The World Cup last 16 is here, after some dramatic matches in which Cape Verde nearly stunned holders Argentina, and Mo Salah’s Egypt triumphed over Australia on penalties.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal for Colombia as they beat Ghana, with his team seemingly set for a showdown with Lionel Messi and Co if they make it to the quarter-finals.
So how are the players performing so far? Here’s how our rankings look after day 23. Watch out for co-hosts Canada (will Alphonso Davies start?) against Morocco later, with France and their star-studded forward line — Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue (among others) — looking to cement their favourites tag against Paraguay.
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Felipe Cardenas and Luke Bosher
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1. France
FIFA ranking: 1
➡️
France’s performances have given every indication that they are on track to reach their third consecutive World Cup final.
As things stand, Kylian Mbappe could collect the Golden Boot (six goals), and Michael Olise could finish with the most assists (five and counting).
After a 3-0 win over Sweden, they are the highest-scoring team at the tournament. Expect that form in front of goal to continue against Paraguay in the last 16.
They remain top of our rankings — and The Athletic’s live projection tool forecasts a 28 per cent chance of them winning the World Cup.
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2. Spain
FIFA ranking: 3
⬆️ 1
If it feels like Spain and star player Lamine Yamal haven’t quite got into full swing yet, that’s probably because expectations around the Euro 2024 winners were so high.
They started with a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde but have now won three consecutive matches — and are yet to concede a goal. Thursday night’s 3-0 victory over Austria was their best display yet, as unsung hero Mikel Oyarzabal brought his tally to the tournament to four with a brace.
3. Argentina
FIFA ranking: 2
⬇️ 1
Argentina made much tougher work of Cape Verde than most expected, twice being pegged back before an own goal in the 111th minute courtesy of Diney sent them through to the last 16 with a 3-2 win after extra time.
Having won the 2022 World Cup, it is difficult to overlook Argentina as a serious contender, and with Messi topping the World Cup goalscorer rankings with his seventh of the tournament against Cape Verde, few can argue that he looks far past his best.
Messi is still producing great performances (Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
But having had a relatively straightforward group stage, Argentina are yet to be properly tested. World Cup debutants Cape Verde proved their toughest opponents yet, and there will be much more to come from the quarter-final onwards, should they beat Egypt in the last 16.
4. Brazil
FIFA ranking: 5
➡️
Brazil made light work of Scotland and Haiti, but there were concerns over their performance in the draw with Morocco, leading some to believe Japan could be a banana skin in the round of 32.
Carlo Ancelotti looked the calmest man in Houston, and it was his substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the added-time winner for Brazil. They matched Japan’s energy and had too much attacking impetus to be denied.
5. England
FIFA ranking: 4
➡️
Since beating Croatia, England’s games have been tough to watch. Ghana, Panama and DR Congo have sought to frustrate them, and succeeded for long periods, but England’s round-of-32 turnaround win in the last 15 minutes shows they have found some solutions to break down resolute defences.
It was their first victory after conceding the opening goal in a World Cup knockout tie since the 1966 final, as Harry Kane’s double put him back into the Golden Boot race — he has five goals to his name — and saved England from a disastrous loss.
It doesn’t get any easier in the last 16. Now they must confront co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
6. Mexico
FIFA ranking: 10
➡️
Mexico have qualified for the round of 16 with a perfect record and without conceding a goal, following three wins from three in the group stage and a 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last 32. It was their first knockout win in 40 years.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez have proved to be dependable goal threats, with five combined, while their home support in Mexico City, at the Estadio Azteca, for the Ecuador game was incredible.
The Azteca is a fortress for Mexico (Photo: Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images)
It should prove to be an intimidating atmosphere for England in the last 16.
7. Morocco
FIFA ranking: 6
➡️
Morocco’s round-of-32 victory against the Netherlands shows their run to the Qatar 2022 semi-finals was no fluke. Manager Mohamed Ouahbi has nurtured the next generation, winning the 2025 Under-20 World Cup, and they can now consistently compete with the heavy hitters. Take the group stage, where they looked like the better team in a draw against Brazil.
Issa Diop’s added-time equaliser showcased another strength of the team: the recruitment of dual nationals. Diop switched his allegiance from France earlier this year.
