World Cup Power Rankings: Cristiano, Kylian, Lionel Hold Their Ground
Cristiano Ronaldo finally joined the World Cup party with a ruthless double. Portugal smashed Uzbekistan 5-0. England, meanwhile, trudged through 90 goalless minutes against Ghana. Day 13 brought goals, drama and a few jolts — but at the top of these rankings, the hierarchy barely flinched.
To move France, Argentina or Germany now, you need more than a big win. You need something seismic.
So who rose, who fell, and who is clinging on?
1. France (FIFA ranking: 3)
No change
It will take something extraordinary to move France from the summit. They have found a shape, a rhythm, and a ruthlessness that screams tournament favourites.
Since the second half of their opener against Senegal, Michael Olise has been the creative hub in the No 10 role. He dictated again in the 3-0 win over Iraq, adding two more assists to a growing highlight reel.
A storm delay in Philadelphia briefly paused proceedings, but nothing stopped Kylian Mbappe. Two more goals, another dominant display, and France are safely into the knockouts. Norway await on Friday to decide who tops the group.
Didier Deschamps will miss that game following the death of his mother, but is expected back for the business end. France look ready for it.
2. Argentina (FIFA ranking: 1)
No change
Lionel Messi, 38 years old, is running this World Cup like it belongs to him. All five of Argentina’s goals so far? His. Two more in the win over Austria, and with them, the World Cup’s all-time scoring record.
The back line has done its part too, with consecutive clean sheets, though Cristian Romero’s knee injury against Austria is a worrying subplot.
The question now is whether any of Argentina’s other forwards will catch fire. Right now, the plan appears simple: give the ball to Messi and get out of the way. Dangerous? Of course. But when he is playing like this, who dares argue?
3. Germany (FIFA ranking: 10)
No change
Seven past Curacao looked spectacular on paper, but Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast told us far more.
They trailed, they toiled, then Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench. Deniz Undav answered. Twice. His late brace — the winner arriving in added time after a fine pass from Felix Nmecha and a sharp turn and finish — flipped the game and the mood.
For the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014, Germany are through the group stage. Top of Group E, with momentum and a sense of purpose they’ve lacked for a decade.
4. Spain (FIFA ranking: 2)
Up 1
Humiliated by Cape Verde in their opener, Spain came out snarling. Saudi Arabia took the full force of it.
A 4-0 win barely captured the scale of dominance: 22 shots, 2.85 xG, wave after wave of attacks. It could have been six or seven.
Lamine Yamal needed just 10 minutes of his first World Cup start to score, then banked a useful 45 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal, anonymous for half an hour against Cape Verde without a single touch, answered his critics with a brace.
The response was emphatic. Beat Uruguay on Friday, and Group H is theirs.
5. England (FIFA ranking: 4)
Down 1
So much for the swagger. After the 4-2 win over Croatia had people dusting off “It’s coming home”, England reverted to type.
A flat, predictable 0-0 against Ghana dragged them back to earth. The lower-ranked opposition sat in, stayed organised and watched England run out of ideas. The attacking fluidity from the opening game vanished.
Still, the equation is simple: beat Panama in the final group match and they go through as group winners. Style points can wait.
6. Netherlands (FIFA ranking: 8)
No change
The Netherlands didn’t just beat Sweden. They tore them apart.
Brian Brobbey’s introduction to the starting XI changed the tone of their attack. He bullied defenders, ran channels, and opened lanes for Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville, who both found the scoresheet in a statement victory.
With Tunisia up next — beleaguered and leaking goals — the Dutch look well placed to top a group that once looked tricky on paper.
7. Brazil (FIFA ranking: 6)
No change
Brazil needed a response after a shaky opener. Haiti provided the ideal canvas.
A 3-0 win restored some calm. Matheus Cunha slotted into the front line and looked far more natural in their fluid attack than Igor Thiago. The movement clicked, the tempo improved, and the performance finally resembled a Brazil side with serious ambitions.
Scotland await next. Another convincing win, and Group C should be theirs.
8. Morocco (FIFA ranking: 7)
No change
Expectation can crush a team. Morocco look comfortable carrying it.
Semi-finalists in 2022 and, in all likelihood, AFCON champions earlier this year, they have taken control of their group with a draw against Brazil and a win over Scotland. Ismael Saibari has been the star, finishing both goals against the Scots with composure and class.
