Rating the World Cup groups from one to 48 based mostly on their 2026 efficiency

3. France

FIFA rating: 2

Is it too obtuse to place the workforce that truly completed fourth in third place in these rankings?

Possibly, however for big components of the event they had been essentially the most entertaining facet round, so a madcap third-place play-off shouldn’t negate all these fantastic performances by their extraordinary array of attacking expertise.

Even although they fell quick in the long run, the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and others won’t be forgotten.

4. England

FIFA rating: 4

England’s greatest efficiency at a World Cup since 1966, their greatest ever on international soil, and but there may be nonetheless a way of ‘what could have been’ about their marketing campaign.

That is partly due to how issues went down within the semi-final, whether or not you blame the gamers or Thomas Tuchel’s ways for his or her ultra-defensive method after taking the lead. And in a small manner, it’s additionally partly due to how they performed in opposition to France to win the bronze medal: that is what they had been able to, they usually confirmed it too late.

6. Belgium

FIFA rating: 9

What a wierd event they’d. Unimpressive when drawing in opposition to Egypt and Iran, Belgium coasted previous New Zealand to win the group on objective distinction after which, after wanting useless and buried in opposition to Senegal when 2-0 down within the 86th minute, they by some means launched an unbelievable comeback and appeared like a correct workforce thereafter.

They beat Senegal 3-2 after extra-time, then smashed the U.S. 4-1 within the spherical of 16 regardless of supervisor Rudi Garcia leaving out Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.

They pushed Spain all the best way within the quarters however finally succumbed to 1 too many accidents, with Youri Tielemans and Thibaut Courtois sorely missed, particularly the latter when back-up goalkeeper Senne Lammens tousled a save for Spain’s late winner.

Having been written off, reaching the quarter-finals and going so shut in opposition to Spain may definitely be thought of a superb event.

7. Morocco

FIFA rating: 6

Morocco couldn’t repeat their feat of reaching the semi-finals, as they did in 2022, however nonetheless grew to become the primary African nation to succeed in successive World Cup quarter-finals.

Having come by means of a comparatively easy group, which included holding Brazil to a draw of their opening match, they noticed off the Netherlands on penalties after which clinically dumped co-hosts Canada out of the event with a 3-0 win, regardless of solely having 5 makes an attempt at objective within the recreation.

They failed to bother a star-studded France facet and, whereas their efficiency in that match was barely disappointing, they sorely missed the attacking presence of the injured Ismael Saibari up entrance.

Overall, it’s important to say they’d an honest event, particularly given the lofty weight of expectation on their shoulders from again residence. They, together with Belgium, transfer up an area resulting from Switzerland dropping after their elimination.

8. Switzerland

FIFA rating: 15

It’s at all times tough to evaluate how a workforce like Switzerland would consider their efficiency at this World Cup.

Is going out to an Argentina facet that has lacked fluency a missed alternative, or is it a big achievement to succeed in the quarter-finals for the primary time since 1954, after stumbling on the round-of-16 stage in 4 of the earlier 5 tournaments?

This is a kind of events when each issues could be true: they may carry a way of injustice after Breel Embolo’s purple card, proper after they equalised in opposition to Argentina, but additionally satisfaction that they made that subsequent step, in a event that could possibly be the final for a few of their key males.

9. Paraguay

FIFA rating: 34

Beating Germany within the final 32 was one of many biggest moments in Paraguayan soccer historical past, however repeating that feat in opposition to France was a step too far.

They barely laid a glove on Didier Deschamps’ facet (not in a footballing sense, anyway) however proved to be extraordinarily cussed opponents.

Considering they had been dismantled 4-1 by the U.S. of their opening match, Paraguay had a surprisingly good event.

10. Mexico

FIFA rating: 10

It was heartbreak on residence soil for Mexico, shedding on the Azteca for the primary time at a World Cup having been beforehand unbeaten in 10 video games there.

They hadn’t conceded at this event earlier than Jude Bellingham’s quickfire double. They then had each probability in opposition to England, who had been diminished to 10 males earlier than the hour mark.