They will be confident they can reach the quarter-finals, playing hosts Canada in the last 16.
8. Norway
FIFA ranking: 21
➡️
Into the last 16 Norway go, for only the third time in their history, for a mouthwatering tie with Brazil.
Norway’s defence stood tall against the Ivory Coast, dealing well with set-piece deliveries and crosses. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made some crucial saves, including tipping Amad’s late free kick over the bar.
Haaland has looked sharp (Photo: Julian Finney – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Ivory Coast could not contain a Norway attack that scored eight goals in three games in the group stage. It is electrifying in full flow, as seen by Antonio Nusa’s opener and Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament. The team was well rested after a rotated line-up in their final group match against France, when progression was already ensured.
9. Portugal
FIFA ranking: 7
➡️
Despite having arguably the best midfield at the tournament, Portugal haven’t looked convincing and finished behind Colombia in Group K.
But against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup knockout goal with a penalty (and was later substituted) as Roberto Martinez’s side snatched a last-16 spot with a stoppage-time Goncalo Ramos header.
That winner came in the 94th minute, but this hugely dramatic game still found time to throw up a Croatian disallowed equaliser 11 minutes later.
Meeting Spain next, Portugal will have to find a way to limit the European champions, or they’re likely to be punished.
10. Colombia
FIFA ranking: 11
⬆️ 1
Colombia continue their impressive march, beating a compact Ghana side 1-0 to confirm their spot in the last 16.
After topping their group ahead of Portugal, Nestor Lorenzo’s side found themselves among the most favourable pathways to the quarter-finals, facing Ghana in the last 32, before their upcoming clash with Switzerland in the round of 16.
They may have to do it without talisman James Rodriguez, who was substituted at half-time against Ghana after suffering from the flu, but what they could lack in experience is more than made up for in Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias’ attacking quality.
Switzerland are canny though so Colombia cannot afford to look too far ahead. But the potential to get revenge on Argentina, who beat them in extra time in the final of the 2024 Copa America, is surely at the back of their minds.
11. United States
FIFA ranking: 16
⬇️1
Mauricio Pochettino’s team continued their group-stage form to join co-hosts Canada and Mexico in the last 16, easing beyond tricky opponents in Bosnia and Herzegovina despite being reduced to 10 men.
But they are set to be without Folarin Balogun in their next game after his red card — a critical blow when it comes to their goal threat as they take on Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun will miss the last-16 match (Photo: Elysia Su/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The U.S. are looking to reach the quarter-finals for just the third time, and to avenge a 5-2 friendly loss to Belgium in March. Should they achieve that, they will play one of Portugal or Spain in the last eight.
12. Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 15
➡️
Switzerland have suffered last-16 defeat in the past three World Cups, but victory over Algeria in the round of 32 at this expanded edition means they have finally won a knockout game.
It was their third victory in a row at this tournament, where 20-year-old midfielder Johan Manzambi has emerged as a breakout star. His mazy run set up Breel Embolo’s opener.
Can they go a step further? They will meet either Colombia or Ghana, and look capable of beating both.
13. Belgium
FIFA ranking: 9
➡️
Belgium were staring at elimination after going 2-0 down against Senegal in the round of 32. In a surprising move, head coach Rudi Garcia reacted by taking off Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, but it proved effective as Belgium somehow revived with two goals in the last four minutes.
Youri Tielemans’ penalty in the second half of extra time was the latest goal scored at a World Cup, completing a remarkable comeback. The remnants of their golden generation still have life in them yet.
They face the U.S. next, whom they beat 5-2 in a friendly in March.
14. Canada
FIFA ranking: 30
➡️
The co-hosts’ coach Jesse Marsch described their next game — which they now know will be against Morocco in the round of 16 — as “a free hit” after Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute winner ensured Canada defeated South Africa in Los Angeles. That doesn’t feel like the most optimistic interpretation of their chances, but they will certainly start that game in Houston as the underdogs.
15. Egypt
FIFA ranking: 24
⬆️ 1
Considered among the World Cup’s greatest underachievers before this tournament, Egypt have got rid of that tag on their way to the last 16.
