
England Rise to Fourth After Thrilling Win
England moved up four places to fourth after a helter-skelter victory over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane starred, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's saves and Dan Burn's blocks were crucial as England played with ten men for an extended period. The win came in front of over 80,000 hostile fans.
Morocco Hold Fifth After Clinical Performance
Morocco remained fifth after a clinical 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada, scoring with three of their four shots on target. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said, "We are no longer a surprise," as the team showed pragmatism to progress.
Norway Climb to Sixth After Beating Brazil
Norway rose one place to sixth after a 2-0 win over Brazil. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland saved a penalty from Bruno Guimarães, while Erling Haaland scored twice. The team's organization and threat from crosses make them a formidable opponent.
Belgium Surge to Seventh After Dominant Win
Belgium jumped six places to seventh after a 4-0 victory over the USA. Coach Rudi Garcia left out Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, and Charles De Ketelaere scored twice. "Overturn this," was the message to the US after a sense of injustice fueled Belgium's performance.
Switzerland Rise to Eighth After Shootout Win
Switzerland moved up four places to eighth after a penalty shootout win over Colombia. Coach Murat Yakin's tactical plan kept the game tight, but the absence of injured Johan Manzambi was felt. The Swiss need Manzambi back to add attacking thrust.
Mexico Drop to Ninth After Elimination
Mexico fell five places to ninth after losing to England. Coach Javier Aguirre said, "To dream and then fall like this hurts deeply, but the players should leave with their heads held high."
Egypt Rise to Tenth After Thrilling Defeat
Egypt climbed five places to tenth after pushing Argentina to the limit. They led 2-0 before conceding three goals in 13 minutes. The team matched and bettered Argentina for much of the game.
Brazil Drop to 11th After Early Exit
Brazil fell five places to 11th after losing to Norway. The team lacked work off the ball and relied too heavily on Vinícius Júnior. Bringing on Neymar was a puzzling decision that did not pay off.
Portugal Fall to 12th After Ronaldo's Final World Cup
Portugal dropped one place to 12th after losing to Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his final World Cup match, was toothless and rarely found by teammates. The team limped out of the tournament.
Colombia Drop to 13th After Shootout Loss
Colombia fell three places to 13th after losing to Switzerland on penalties. They scored only twice in their last four matches and lacked composure in front of goal.
USA Drop to 14th After Meek Display
The USA fell five places to 14th after a 4-0 loss to Belgium. The distraction of the Folarin Balogun saga and Donald Trump's motivational tactics failed to inspire the team.
Paraguay Rise to 15th Despite Negative Tactics
Paraguay rose one place to 15th after a foul-heavy gameplan against France. They focused on the dark arts and never tried to win, ultimately losing to a penalty.
Canada Drop to 16th After Listless Loss
Canada fell two places to 16th after a 3-0 loss to Morocco. Coach Jesse Marsch claimed, "We were better than them," but the team was brushed aside.
Rankings were assembled by polling six Guardian World Cup writers and editors, who ranked the teams from first to worst. Final rankings are based on an average of votes cast.
