France remain the undisputed No 1 in the latest World Cup 2026 power rankings, with all six judges ranking Les Bleus top. Their front four overwhelmed Sweden, and Kylian Mbappé stated, 'I did say that I wanted to enjoy this World Cup to the fullest.' Spain rose to second after an 'almost perfect' victory over Austria, while Argentina dropped to third despite winning every match, after needing extra time to beat Cape Verde.
Co-hosts Surge
Mexico climbed three places to fourth, thriving at the Azteca Stadium with prodigal talent Gilberto Mora. They face England in the last 16. The USA jumped seven spots to ninth after a resilient performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina despite Folarin Balogun's red card. Canada surged ten places to 14th after an injury-time winner against South Africa, boosted by Alphonso Davies' return.
Major Falls
Netherlands plummeted 16 places to 20th after a conservative approach against Morocco. Germany dropped 13 spots to 24th following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Côte d'Ivoire fell eight places to 23rd after a narrow loss to Norway, settled by Erling Haaland's winner. Belgium remained 13th despite a fortunate victory over Senegal, with coach Rudi Garcia admitting Senegal deserved to win.
Other Movers
Morocco rose four places to fifth after a dramatic extra-time win over Netherlands. Norway climbed five spots to seventh, with Haaland scoring the winner against Côte d'Ivoire. Switzerland gained five places to 12th, with coach Murat Yakin praising Johan Manzambi. Paraguay jumped 15 places to 16th after a defensive masterclass against Germany. Cape Verde ranked 17th despite elimination, having held Spain to a draw and pushed Argentina to extra time.
Lower Rankings
DR Congo rose four places to 21st after a valiant effort against England. Senegal climbed ten spots to 22nd after squandering a two-goal lead against Belgium. Australia dropped three places to 25th after a penalty shootout loss to Egypt. Sweden fell five places to 26th after defeat to France. Ghana dropped one place to 27th, failing to register a shot on target against Colombia. Ecuador rose two places to 28th despite exiting meekly against Mexico. Austria fell two places to 29th after a heavy loss to Spain. Algeria dropped two places to 30th, caught cold by Switzerland. South Africa fell eight places to 31st after a passive display against Canada. Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped three places to 32nd after Edin Dzeko's injury.
Rankings were assembled by polling six Guardian World Cup writers and editors, who ranked teams from first to worst. Final rankings are based on an average of the votes cast.