Remarkably, Egypt had never won a game on the world’s biggest stage, despite being the most successful team in Africa’s continental tournament, having won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times. At the ninth time of asking (stretching all the way back to 1934), that first win finally came against New Zealand in their second group game. And there must be something that agrees with Egypt about teams from Oceania, as they eliminated Australia in the last 32 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Argentina is their toughest test yet, but they will surely gain some confidence from their African counterparts Cape Verde, who showed the world champions are far from indestructible.
16. Paraguay
FIFA ranking: 34
⬆️ 1
Paraguay had a mixed group stage, including being dismantled 4-1 by the U.S.. But any embarrassment from that game is behind them now.
Paraguay did against Germany what all good underdogs do: defend well and score from a set piece. Well, the ball was recycled from a corner, and it was a great cross by Matias Galarza and header by Julio Enciso, so we’re counting it as a set piece anyway.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was a hero. He kept two clean sheets in the group, but his two penalty saves helped take Paraguay to the last 16, where they will face tournament favourites France.
17. Cape Verde
FIFA ranking: 64
⬆️ 2
Cape Verde have gripped the hearts of millions around the world this summer and fittingly departed from the World Cup in style against Argentina.
Their journey was magical, first drawing 0-0 with European champions Spain before improbably finishing above Uruguay to progress to the last 16 as a second-placed team, drawing all three of their matches. But they would save their best and most spirited performance until the knockouts, twice coming from behind against Messi and the world champions.
Sidny Lopes Cabral celebrates his equaliser (Photo: Jussi Eskola/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Vozinha, the breakout star of the World Cup, made eight saves, including an excellent stop to prevent Messi in a one-on-one. Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes was again outstanding in the heart of defence, but the star of the day was full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose curled finish from an implausible angle will surely be a goal-of-the-tournament contender.
Farewell, Cape Verde; on behalf of football lovers around the world, we hope to see you again soon.
18. Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 7
⬆️ 2
The Netherlands’ group stage instilled confidence in the team, including a 5-1 win over Sweden. Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville had all combined well in a dangerous-looking attack.
But after topping their group, they were unlucky to draw another top-10 ranked team in Morocco. Ronald Koeman changed the setup to play five defenders, and it worked well enough that Morocco needed a late equaliser. But could they have stuck to the same approach that brought group-stage success?
After missing three out of five penalties, they were defeated in the shootout. There will be disappointment exiting at this stage of the tournament, leading to Koeman’s resignation.
19. Germany
FIFA ranking: 12
⬆️ 2
Germany’s group-stage performances were very promising after two games, a thrashing of Curacao and a late win over the Ivory Coast, but there was cause for concern in their final group game against Ecuador, in which they lost 2-1 despite starting with something close to their strongest XI.
They might feel hard done by at losing to Paraguay in the last 32, as Jonathan Tah’s extra-time goal was ruled out for apparent blocking of the goalkeeper, but it shouldn’t have come down to this. Paraguay were beaten 4-1 by the U.S. earlier in the tournament.
This is just the latest in a string of early exits for Germany. At their previous two tournaments since winning the World Cup in 2014, they failed to make it out of the group stage. They are usually reliable from the penalty spot at least, but this marked their first shootout defeat in World Cup history. Julian Nagelsmann has since left as head coach.
20. Japan
FIFA ranking: 17
⬆️ 2
Japan had a likeable team who impressed in the group stages, playing an egoless, exciting brand of football. They were rated so highly that many thought they would trouble Brazil in the last 32, and they did, taking the lead in the match through midfielder Kaishu Sano.
Brazil matched their energy and had too much attacking talent to be denied, winning with an added-time goal. What could have been for Japan if they hadn’t suffered injuries before and throughout the tournament to Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo.
21. Senegal
FIFA ranking: 18
⬆️ 2
Against Belgium, they were 2-0 up in the 86th minute and somehow ended up losing after Youri Tielemans’ winning penalty in extra time.
It was a heartbreaking way to exit the tournament, with some Senegal players moved to tears, coming only months after they were stripped of the AFCON title.
