The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and the rankings are already shifting. With four days of competition under our belts, let's take a look at how the teams are faring and where they stand in the rankings.
Spain: With a strong starting XI and a young, attacking talent, Spain is a strong favourite to lift the trophy. However, their only concern is the fitness of Lamine Yamal, who is expected to feature during the group stage.
France: France has a deep and talented attacking line-up, with Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki. While their other elements may not look as strong, their forward line is difficult to stop.
Argentina: The reigning champions from Qatar 2022, Argentina has the quality and experience to retain their crown. However, Lionel Messi is getting on in years, and the team may lack the desire to defend their title.
England: England has a strong squad with Thomas Tuchel at the helm. Their success will depend on whether they can carry their club form onto the international stage.
Germany: Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao is a strong start, but their defending may leave something to be desired. Their attack is one of the best to watch at the tournament.
Brazil: Brazil didn't set the world alight in their opening match, but they can still top Group C with games against Haiti and Scotland. Vinicius Jr.'s emphatic finish is an encouraging start to the tournament.
Netherlands: The Netherlands had a decent showing against Japan, showcasing their physicality and attacking set pieces. However, their depth is a concern.
Portugal: Portugal's conversation will be focused on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to start despite his suspension. The team has a strong midfield, which may be their key to success.
Morocco: Morocco's draw with Brazil proved they remain one of football's heavyweights. They have new talent, including 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, who had a standout game in midfield.
Colombia: Colombia has high hopes for the tournament, led by talisman James Rodriguez. They have a strong attack, including Jhon Arias and Richard Rios, and could be one of the tournament's standout teams.
Croatia: Croatia has a strong core of experienced players and some promising youngsters. They are a dark horse for the tournament.
Uruguay: Uruguay has no form and no Luis Suarez, but they do have Marcelo Bielsa and Federico Valverde. They are a team in transition.
Mexico: Mexico had an accomplished and drama-free opening victory against South Africa. With potentially more to come from Edson Alvarez and Gilberto Mora, Mexico may feel the benefit of home advantage.
South Korea: South Korea had a wobble against the Czech Republic, but their comeback victory on the opening day gives them one foot in the knockout stages.
Senegal: Senegal has decent World Cup pedigree and a strong team, including Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson. They are a team to watch.
Egypt: Egypt's hopes rest on Mohamed Salah, who is in decent physical shape. They have a more convincing supporting cast than in 2018, and we should find out what kind of tournament they will have when they take on Belgium.
Belgium: Belgium's fitness is a concern, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne having spent much of the club season out injured. They are a bit lower down in the rankings than you might think.
United States: The USMNT's stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay suggested their ceiling may be higher than many thought. Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna demonstrated their gifts on the world stage.
Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast had a dream start to the World Cup with a late winner against Ecuador. They have a 95% chance of getting to the knockout stage.
Japan: Japan underperformed against the Netherlands but claimed a notable result. They are a dangerous, technically gifted, and compact team, but injuries to key players lessen their chances.
Sweden: Sweden had a clinical 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, showcasing their talent and Graham Potter's ability to get the team working well together.
Norway: Norway is the tournament's most noted 'dark horse'. They won all eight of their qualification games and come into the tournament with a battery of attacking options.
Australia: Australia only managed 28% possession against Turkey, but that was all they needed for a 2-0 win. They could exceed expectations.
Switzerland: Switzerland's casual display against Qatar cost them a winning start. Group B remains wide open, and their result could look worse in retrospect if Qatar are beaten in their other fixtures.
Ecuador: Ecuador's fans created a sea of yellow in Philadelphia, but the result was a damp squib, with a 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast. They may require a draw against Germany if they're to get out of the group.
Algeria: Algeria marched through qualifying without being spectacular. They have a strong leader in Riyad Mahrez, but it's uncertain if they will make it out of their group.
Ghana: Ghana sacked manager Otto Addo in March, and the absence of Mohamed Kudus will be a blow. Their attacking hopes rest on Antoine Semenyo.
Austria: Austria had a fun, attack-minded team, but their main striker is likely to be the 37-year-old Marko Arnautovic. They lost gifted attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner to injury on the eve of the tournament.
Canada: Canada should have enough to go through, but they were disappointing in front of a home crowd in Toronto. Star forward Jonathan David was ineffective before being substituted.
Turkey: Turkey was shocked in their opening game. They have quality, but their key players need to deliver end product.
Scotland: Scotland now lead Group C, which contains two top-10 ranked FIFA teams. They have a step towards progression to the knockout stage.
Iran: Iran will have a tough tournament due to the political situation in the country. Their squad is old, and star forward Sardar Azmoun has been left out for non-football reasons.
Panama: Panama is in a tough group with England, Ghana, and Croatia. They need a kinder draw to have a chance of progressing.
Paraguay: Paraguay had a disappointing return to the World Cup after a 16-year wait. They were played off the park by the US.
Qatar: Qatar showed more in their first game than they did during their three as hosts in 2022. They got a first World Cup point, which is worthy of significant movement.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina can hold their heads high after a spirited and competitive return to football's grandest stage. They drew 1-1 with Canada.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia sacked their manager 59 days before their tournament opener. It's unclear what this means for their prospects.
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic lost their opening match against South Korea but have a chance to sneak through in third place.
New Zealand: New Zealand is looking for its first victory at the World Cup. They have a chance in a group with Iran and Egypt.
Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan won a friendly FIFA Series tournament in March, keeping their momentum going ahead of their first World Cup appearance. Their prospects depend on striker Eldor Shomurodov continuing his excellent club form.
Tunisia: Tunisia didn't concede a single goal in their 10 qualifiers but were trounced 5-1 by Sweden in their opening match. Their head coach Sabri Lamouchi's decision to cast aside several experienced players doesn't look to have paid off.
South Africa: South Africa had two red cards and a new five-at-the-back formation that didn't pay off against Mexico. They barely showed any adventure or intent, which will dismay their fans.
Jordan: Jordan has been troubled by injuries, but their best hope comes from the collective spirit. The country's proximity to conflict has made the last few years difficult, so this tournament will mean more to them.
Curacao: Curacao produced one of the best moments of the tournament so far, firing level for 17 minutes against Germany. They deserve to move up a place.
DR Congo: DR Congo has a chance of progressing, given they're in a group with first-timers Uzbekistan. They need to beat them in the final group game.
Cape Verde: Cape Verde is making its World Cup debut. Their hope is to stay competitive against Spain and Uruguay and hope to pull off something special against Saudi Arabia.
Iraq: Iraq has been on quite the journey to the World Cup. They have a tough task against France, Norway, and Senegal.
Haiti: Haiti produced a spirited performance against Scotland but succumbed 1-0. They will need to keep a competitive spirit in their remaining group games.