But numerous crosses into the field proved ineffective, they usually lacked the attacking high quality of their opposition. Julian Quinones would be the participant we bear in mind from this workforce after 4 objectives in 5 video games.

11. Colombia

FIFA rating: 11

Colombia had higher possibilities than Switzerland to win their last-16 tie, however had been agonisingly defeated on penalties.

They would have been determined for revenge in opposition to Argentina in a possible quarter-final tie, having misplaced to them within the Copa America last two years in the past, however finally, they may not break down a cussed Swiss defence.

In the group stage, Colombia confirmed nice high quality, outplaying Portugal in a goalless draw to high Group Ok earlier than a victory over Ghana within the spherical of 32. There had been real hopes this workforce may go a lot additional, however it was to not be.

12. United States

FIFA rating: 16

Even with Folarin Balogun controversially on the pitch, the U.S. had been properly crushed by Belgium within the spherical of 16. It continues a barren run in opposition to top-ranked European groups and reveals they nonetheless have work to do.

After all of the promise of the group stage and their last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, this was a disappointing and deflating method to exit their residence event.

Balogun has since mentioned that he believes his team-mates had been impacted by his purple card suspension being overturned, and the efficiency in opposition to Belgium was not what we had come to count on from this workforce.

13. Egypt

FIFA rating: 24

Considered among the many World Cup’s biggest underachievers earlier than this event, Egypt shed that tag and got here out swinging in opposition to reigning World Cup champions Argentina within the final 16. They had been a continuing risk on the counter-attack and led for a lot of the recreation earlier than collapsing within the last phases.

They had already secured their first World Cup win, in opposition to New Zealand in Group G, and adopted this up with their first knockout triumph, beating Australia on penalties within the spherical of 32.

After going 2-0 up in opposition to Argentina, Egypt may have managed the sport higher by prioritising defensive solidity and working down the clock. It was a heartbreaking method to lose, however they had been a formidable workforce that had already made historical past.

14. Canada

FIFA rating: 30

It’s onerous to know the right way to decide Canada’s marketing campaign. They earned their nation’s first World Cup level and progressed to the knockout stage for the primary time. They had been crushed 3-0 by Morocco within the final 16 however solely after losing a string of possibilities within the first half.

However, contemplating how simple their group was and the truth that their solely wins got here in opposition to Qatar and South Africa, was their run actually that spectacular given the years of funding and training that went into producing a workforce befitting of a number nation?

The greatest victories can be a legacy that ensures we commonly see Canada at World Cups sooner or later.

15. Cape Verde

FIFA rating: 64

Cape Verde gripped the hearts of hundreds of thousands all over the world this summer time and fittingly departed from the World Cup in fashion in opposition to Argentina.

Their journey was magical, first drawing 0-0 with European champions Spain earlier than improbably ending above Uruguay to progress to the final 16 as a second-placed workforce, drawing all three of their matches. But they’d save their greatest and most spirited efficiency till the knockouts, twice coming from behind in opposition to Messi and the world champions.

Vozinha, the breakout star of the World Cup, made eight saves, together with a wonderful cease to stop Messi in a one-on-one. Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes was once more excellent within the coronary heart of defence, however the star of the day was full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose curled end from an implausible angle will certainly be a goal-of-the-tournament contender.

16. Brazil

FIFA rating: 5

Brazil went residence disenchanted once more. It will take the World Cup’s most profitable nation, five-time champions, to twenty-eight years with out lifting the trophy by the following version, their longest drought.

Even serial winner Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t stop a uncommon round-of-16 defeat. They appeared too passive in opposition to Norway, a workforce they haven’t crushed in 5 conferences.

Neymar made a late look however he might be remembered for trash-talking Norway’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland throughout his comfort penalty and clashing with Martin Odegaard earlier than being diminished to tears when the ultimate whistle went.

17. Portugal

FIFA rating: 7

For all the celebrities of their squad, the one time Portugal appeared to have larger high quality than their opponents was the 5-0 win in opposition to event debutants Uzbekistan.

