France and Spain Hold Top Spots as Knockouts Intensify
France remain at number one in the Guardian's World Cup 2026 power rankings after a gritty last-16 victory over Paraguay. Despite facing aggressive tactics, Les Bleus showed resilience, with Rayan Cherki stating, "To anyone who wants to go to war with us, this is what you should expect." Spain stay second after five consecutive clean sheets, including a win over Portugal, with coach Luis de la Fuente praising substitutes: "The contribution in other games has been enormous."
Argentina Survive Scare; England Soar After Dramatic Win
Argentina held third place despite a near-upset against Egypt. Lionel Messi missed a penalty but scored and assisted in a 3-0 comeback within 13 minutes. Coach Lionel Scaloni said, "This team never stops believing." England jumped four places to fourth after a helter-skelter win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane starred, but substitute Dan Burn's crucial blocks and Jordan Pickford's saves were vital as England played 10 men for an extended period.
Morocco and Norway Impress; Belgium and Switzerland Rise
Morocco remain fifth after a clinical 3-0 win over Canada, with three of four shots on target finding the net. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi noted, "We are no longer a surprise." Norway climbed to sixth, thanks to goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland's penalty save against Brazil and Erling Haaland's two clinical finishes. Belgium surged six spots to seventh after a dominant 4-0 win over the USA, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice. Coach Rudi Garcia left out Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, showing ruthless selection. Switzerland moved up four places to eighth after a penalty shootout win over Colombia, though coach Murat Yakin lamented the absence of injured Johan Manzambi.
Mexico and Brazil Drop; Egypt and Paraguay Exit with Dignity
Mexico fell five places to ninth after a 2-0 loss to England, with coach Javier Aguirre saying, "The players should leave with their heads held high." Egypt rose five spots to tenth after pushing Argentina to the brink before losing 3-1. Brazil dropped five places to 11th, exiting after a 2-1 loss to Norway; coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to bring on Neymar was questioned. Portugal fell one place to 12th after a 1-0 loss to Spain, with Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ending in tears. Colombia dropped three places to 13th after a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland, while the USA fell five places to 14th after a 4-0 defeat to Belgium, with Donald Trump's motivational tactics failing. Paraguay rose one place to 15th despite a 1-0 loss to France, focusing on negative tactics. Canada dropped two places to 16th after a 3-0 loss to Morocco, with coach Jesse Marsch controversially claiming, "We were better than them."
