The Athletic has live coverage of Belgium vs Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With just under half of the matches in the round of 32 now completed, the last 16 is starting to take shape.
France and Kylian Mbappe produced another convincing victory, this time over Sweden, cementing them at the top of our rankings.
Mexico became the second of the three host nations — after Canada — to reach the last 16, beating Ecuador in front of a buzzing crowd at the Azteca. No pressure, United States.
Norway defeated the Ivory Coast to set up a Premier League rivalry on the international stage, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland up against Arsenal and Brazil’s Gabriel.
Let’s see the movement in our rankings based on Tuesday’s action, with England and the U.S. playing their last-32 games on Wednesday.
1. France
FIFA ranking: 2
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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 29 per cent chance of them winning the World Cup.
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2. Argentina
FIFA ranking: 1
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Three convincing wins in three Group J matches took the holders comfortably through to the knockout stages.
Entering the last 32, Lionel Messi is the tournament’s top scorer with six goals and with similar personnel, this team has looked like the title winners of four years ago.
They won’t complain about their place in the bracket, taking on Cape Verde in the round of 32, followed by Australia or Egypt in the round of 16.
3. Brazil
FIFA ranking: 5
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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.
Brazil’s midfield, instead of being the team’s weakness, was a net positive as Casemiro found the equalising goal and Bruno Guimaraes set up Martinelli’s winner. Norway or the Ivory Coast await in the next round.
4. Spain
FIFA ranking: 3
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After starting their tournament with a draw against Cape Verde, Spain collected back-to-back wins once Lamine Yamal returned to the starting XI against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, toppingh the group.
Their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia was their most convincing, and against Uruguay they showed how they might frustrate sides in the knockouts, being so comfortable in possession after taking a lead.
They play Austria next.
5. England
FIFA ranking: 4
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Next up for England, DR Congo on Wednesday. Will we see the kind of performance they produced in the opening game against Croatia, or will it be the stodgier kind of display served up in the draw with Ghana and win over Panama?
Manager Thomas Tuchel has an ever-increasing problem at right-back, where injuries to Reece James, Tino Livramento and now Jarell Quansah have left him short of options.
England are heavy favourites to beat DR Congo in the last 32 but a much-improved performance would go a long way to inspiring confidence in those who felt pre-tournament that they were genuine title contenders.
Win and it’s Mexico in Mexico City in the last 16.
6. Mexico
FIFA ranking: 9
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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 for the Ecuador game was incredible.
It should prove to be an intimidating atmosphere for England in the last 16 if they get past DR Congo.
7. Morocco
FIFA ranking: 6
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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: 23
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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.
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. Colombia
FIFA ranking: 11
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A team of attacking talent and with willing runners aplenty, wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, though not entirely convincing, were enough to confirm progression for Colombia with a match to spare.
A draw in their final game meant they topped Group K over Portugal, a sign of their quality. What looked to be Davison Sanchez’s big toe creeping into an offside position denied them a late win, too.
Winning the group means Ghana are their opponents in the round of 32 rather than Croatia.
10. United States
FIFA ranking: 15
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It’s a huge day for the U.S. as they attempt to become the third co-host to make it into the last 16.
Maurcio’s Pochettino’s team have been responsible for bringing great excitement to the tournament. Their positive and adventurous football has not been short of goals. But after rotating against Turkey, they lost some momentum, suffering a late 3-2 loss.
Still, with an elite coach, Pochettino, in the dugout, their fans are full of confidence entering the knockouts, asking, ‘Why not U.S.?’
Facing Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, they will fancy their chances of reaching the last 16.
11. Portugal
FIFA ranking: 8
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Curiously, the biggest question mark around this Portugal involves their greatest player. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against Uzbekistan, yes, but was ineffective against DR Congo and Colombia, and is the only Portugal player to appear in every minute of the group stage.
Not beating Colombia in the final game — a drawn match they looked more likely to lose than win — means a harder route to the final. In the round of 32 it will be Croatia, and if they win that, it sets up a round-of-16 tie with Spain.
12. Croatia
FIFA ranking: 13
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After worryingly shipping four goals against England in their opener, Croatia won their next two group games against Panama and Ghana to progress second in the group.
The 2018 finalists have had five different goalscorers, with some excellent finishes from outside the box, which shows they have both quality across the team, but are not reliant on one talisman.