In the spherical of 16, Roberto Martinez’s facet appeared trapped in a lull, missing any actual intent, and solely awoke after Spain scored a stoppage-time objective.

It means we’ve got seen the final of Cristiano Ronaldo on the World Cup. He scored in a file sixth version and netted his first knockout objective (a penalty in opposition to Croatia), however was ineffective from open play.

18. Netherlands

FIFA rating: 7

The Netherlands’ group stage instilled confidence within the workforce, together with a 5-1 win over Sweden. Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville had all mixed properly in a dangerous-looking assault.

But after topping their group, they had been unfortunate to attract one other top-10-ranked workforce in Morocco. Ronald Koeman modified the setup to play 5 defenders, and it labored properly sufficient that Morocco wanted a late equaliser. But may they’ve caught to the identical method that introduced group-stage success?

After lacking three out of 5 penalties, they had been defeated within the shootout. There might be disappointment exiting at this stage of the event, resulting in Koeman’s resignation.

19. Germany

FIFA rating: 12

Germany’s group-stage performances had been very promising after two video games, a thrashing of Curacao and a late win over the Ivory Coast, however there was trigger for concern of their last group recreation in opposition to Ecuador, wherein they misplaced 2-1 regardless of beginning with one thing near their strongest XI.

They would possibly really feel onerous carried out by at shedding to Paraguay within the final 32, as Jonathan Tah’s extra-time objective was dominated out for obvious blocking of the goalkeeper, however it shouldn’t have come right down to this. Paraguay had been crushed 4-1 by the U.S. earlier within the event.

This is simply the most recent in a string of early exits for Germany. At their earlier two tournaments since profitable the World Cup in 2014, they didn’t make it out of the group stage. They are often dependable from the penalty spot at the very least, however this marked their first shootout defeat in World Cup historical past. Julian Nagelsmann has since left as head coach.

20. Japan

FIFA rating: 17

Japan had a likeable workforce who impressed within the group phases, enjoying an egoless, thrilling model of soccer. They had been rated so extremely that many thought they’d bother Brazil within the final 32, they usually did, taking the lead within the match by means of midfielder Kaishu Sano.

Brazil matched their power and had an excessive amount of attacking expertise to be denied, profitable with an added-time objective. What may have been for Japan in the event that they hadn’t suffered accidents earlier than and all through the event to Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo.

21. Senegal

FIFA rating: 18

Against Belgium, they had been 2-0 up within the 86th minute and by some means ended up shedding after Youri Tielemans’ profitable penalty in additional time.

It was a heartbreaking method to exit the event, with some Senegal gamers moved to tears, coming solely months after they had been stripped of the AFCON title.

Despite the meltdown, they’d proven prime quality within the recreation, with Ismaila Sarr’s spectacular objective introduced down on his chest and lashed into the again of the online. They proved a substantial take a look at for Belgium and France, in opposition to whom they mustered a robust first-half efficiency within the group stage.

22. Ivory Coast

FIFA rating: 31

Ivory Coast exited the World Cup having solely misplaced video games to Germany (group stage) and Norway (spherical of 32). They beat Ecuador and Curacao, displaying them to be among the many better of the remaining, however nonetheless with work to do to catch the contending groups.

They introduced the youngest squad to the event, so nonetheless have loads of potential to get out of this group. Amad can go residence realizing he had a formidable event following his winner in opposition to Ecuador and gorgeous solo objective within the Norway recreation. Yan Diomande confirmed flashes of his brilliance that might earn him a big-money transfer this summer time.

But none of their strikers discovered the online. This was one ingredient of their downfall, with a reliance on Amad and Diomande to create and rating.

23. Croatia

FIFA rating: 13

After ending as World Cup runners-up in 2018 and putting third in 2022, Croatia went out within the spherical of 32 following a late defeat by Portugal.

They completed second in Group L behind England, struggling a 4-2 loss to Tuchel’s facet of their opener, however bounced again with wins in opposition to Panama and Ghana.