To top the group, they may need a sizeable win over Haiti, depending on Brazil’s result against Scotland. But the real priority — reaching the knockouts — is firmly within reach.
9. United States (FIFA ranking: 17)
No change
When people start asking whether the U.S. can actually win the World Cup, you know something is brewing.
That talk might be premature, but the football justifies the excitement. Mauricio Pochettino’s team are bold, aggressive and entertaining. They blitzed Paraguay 4-1, then brushed aside Australia 2-0 without even needing Christian Pulisic.
Already through as group winners, Pochettino can rotate against Turkey and manage minutes. The bigger question now is how far this fearless, rotating cast of attackers can really go.
10. Norway (FIFA ranking: 31)
No change
The dark horses are no longer hiding.
Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal was as chaotic as it was revealing. They ran at the (depleted) African champions, created a glut of chances and forced defensive errors. Seven goals in two games underlines their threat.
Erling Haaland, of course, is the spearhead. Another double, another defence shredded. The back line still looks vulnerable, but right now Norway are simply outscoring the problem.
11. Colombia (FIFA ranking: 14)
Up 1
Perfect on paper, less so on the pitch — but perfect still counts.
Colombia have two wins from two, a 100 per cent record and a ticket to the knockouts. The route there has been bumpy: a wobble against Uzbekistan, then a nervy 1-0 over DR Congo when the margin should have been clearer.
They have achieved their first objective with a game to spare. The meeting with Portugal will decide who tops the group, and a draw is enough. The performance level needs to rise, but the platform is there.
12. Mexico (FIFA ranking: 13)
Down 1
The first team to book their place in the last 32, and they’ve done it with ruthless efficiency if not flair.
A 1-0 win over South Korea followed a similarly controlled victory against South Africa. Two games, two wins, two clean sheets. Not spectacular, but extremely effective.
The real prize is logistical: topping Group A means Mexico will play their last-32 tie in Mexico City — and, if they progress, the last-16 there as well. For a co-host, that matters.
13. Portugal (FIFA ranking: 5)
No change
Portugal finally clicked. Uzbekistan, sadly for them, were in the way.
A 5-0 demolition reset the mood after a flat opener against DR Congo. Ronaldo’s double did more than add to the scoreline; it made history, as he became the first man to score in six different World Cups, and it cooled the noise around his place in the XI. For now.
The caveat is obvious: Uzbekistan’s defence froze on the big stage. Any sweeping conclusions about Portugal’s ceiling can wait. Colombia, next up, will provide a far sterner examination.
14. Croatia (FIFA ranking: 11)
No change
Croatia are still Croatia. Stubborn, streetwise, and never quite beaten.
They needed all of that resilience to squeeze past Panama 1-0, substitute Ante Budimir finishing from close range to settle frayed nerves. The performance did little to dispel concerns about an ageing core and a lack of cutting edge.
Yet history warns against writing them off. Finalists in 2018, semi-finalists in 2022 — they have earned the right to be judged in knockout football, not in laboured group wins.
15. Egypt (FIFA ranking: 29)
No change
At last, a World Cup win for Egypt.
They had to fight for it, coming from behind against New Zealand, but Mohamed Salah dragged them over the line with a goal and an assist. The performance was patchy; the significance was not.
Beat Iran on Friday and they will top Group G, landing a third-placed opponent in the round of 32. That is the pathway they wanted, even if they have not yet convinced anyone they can go much deeper.
16. Japan (FIFA ranking: 18)
No change
Japan’s 4-0 dismantling of Tunisia rewrote a slice of history.
In the 1,000th World Cup match, they produced their biggest-ever win at the tournament and became the first Asian side to score four in a World Cup game. Ayase Ueda’s double capped a relentless, high-intensity display.
Tunisia’s struggles temper the hype, but the identity is clear: speed, pressing, and sharp transitions. With qualification now more than 99 per cent certain, Japan look like a team nobody will relish facing.
17. South Korea (FIFA ranking: 22)
No change
This was not the plan.
South Korea’s limp display in the 1-0 defeat to Mexico leaves them on the brink. They barely laid a glove on the co-hosts in Guadalajara, and Son Heung-min was withdrawn before the hour in a symbolic moment.
South Africa await in a must-win game. The talent is there. The urgency must follow.