Despite the meltdown, they had shown high quality in the game, with Ismaila Sarr’s spectacular goal brought down on his chest and lashed into the back of the net. They proved a considerable test for Belgium and France, against whom they mustered a strong first-half performance in the group stage.
Senegal’s players protest the award of Belgium’s late penalty (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
22. Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 31
⬆️ 2
Ivory Coast exited the World Cup having only lost games to Germany (group stage) and Norway (round of 32). They beat Ecuador and Curacao, showing them to be among the best of the rest, but still with work to do to catch the contending teams.
They brought the youngest squad to the tournament, so still have plenty of potential to get out of this group. Amad can go home knowing he had an impressive tournament, following his winner against Ecuador and stunning solo goal in the Norway game. Yan Diomande showed flashes of his brilliance that could earn him a big-money move this summer.
But none of their strikers found the net. This was one element of their downfall, with a reliance on Amad and Diomande to create and score.
23. Croatia
FIFA ranking: 13
⬆️ 2
After finishing as World Cup runners-up in 2018 and placing third in 2022, Croatia went out in the round of 32 following a late defeat by Portugal.
They finished second in Group L behind England, suffering a 4-2 loss to Thomas Tuchel’s side in their opener, but bounced back with wins against Panama and Ghana.
All attention turns to 40-year-old 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Modric, as the Croatian legend might have played his last international match. He will be irreplaceable.
24. Sweden
FIFA ranking: 37
⬆️ 2
It was only at the end of last year that Sweden finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group behind Kosovo, Slovenia and Switzerland without winning a game.
The turnaround since under Graham Potter — beating Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs for a spot in the tournament, a 5-1 win over Tunisia in their opening game and a draw with Japan — is a cause for positivity.
With the quality of players they have, such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga, they should be more consistent and competitive. But losing to France in the last 32 is no disgrace at all.
25. Ecuador
FIFA ranking: 25
⬆️ 2
Ecuador’s strength was their defensive resilience, but over four games they struggled to find the net, scoring only twice, including failing to break down Curacao.
Both of their goals came in a 2-1 win over Germany, their highlight of the tournament. But in the knockouts, they were unable to match Mexico’s ruthlessness.
Enner Valencia, 36, did not get going at the tournament, and the rest of their key players, Moises Caicedo, William Pacho and Piero Hincapie, are all defensive. Hincapie was dismissed in added time against Mexico for covering his mouth in a confrontation.
26. Ghana
FIFA ranking: 65
⬇️ 10
Ghana entered the World Cup as the 73rd-ranked team in the world, the second-lowest at the tournament behind Curacao. It felt like a false position at the time, and over their four games, they proved they are much better than FIFA gave them credit for.
A win over Panama in their opening game gave them the platform for qualification, which was confirmed after a battling 0-0 draw against England, during which they were extremely unfortunate not to be awarded a late penalty.
And while Colombia’s talent eventually proved too much for Carlos Queiroz’s side, who lacked the injured Mohammed Kudus’ spark in attack, this feels like a platform from which the West African side can build after inconsistent performances in recent years.
27. Austria
FIFA ranking: 22
⬆️ 3
After reaching the knockout stage by the skin of their teeth in a dramatic final group game against Algeria, Austria were well beaten by Spain in the round of 32.
Ralf Rangnick’s side did have a goal threat, scoring three times on two occasions in the group phase. But coming up against superior opposition (they also faced Argentina), they weren’t able to truly excel either defensively or offensively at their first World Cup since 1998.
28. Australia
FIFA ranking: 28
⬇️ 10
Australia’s unlikely 2-0 win over Turkey was among the first major shocks of the tournament, and they have proven a spirited side who fight above and beyond the sum of their parts ever since.
Set up to soak pressure before springing quick counter-attacks, Tony Popovic’s side were unable to replicate the efficiency in the final third that characterised their opening win in their later matches, though they managed to get back on level terms with Egypt after falling behind.
Having eventually been eliminated on penalties by Egypt after reaching the knockout stage in successive tournaments, Australia can hold their heads high.
29. Algeria
FIFA ranking: 29
⬆️ 2
Algeria were disappointing in their round-of-32 match against Switzerland, failing to create clear-cut chances.