All consideration turns to 40-year-old 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Modric, because the Croatian legend may need performed his final worldwide match. He might be irreplaceable.

24. Sweden

FIFA rating: 37

It was solely on the finish of final 12 months that Sweden completed backside of their World Cup qualifying group behind Kosovo, Slovenia and Switzerland with out profitable a recreation.

The turnaround since underneath Graham Potter — beating Ukraine and Poland within the play-offs for a spot within the event, a 5-1 win over Tunisia of their opening recreation and a draw with Japan — is a trigger for positivity.

With the standard of gamers they’ve, similar to Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga, they need to be extra constant and aggressive. But shedding to France within the final 32 is not any shame in any respect.

25. Ecuador

FIFA rating: 25

Ecuador’s power was their defensive resilience, however over 4 video games they struggled to search out the online, scoring solely twice, together with failing to interrupt down Curacao.

Both of their objectives got here in a 2-1 win over Germany, their spotlight of the event. But within the knockouts, they had been unable to match Mexico’s ruthlessness.

Enner Valencia, 36, didn’t get going on the event, and the remainder of their key gamers, Moises Caicedo, William Pacho and Piero Hincapie, are all defensive. Hincapie was dismissed in added time in opposition to Mexico for masking his mouth in a confrontation.

26. Ghana

FIFA rating: 65

Ghana entered the World Cup because the 73rd-ranked workforce on this planet, the second-lowest on the event behind Curacao. It felt like a false place on the time, and over their 4 video games, they proved they’re much higher than FIFA gave them credit score for.

A win over Panama of their opening recreation gave them the platform for qualification, which was confirmed after a battling 0-0 draw in opposition to England, throughout which they had been extraordinarily unlucky to not be awarded a late penalty.

And whereas Colombia’s expertise finally proved an excessive amount of for Ghana, who lacked the injured Mohammed Kudus’ spark in assault, this appears like a platform from which the West African facet can construct after inconsistent performances in recent times.

27. Austria

FIFA rating: 22

After reaching the knockout stage by the pores and skin of their enamel in a dramatic last group recreation in opposition to Algeria, Austria had been properly crushed by Spain within the spherical of 32.

Ralf Rangnick’s facet did have a objective risk, scoring 3 times on two events within the group part. But developing in opposition to superior opposition (in addition they confronted Argentina), they weren’t in a position to actually excel both defensively or offensively at their first World Cup since 1998.

28. Australia

FIFA rating: 28

Australia’s unlikely 2-0 win over Turkey was among the many first main shocks of the event they usually have confirmed a spirited facet who combat above and past the sum of their components ever since.

Set as much as soak strain earlier than springing fast counter-attacks, Tony Popovic’s facet had been unable to duplicate the effectivity within the last third that characterised their opening win of their later matches, although they managed to get again on stage phrases with Egypt after falling behind.

Having finally been eradicated on penalties by Egypt after reaching the knockout stage in successive tournaments, Australia can maintain their heads excessive.

29. Algeria

FIFA rating: 29

Algeria had been disappointing of their round-of-32 match in opposition to Switzerland, failing to create clear-cut possibilities.

On the plus facet, Riyad Mahrez, 35, scored his first World Cup objectives at this event, and gamers like 24-year-old Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa are coming by means of to succeed him.

However, their key gamers are usually not of their prime, they usually appeared to be behind different African nations similar to Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Morocco in high quality.

30. DR Congo

FIFA rating: 41

Competing at solely their second World Cup, after their first as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo progressed to the knockouts for the primary time as certainly one of 9 African nations to succeed in the final 32.

A draw with Portugal and a win over Uzbekistan in Group Ok secured their place as a greatest third-place workforce.

Against England within the final 32, they began shortly, taking the lead by means of Brian Cipenga. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi appeared destined to affix Vozinha and Eloy Room however was finally breached. Even in defeat, DR Congo left a massively beneficial impression on the finals.

