The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and with one match played for each of the 48 teams, the rankings are starting to take shape. Here's a breakdown of the teams, with a focus on their performance and potential. The top contenders are clear, but there are also some surprises and teams that could make a run in the knockout stages.
World Cup Teams: Just Happy to Be Here
- Tunisia (-9): After firing their coach, Tunisia is at the bottom of the rankings. The team's poor performance in their first match has left them in a difficult position.
- Curacao (+1): Despite a heavy defeat to Germany, Curacao showed some promise with a goal from Livano Comenencia. The team will look to build on this in their remaining matches.
- Jordan (+1): Jordan had a decent showing against Austria, but the team knows it has a tough road ahead.
- South Africa (-10): South Africa's performance in the opener was extremely disappointing, and they face red-card suspensions for two key midfielders.
- Iraq (-1): Iraq struggled against Norway, losing 4-1, despite Aymen Hussein's goal.
- Panama (-2): Panama let a clean sheet and its first-ever World Cup point slip away, conceding a late winner to Ghana.
- Paraguay (-10): Paraguay's defense shipped four goals in their first match, a stark contrast to their pre-tournament expectations.
- Qatar (+5): Qatar secured a point against Switzerland thanks to an own goal in stoppage time, a special moment for the hosts.
World Cup Teams: Could Get Out of Group Play
- Czechia (=): Czechia's test against South Africa is crucial to their chances of advancing.
- Haiti (-2): Haiti struggled to find the back of the net against Scotland, missing forward Duckens Nazon due to a hamstring issue.
- New Zealand (+6): New Zealand's tall forward Chris Wood caused problems for Iran, and the team looks to build on this in their remaining matches.
- Cape Verde (+8): Cape Verde enjoyed a stunning scoreless draw with Spain and is now following goalkeeper Vozinha on Instagram.
- Saudi Arabia (=): Saudi Arabia drew Uruguay, a team from the Rio de la Plata region, and will look to build on this result.
- Algeria (-2): Algeria faced a tough ask against Lionel Messi and Argentina but showed some nice moments.
- Uzbekistan (+4): Uzbekistan lost to Colombia but fought hard and scored a debut World Cup goal.
- Iran (+3): Iran's draw with New Zealand showcased their potential, even with challenges off the field.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina (+2): Bosnia's formula for success worked in a draw with Canada.
- DR Congo (=): DR Congo had a good draw with Portugal, with Yoane Wissa responding to Portugal's early goal.
World Cup Teams: Could Make Some Noise in Knockout Rounds
- Turkey (-5): Turkey needs to create more effective chances after a poor opener.
- Ghana (-1): Ghana struggled with the ball against Panama but showed resilience with a late goal.
- Canada (-5): Canada looked tense in its opener but is a first-ever World Cup point.
- Sweden (+3): Sweden's attack delivered in a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia.
- Australia (+3): The Socceroos executed their game plan brilliantly against Turkey.
- Uruguay (-3): Uruguay's performance against Saudi Arabia was lethargic, and the team needs to improve.
- Switzerland (-4): Switzerland's late goal from Qatar dropped them in rankings.
- Austria (+3): Austria reminded the world of its style with a 3-1 win over Jordan.
- South Korea (+5): South Korea's win over Czechia showcased Hwang In-beom's talent.
- Croatia (-2): Croatia's loss to England raised concerns about the team's age.
World Cup Dark Horses
- Ecuador (-8): Ecuador's loss to Ivory Coast was harsh, and the team needs a breakthrough.
- Ivory Coast (+5): Ivory Coast hung around and got a breakthrough from Yan Diomande.
- Colombia (=): Colombia showed good individual talents and problem areas in its win over Uzbekistan.
- Japan (=): Japan's draw with the Netherlands showcased its ability to adapt.
- Morocco (+5): Morocco's draw with Brazil showed signs of improvement.
- Belgium (-2): Belgium's draw with Egypt raised concerns about its veteran players.
- Senegal (-3): Senegal's loss to France was close, and the team hung tough.
- Mexico (+1): Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa sets the tone for the tournament.
World Cup Contenders
- Brazil (=): Brazil's draw with Morocco showed areas for improvement.
- Netherlands (-1): The Netherlands' defense committed errors in a draw with Japan.
- Germany (+1): Germany took care of business in its opener against Curacao.
- Spain (-3): Spain's draw with Cape Verde was a point against a small debutant.
- England (+1): England's win over Croatia was a great start to the tournament.
- Argentina (+1): Argentina's win over Algeria showcased Lionel Messi's fitness and talent.
- France (+1): France's win over Senegal was a clear sign of its potential.
The rankings are subject to change as the tournament progresses, but these teams are making their mark and setting the tone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