18. Switzerland (FIFA ranking: 19)
No change
Sometimes a tournament throws up a new name. Johan Manzambi might be one of them.
At 20 years and 247 days, the Freiburg forward came off the bench and scored twice in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, becoming the youngest player to hit a double as a substitute in a men’s World Cup match.
Canada are next. A draw is enough to progress; a win seals top spot. Suddenly, Switzerland have another weapon.
19. Canada (FIFA ranking: 30)
No change
That’s one way to claim a first World Cup win.
Canada obliterated Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver, a cathartic release for a country still finding its footballing identity on this stage. Jonathan David’s hat-trick led the rout, as Jesse Marsch’s aggressive, front-foot blueprint came to life.
Ismael Kone’s injury is a significant blow, but the mood has shifted. A draw against Switzerland will take the co-hosts through. They no longer look like grateful guests.
20. Ghana (FIFA ranking: 73)
Up 3
Ghana could hardly have scripted it better.
A last-gasp win over Panama, then a disciplined, organised 0-0 against England. Four points from two games and a place in the knockouts all but assured.
They even carried a threat on the break and might have had a penalty for Ezri Konsa’s challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu had VAR not effectively vanished. Whatever happens next, Ghana have already altered the tone of their tournament.
21. Belgium (FIFA ranking: 9)
Down 1
The number next to Belgium’s name feels like a relic.
They dominated Iran statistically — 23 shots, 1.82 xG, 70 per cent possession — and still failed to win. It mirrors the broader picture: Kevin De Bruyne’s status as one of the Premier League’s greats and Romelu Lukaku’s record goal haul for his country are cold comfort when the collective looks so disjointed.
Two games, no wins, and questions everywhere. They still have New Zealand to come, and they should win. But how far can a team this unbalanced really go? They need Jeremy Doku back, sharp and decisive, just to look dangerous again.
22. Ivory Coast (FIFA ranking: 33)
Down 1
Ivory Coast pushed Germany to the limit and led for more than half an hour. That alone shows their ceiling.
Yan Diomande and Amad have tormented full-backs, stretching defences and creating constant problems out wide. The failure to hold on against Germany will sting, but the broader picture is encouraging.
The numbers say they have a 95 per cent chance of reaching the knockouts for the first time. On this evidence, they belong there.
23. Uruguay (FIFA ranking: 16)
Down 1
The story of Uruguay’s tournament so far is waste.
Two games, 44 shots, 3.88 xG, three goals — and only two points. Now they must take something off Spain to survive. Marcelo Bielsa did not draw it up this way.
Their qualifying campaign suggested a side capable of troubling anyone. Their form coming into the finals suggested the opposite. That tension has spilled into the tournament. Even the flimsy, two-man wall that allowed Cape Verde’s 40-yard free kick to sneak in felt symbolic: brittle, unfocused, and costly.
24. Algeria (FIFA ranking: 28)
No change
Algeria found a route back against Jordan: corners.
Both goals in their comeback win came from set pieces, a weapon that will matter when chances are scarce against stronger sides. Riyad Mahrez’s return to the starting XI added craft and guile in open play.
Austria now stand between them and progression. Three points are in the bank, but a minus-two goal difference leaves no room for a heavy defeat.
25. Sweden (FIFA ranking: 38)
No change
Sweden have shown us exactly who they are.
They dismantled Tunisia 5-1, then suffered the same scoreline against the Netherlands. With Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, they can shred weaker teams. Against elite opposition, the defensive flaws are brutally exposed.
This is a side stuck between tiers: too good for some, not quite ready for the very best.
26. Senegal (FIFA ranking: 15)
No change
The tournament started with promise. It has since unravelled.
Senegal impressed in the first half against France, then conceded six goals across their next game and a half. Ismaila Sarr’s double against Norway and Ibrahim Mbaye’s strike versus France prove they can hurt top teams, but the defensive errors are piling up.
Edouard Mendy’s injury after an hour against Norway compounds the problems. They now need a heavy win over Iraq — and help elsewhere — to sneak through as one of the best third-placed sides. The drop in these rankings reflects the danger they’re in.
27. Australia (FIFA ranking: 27)
No change
Australia’s optimism lasted one game.
After beating Turkey 2-0, they were outclassed by the United States, especially before half-time. Tony Popovic’s decision to leave both Turkey scorers, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, on the bench blunted their counter-attacking threat.