31. Bosnia and Herzegovina

FIFA rating: 61

The win over Qatar and draw with Canada took Bosnia to their first knockout recreation as an impartial nation (they had been previously a part of Yugoslavia), marking a superb achievement.

Despite shedding to the U.S., they may endlessly be remembered for beating Italy in UEFA’s World Cup qualification play-offs.

32. South Africa

FIFA rating: 54

Farewell then, to South Africa. After their opening-game defeat by Mexico, it felt like even essentially the most optimistic of souls wouldn’t have thought they’d make it out of the group. Given this was the primary time they’d certified for the knockout part of the World Cup, they may in all probability view this World Cup as a hit.

But with any defeat in stoppage time comes a way of what may have been. They had been so near taking the co-hosts into additional time and doubtlessly penalties, the place something may have occurred. Hugo Broos departs because the oldest man to teach a workforce in a knockout recreation.

33. Iran

FIFA rating: 21

Iran had been left to rue what may have been of their final match in opposition to Egypt, after they had an added-time winner disallowed for a marginal offside earlier than hitting the crossbar even in a while.

A win would have assured their progress to the knockout phases however as a substitute, they had been compelled to attend for outcomes from elsewhere and hope their three factors and 0 objective distinction can be sufficient to see them by means of as one of many eight greatest third-placed sides. When Algeria scored what appeared like an added-time winner of their last group match, Iran had been going by means of, however Austria’s equaliser within the final moments of the sport successfully knocked them out.

Despite being in navy battle with one of many co-hosts, the U.S., in an unprecedented set of circumstances and having to fly out and in of the U.S. simply hours earlier than and after their matches, a call that was finally scrapped, Iran carried out properly on this event. To be eradicated with out shedding a match will undoubtedly sting.

34. New Zealand

FIFA rating: 86

We will bear in mind New Zealand at this World Cup for breakout star Elijah Just, who scored three objectives, and for these Chris Wood touches within the first recreation in opposition to Iran.

After that first recreation, they had been overwhelmed by the standard of each Egypt and Belgium, shedding comprehensively to each.

But they performed an element of their first World Cup since 2010, together with their very own viral sensation in Tim Payne. Their future objective will stay the identical: reaching the knockouts for the primary time.

35. Turkey

FIFA rating: 27

Possibly essentially the most underwhelming workforce in comparison with their pre-tournament expectations at this 12 months’s World Cup. Most would have predicted Turkey to progress forward of Australia and Paraguay. Instead, they had been eradicated with a recreation to spare.

They saved face of their last match, scoring their first objectives and incomes a 3-2 win in opposition to the U.S., however it was too late to matter.

36. Uruguay

FIFA rating: 19

Uruguay left themselves needing a end result within the last group recreation in opposition to Spain after taking solely two factors from Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

They by no means actually appeared like profitable. They clearly have high quality, ending stage on factors with Brazil and Colombia in qualifying, however didn’t present it at this World Cup.

With a goalkeeping howler and a purple card, Marcelo Bielsa’s facet self-imploded on the finish of a bitterly disappointing event.

37. Saudi Arabia

FIFA rating: 58

A regression from event appearances in 2018 and 2022, after they received a bunch recreation. They have solely as soon as reached the knockout stage, in 1994.

But Saudi Arabia had been onerous to beat, incomes two attracts, and you’d count on them to profit from the event of their home league in future tournaments — together with the one they’re internet hosting in 2034.

38. South Korea

FIFA rating: 32

After a optimistic begin, beating the Czech Republic 2-1, they limply misplaced to Mexico and South Africa with out scoring. This put them on three factors and minus one objective distinction, not sufficient to progress as among the finest third-placed groups and a regression from the 2022 event, after they progressed forward of Uruguay and Ghana.

Captain Son Heung-min struggled to impression video games and was dropped from the beginning line-up within the last recreation.

39. Scotland

FIFA rating: 42

Scotland’s elimination was finally confirmed by outcomes elsewhere, main supervisor Steve Clarke to resign after seven years in cost.