On the plus side, Riyad Mahrez, 35, scored his first World Cup goals at this tournament, and players like 24-year-old Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa are coming through to succeed him.
However, their key players are not in their prime, and they looked to be behind other African nations such as Senegal, Ivory Coast and Morocco in quality.
30. DR Congo
FIFA ranking: 41
➡️
Competing at only their second World Cup, after their first as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo progressed to the knockouts for the first time as one of nine African nations to reach the last 32.
A draw with Portugal and a win over Uzbekistan in Group K secured their place as a best third-place team.
Against England in the last 32, they started quickly, taking the lead through Brian Cipenga. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi looked destined to join Vozinha and Eloy Room but was eventually breached. Even in defeat, DR Congo left a hugely favourable impression on the finals.
Brian Cipenga celebrates DR Congo’s opener against England (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
31. Bosnia and Herzegovina
FIFA ranking: 61
➡️
The win over Qatar and draw with Canada took Bosnia to their first knockout game as an independent nation (they were formerly part of Yugoslavia), marking a good achievement.
Despite losing to the U.S., they will forever be remembered for beating Italy in UEFA’s World Cup qualification play-offs.
32. South Africa
FIFA ranking: 54
➡️
Farewell then, to South Africa. After their opening-game defeat by Mexico, it felt like even the most optimistic of souls wouldn’t have thought they’d make it out of the group. Given this was the first time they had qualified for the knockout phase of the World Cup, they will probably view this World Cup as a success.
But with any defeat in stoppage time comes a sense of what could have been. They were so close to taking the co-hosts into extra time and potentially penalties, where anything could have happened. Hugo Broos departs as the oldest man to ever coach a team in the knockout stages.
33. Iran
FIFA ranking: 21
➡️
Iran were left to rue what could have been in their last match against Egypt, when they had an added-time winner disallowed for a marginal offside before hitting the crossbar even later on.
A win would have guaranteed their progress to the knockout stages, but instead they were forced to wait for results from elsewhere and hope their three points and zero goal difference would be enough to see them through as one of the eight best third-placed sides. When Algeria scored what looked like an added-time winner in their final group match, Iran were going through, but Austria’s equaliser in the last moments of the game effectively knocked them out.
Despite being in military conflict with one of the co-hosts, the U.S., in an unprecedented set of circumstances and having to fly in and out of the U.S. just hours before and after their matches, a decision that was eventually scrapped, Iran performed well in this tournament. To be eliminated without losing a match will undoubtedly sting.
34. New Zealand
FIFA ranking: 86
➡️
We will remember New Zealand at this World Cup for breakout star Elijah Just, who scored three goals, and for those Chris Wood touches in the first game against Iran.
After that first game, they were overwhelmed by the quality of both Egypt and Belgium, losing comprehensively to both.
But they played a part in their first World Cup since 2010, including their own viral sensation in Tim Payne. Their future goal will remain the same: reaching the knockouts for the first time.
35. Turkey
FIFA ranking: 27
➡️
Possibly the most underwhelming team compared to their pre-tournament expectations at this year’s World Cup. Most would have predicted Turkey to progress ahead of Australia and Paraguay. Instead, they were eliminated with a game to spare.
They saved face in their final match, scoring their first goals and earning a 3-2 win against the U.S., but it was too late to matter.
36. Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 19
➡️
Uruguay left themselves needing a result in the final group game against Spain after taking only two points from Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
They never really looked like winning. They clearly have quality, finishing level on points with Brazil and Colombia in qualifying, but didn’t show it at this World Cup.
With a goalkeeping howler and a red card, Marcelo Bielsa’s side self-imploded at the end of a bitterly disappointing tournament.
37. Saudi Arabia
FIFA ranking: 58
➡️
A regression from tournament appearances in 2018 and 2022, when they were able to win a group game. They have still only reached the knockout stage on one occasion, in 1994.
But Saudi Arabia were hard to beat, earning two draws, and you would expect them to benefit from the development of their domestic league in future tournaments — including the one they are hosting in 2034.
38. South Korea
FIFA ranking: 32
➡️
After a positive start, beating the Czech Republic 2-1, they limply lost to Mexico and South Africa without scoring. This put them on three points and minus one goal difference, not enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams and a regression from the 2022 tournament, when they progressed ahead of Uruguay and Ghana.