Paraguay now await in a straight shootout for second place. Australia will need to rediscover the intensity of their opener — and perhaps the personnel too.
28. Austria (FIFA ranking: 25)
No change
Ralf Rangnick keeps tweaking. The issues remain.
Kevin Danso came into defence, Paul Wanner into midfield for the Argentina game. The problem is structural: Austria lack a prolific striker and do not possess a defence capable of locking down superior opponents. Conceding to Jordan underlined that.
The meeting with Algeria will decide who finishes second. The margins are tight, but Austria still feel like a side searching for a defining strength.
29. Scotland (FIFA ranking: 41)
No change
Scotland’s calculators are working overtime.
After scraping past Haiti 1-0 and then losing 1-0 to Morocco despite a spirited second half, they now face Brazil knowing that even a narrow defeat might be enough to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Any positive result on Wednesday would make history: a first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stages. That is the carrot dangling in front of a squad that has shown plenty of grit, if not yet much fluency.
30. Iran (FIFA ranking: 20)
No change
On paper, a draw against Belgium looks like a statement. On the pitch, it felt like an opportunity missed.
Iran created good chances, even executed a clever free-kick routine that was chalked off for a marginal offside. They then failed to capitalise when Belgium went down to 10 men.
The earlier draw with New Zealand may yet prove fatal. Their final hope lies in Egypt easing off with qualification almost secured. That is a fragile scenario to cling to.
31. Ecuador (FIFA ranking: 24)
No change
A 19-match unbeaten run over two years brought Ecuador into this World Cup with quiet confidence. The tournament has not been kind.
Defeat to Ivory Coast and a draw with Curacao have left them on the brink. They have generated 4.08 xG without scoring, a damning blend of poor finishing and misfortune. Enner Valencia, 36 now, is not reproducing his Qatar 2022 form.
Germany are next. Ecuador must hope Nagelsmann rotates heavily with qualification already secured. They need both a result and a reset.
32. Paraguay (FIFA ranking: 40)
No change
This is the Paraguay many expected.
Their 1-0 win over Turkey showcased the defensive solidity and attacking flashes that made them dark horses for some. Matias Galarza’s long-range strike after just two minutes set the tone.
Then came the red card. Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at a World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, yet Paraguay held firm against a barrage of Turkish attacks.
They will miss Almiron against Australia in a game that will likely decide second place. His absence is huge.
33. Cape Verde (FIFA ranking: 67)
No change
Cape Verde are writing one of this World Cup’s most remarkable stories.
They have already drawn with Spain and Uruguay — two former world champions — and done it with style. A 40-yard free kick, aided by Uruguay’s calamitous wall, and Helio Varela’s moment of improvisation have become instant folklore.
Beat Saudi Arabia, and they might just become the most unlikely knockout team this tournament has seen. Even a draw could be enough. Astonishing.
34. Saudi Arabia (FIFA ranking: 60)
No change
Reality hit hard.
After a spirited draw with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia were overwhelmed 4-0 by Spain in a game that could have been far worse. Spain dominated every metric and every blade of grass.
Yet the path is still clear: defeat Cape Verde and finish on four points, likely in at least third place. Given their group, they would have taken that scenario in a heartbeat.
35. New Zealand (FIFA ranking: 85)
No change
Stubborn, awkward, and still alive.
New Zealand’s World Cup history is built on draws; they recorded three in 2010. This time, they finally tasted defeat at the tournament for the first time since 1982, losing 3-1 to Egypt despite Finn Surman’s opener.
Now comes a shot at history. Beat a faltering Belgium side on Saturday and they are almost certainly into the knockouts for the first time. The opportunity is enormous.
36. Czech Republic (FIFA ranking: 43)
Up 1
The Czech Republic started perfectly against South Africa. Michal Sadilek scored the fastest goal of the tournament after five minutes and seven seconds, and control seemed assured.
They let it slip. South Africa grew, pushed, and eventually equalised seven minutes from time. A 1-1 draw suited neither side.
To reach the knockouts, the Czechs must now beat co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Few tasks at this World Cup look tougher.
37. Bosnia and Herzegovina (FIFA ranking: 64)
Up 1
For 80 minutes, Bosnia and Herzegovina were right there against Switzerland. Then came the collapse.