Their three factors, earned in opposition to Haiti, weren’t sufficient to undergo as among the finest third-placed groups, resulting from their minus-three objective distinction after a complete 3-0 loss to Brazil of their last recreation.

After a 28-year look forward to a World Cup look, they are going to be sorely disenchanted to fall on the first hurdle.

40. Curacao

FIFA rating: 82

The smallest nation to compete at a World Cup got here away with a degree, earned in opposition to Ecuador due to the heroics of goalkeeper Eloy Room, and their first objective on the event scored by Livano Comenencia, however had been eradicated following defeat by the Ivory Coast.

After shedding 7-1 to Germany of their first recreation, they recovered to provide a superb account of themselves total.

41. Czech Republic

FIFA rating: 48

The Czech Republic go residence disenchanted, having left themselves needing a win in opposition to Mexico of their last group recreation, solely to lose 3-0.

Considering the combat they confirmed to beat the Republic of Ireland and Denmark within the European qualification play-offs to get right here, they underwhelmed at this World Cup, incomes only one level in opposition to South Africa and ending backside of Group A.

42. Uzbekistan

FIFA rating: 60

Uzbekistan got here away from their debut World Cup pointless, however confirmed some combat in opposition to Colombia and took the lead in opposition to DR Congo.

They received to face Cristiano Ronaldo in what is unquestionably his final World Cup, however had been on the mistaken facet of historical past as he scored at his sixth version in Portugal’s 5-0 win.

Despite having legendary centre-back Fabio Cannavaro within the dugout, they conceded 11 objectives in three video games — not ok to frustrate groups or earn outcomes.

43. Panama

FIFA rating: 44

Panama had been already eradicated earlier than dealing with England, and a 2-0 loss means they return residence being the one workforce at this 12 months’s World Cup to not rating.

There are positives, as they had been onerous to beat, shedding by only a one-goal margin in opposition to Ghana and Croatia. This betters their World Cup debut in 2018, after they conceded 11 objectives. If they will add somewhat extra attacking risk (they usually did present some, particularly in opposition to England), there are some stable foundations to construct on.

44. Jordan

FIFA rating: 73

Jordan bowed out at their debut event with a recreation to spare after losses to Austria and Algeria.

They scored in all three video games, together with their final in opposition to Argentina, however didn’t do sufficient to stifle their opponents in the best way among the different debutant nations had been in a position to, primarily due to some standout goalkeeping performances.

45. Haiti

FIFA rating: 88

They performed with freedom in opposition to Morocco, realizing they had been already eradicated, and although they had been crushed 4-2, Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor scored a memorable objective.

After showing of their first World Cup since 1974, they may hope to be luckier of their draw subsequent time — and keep away from two top-10-ranked nations, as they’d right here with Morocco and Brazil.

46. Qatar

FIFA rating: 59

Qatar had been eradicated after a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having earned a degree in opposition to Switzerland of their opening match, supervisor Julen Lopetegui couldn’t stop them from one of many worst performances of the group stage with a 6-0 loss and two purple playing cards in opposition to Canada of their second outing. They didn’t construct on that opening level.

47. Iraq

FIFA rating: 63

Iraq didn’t get close to their group opponents, who, in equity, boasted two of the very best forwards on this planet in Haaland and Mbappe.

Their spotlight was captain Aymen Hussein’s objective in opposition to Norway, within the aftermath of Hussein being held for a number of hours for questioning by U.S. immigration officers upon coming into the nation.

If they’d crushed Senegal, they’d nonetheless have had an opportunity of qualification, however they conceded after 4 minutes and had been diminished to 10 gamers shortly after. They ended their first World Cup marketing campaign since 1986 with a 5-0 defeat.

48. Tunisia

FIFA rating: 57

It was a depressing event for Tunisia. After a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden, they sacked Sabri Lamouchi, however his substitute, Herve Renard, couldn’t stop additional heavy defeats by Japan and the Netherlands.

They completed with a minus-10 objective distinction — solely Iraq had a worse shedding margin.