Captain Son Heung-min struggled to impact games and was dropped from the starting line-up in the final game.
Son Heung-min of South Korea reacts during a group A match between South Africa and South Korea (Photo: Wu Wei/Xinhua via Getty Images)
39. Scotland
FIFA ranking: 42
➡️
Scotland’s elimination was eventually confirmed by results elsewhere, leading manager Steve Clarke to resign after seven years in charge.
Their three points, earned against Haiti, were not enough to go through as one of the best third-placed teams, due to their minus-three goal difference after a comprehensive 3-0 loss to Brazil in their final game.
After a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance, they will be sorely disappointed to fall at the first hurdle.
40. Curacao
FIFA ranking: 82
➡️
The smallest nation to compete at a World Cup came away with a point, earned against Ecuador thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Eloy Room, and their first goal at the tournament scored by Livano Comenencia, but were eliminated following defeat by the Ivory Coast.
After losing 7-1 to Germany in their first game, they recovered to give a good account of themselves overall.
The outstanding Eloy Room (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
41. Czech Republic
FIFA ranking: 48
➡️
The Czech Republic go home disappointed, having left themselves needing a win against Mexico in their final group game, only to lose 3-0.
Considering the fight they showed to beat the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the European qualification play-offs to get here, they underwhelmed at this World Cup, earning just one point against South Africa and finishing bottom of Group A.
42. Uzbekistan
FIFA ranking: 60
➡️
Uzbekistan came away from their debut World Cup pointless, but showed some fight against Colombia and took the lead against DR Congo.
They got to face Cristiano Ronaldo in what is surely his last World Cup, but were on the wrong side of history as he scored at his sixth edition in Portugal’s 5-0 win.
Despite having legendary centre-back Fabio Cannavaro in the dugout, they conceded 11 goals in three games — not good enough to frustrate teams or earn results.
43. Panama
FIFA ranking: 44
➡️
Panama were already eliminated before facing England, and a 2-0 loss means they return home being the only team at this year’s World Cup not to score.
There are positives, as they were hard to beat, losing by just a one-goal margin against Ghana and Croatia. This betters their World Cup debut in 2018, when they conceded 11 goals. If they can add a little more attacking threat (and they did show some, especially against England), there are some solid foundations to build on.
44. Jordan
FIFA ranking: 73
➡️
Jordan bowed out at their debut tournament with a game to spare after losses to Austria and Algeria.
They scored in all three games, including their last against Argentina, but didn’t do enough to stifle their opponents in the way some of the other debutant nations were able to, mainly thanks to some standout goalkeeping performances.
45. Haiti
FIFA ranking: 88
➡️
They played with freedom against Morocco, knowing they were already eliminated, and even though they were beaten 4-2, Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor scored a memorable goal.
After appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, they will hope to be luckier in their draw next time — and avoid two top-10-ranked nations, as they had here with Morocco and Brazil.
46. Qatar
FIFA ranking: 59
➡️
Qatar were eliminated after a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having earned a point against Switzerland in their opening match, manager Julen Lopetegui couldn’t prevent them from one of the worst performances of the group stage with a 6-0 loss and two red cards against Canada in their second outing. They failed to build on that opening point.
47. Iraq
FIFA ranking: 63
➡️
Iraq didn’t get near their group opponents, who in fairness boasted two of the best forwards in the world in Haaland and Mbappe.
Their highlight was captain Aymen Hussein’s goal against Norway, in the aftermath of Hussein being held for several hours for questioning by U.S. immigration officials upon entering the country.
If they had beaten Senegal, they would still have had a chance of qualification, but they conceded after four minutes and were reduced to 10 players shortly after. They ended their first World Cup campaign since 1986 with a 5-0 defeat.
48. Tunisia
FIFA ranking: 57
➡️
It was a miserable tournament for Tunisia. After a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden, they sacked Sabri Lamouchi, but his replacement, Herve Renard, could not prevent further heavy defeats by Japan and the Netherlands.
They finished with a minus-10 goal difference — no team had a worse losing margin.