Conceding three late goals turned a competitive contest into a 4-1 defeat and left them on the brink. Qatar in Seattle is now win-or-bust. The equation is simple: victory likely sends them through on four points. Anything less, and they are gone.
38. DR Congo (FIFA ranking: 46)
Up 2
DR Congo have stood toe-to-toe with giants and refused to flinch.
They held Portugal 1-1, then lost just 1-0 to Colombia in a game where they again defended stoutly and threatened on the break through Yoane Wissa. The margins have been fine.
Beat Uzbekistan, and four points should carry them into the knockouts. For a side many expected to struggle, that would be a statement.
39. Qatar (FIFA ranking: 56)
No change
Everything that could go wrong did.
A 6-0 thrashing by Canada, two red cards, and a performance that unravelled from the first whistle. Yet the tournament has left them a lifeline.
Beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and they will almost certainly progress on four points. For a team sitting this low in the rankings, that would represent a remarkable escape.
40. Curacao (FIFA ranking: 82)
Up 1
Eloy Room wrote his own chapter of World Cup folklore.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper made 15 saves in a heroic display against Ecuador, earning Curacao a point and keeping their dream alive. It was a performance to match any from a debut nation at this tournament.
Now comes the real test: Ivory Coast. Win, and the fairytale continues.
41. South Africa (FIFA ranking: 61)
Up 2
South Africa found a spark, then realised it might have come too late.
Their improved showing against the Czech Republic, capped by a late equaliser, showed fight and resilience. But a draw was not enough. They now must beat South Korea to reach the knockouts.
They have momentum, if not margin for error.
42. Iraq (FIFA ranking: 57)
Up 2
Iraq have run into a brutal schedule and paid the price.
Facing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in consecutive games is a nightmare for any defence. They never really got close to Norway or France, and losing captain Aymen Hussein to injury after 26 minutes against the French only deepened the problems.
To have any chance, they must not just beat Senegal, but do so heavily. It feels like a distant prospect.
43. Uzbekistan (FIFA ranking: 50)
Down 1
Uzbekistan’s World Cup story flipped in 90 painful minutes.
They had impressed against Colombia, but Portugal exposed every weakness. A 5-0 defeat, littered with naive defending and capped by Ronaldo’s double, left star man Abdukodir Khusanov in tears at full time.
They were never expected to take much from their first two games. The damage to confidence and goal difference is the real issue. Now they must beat DR Congo and hope other results fall kindly. It looks a long shot.
The eliminated teams
44. Panama (FIFA ranking: 34)
Down 8
Panama are out, but not disgraced.
Two 1-0 defeats — to Ghana via a stoppage-time goal and to Croatia — tell the story of a team that competed, created chances, and ultimately fell just short. The regret will linger over those missed opportunities. The performances, though, will travel home with pride.
45. Jordan (FIFA ranking: 63)
No change
Jordan’s debut World Cup run is over after defeats to Austria and Algeria.
They scored in both matches, showing ambition and flashes of quality, but could not contain their opponents. Other newcomers have survived by riding outstanding goalkeeping displays; Jordan lacked that safety net.
46. Haiti (FIFA ranking: 83)
No change
Haiti leave early, but they do not leave empty-handed in terms of respect.
Placed in one of the tournament’s toughest groups and unable to play on home soil due to political turmoil, they pushed Scotland hard and might feel unlucky to have lost that opener. Brazil, inevitably, were a step too far, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead before Haiti held them in the second period.
They face Morocco next still chasing a first World Cup point. Given everything stacked against them, even that would be a triumph of spirit.
47. Turkey (FIFA ranking: 23)
No change
Turkey, the eternal tease.
With Kenan Yildiz, Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, they arrived as many people’s dark horses, especially in what looked like one of the easier groups. Two games later, they are out.
Sixty-two shots, no goals. A 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, who played half the match with 10 men, sealed their fate. Call it bad luck if you want, but a team that cannot score in those circumstances has only itself to blame.
48. Tunisia (FIFA ranking: 45)
No change
Tunisia’s campaign never really started.
A 5-1 hammering by Sweden cost Sabri Lamouchi his job. Herve Renard arrived and promptly watched his new side lose 4-0 to Japan. Two games, two heavy defeats, and a minus-eight goal difference — the worst in the tournament.
For Tunisia, this World Cup will be remembered not for what they built, but for how quickly it all fell apart.