Since losing to England, they’ve changed to a 4-2-3-1, which seems to be working better. Whether or not they can still compete with the very best sides will be proven as they face Portugal in the next round.
13. Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 16
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After starting with a draw against Qatar, Switzerland progressed to the knockout stages as Group B winners following victories over Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. An encouraging sign has been the performances of 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has breathed new life into the team with three goals.
After going undefeated, they have a kind landing in the next phase, with Algeria in the round of 32.
14. Canada
FIFA ranking: 32
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The co-hosts have slowly risen up these rankings.
Coach Jesse Marsch described their next game — which they now know will be against Morocco — 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. Belgium
FIFA ranking: 10
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After unconvincing performances against Egypt and Iran, Belgium still had enough quality to overwhelm New Zealand as their big-name forwards Leandro Trossard, Kevin de Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku all got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 win.
Their performances in the group stage suggest they are not as good as their FIFA ranking implies, but in the end, they topped the group, setting up a round-of-32 match against Senegal.
16. Egypt
FIFA ranking: 26
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Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group match, after a win against New Zealand and draw with Belgium, meant they dropped to second in the table, behind Belgium.
It was not disastrous for their round-of-32 outlook — they will face Australia next. But it does mean they could meet Argentina in the last 16.
17. Ghana
FIFA ranking: 65
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Ghana played the group stage smartly. Coach Carlos Queiroz adjusted his tactics against each team, winning the game they needed to against Panama and earning a draw against England with an impressive defensive display.
After a narrow defeat by Croatia, they slipped to third in Group L but were always going to progress, whatever the result in Philadelphia. They have shown they can be a versatile team and can stick to a game plan, which they will need to do against Colombia in the round of 32.
18. Senegal
FIFA ranking: 18
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The (stripped) African champions had a tough time in Group I, but progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after thrashing Iraq 5-0.
Senegal were competitive in games against France and Norway, but were prone to defensive errors and were played through too easily. They look more formidable going forward, but will hope goalkeeper Edouard Mendy recovers from a knee injury suffered against Norway.
For the round of 32, they will meet Belgium in what could be an entertaining game.
19. Paraguay
FIFA ranking: 37
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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.
20. Algeria
FIFA ranking: 29
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A dramatic end to their game against Austria included their late ‘winner’ being cancelled out by an equaliser, but a 3-3 draw was enough for progression in third place on four points after a win against Jordan. This means their round-of-32 opponent will be Switzerland as opposed to Spain, not the worst news.
Riyad Mahrez, 35, has rolled back the years, providing an assist and two goals since coming back into the starting line-up in the second match.
21. Austria
FIFA ranking: 22
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It is a borderline miracle Austria are still in the tournament, having been within seconds of heading home. Thankfully for Ralf Rangnick’s side, Sasa Kalajdzic’s equaliser in the final seconds of their final game of the group stage against Algeria was enough to earn them a reprieve.
They enter the knockouts on that high, and have twice scored three goals in Group J — beating Jordan 3-1 and drawing 3-3 with Algeria. But it’s hard to see them getting past Spain in the round of 32, even with the experienced players who helped them progress from the groups.
22. Australia
FIFA ranking: 28
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Progression as Group D runners-up marks a solid effort from Australia, and two clean sheets from three games helped them do it.
Despite disappointing against the United States, their highlight was the performance against Turkey, producing a 2-0 win with only 28 per cent possession in a breakout game for 20-year-old Watford forward Nestory Irankunda.
They will have to channel this solidarity and cutting edge in the knockout stages, coming up against Egypt.
23. DR Congo
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FIFA ranking: 41
In their first World Cup since 1974 them have qualified for the knockout stages for the first time.
A well-earned draw against Portugal in their first match put them in a good position to progress, showing defensive solidity with five at the back and Yoane Wissa providing clinical touches up front, in contrast to his Premier League form with Newcastle United in 2025-26.
A comeback from 1-0 down to 3-1 up against Uzbekistan sealed their place in the round of 32, where they face England on Wednesday.
24. Cape Verde
FIFA ranking: 64
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Cape Verde reaching the knockouts on their World Cup debut is the biggest fairytale of the tournament to date.
After keeping out European champions Spain, earning goalkeeper Vozinha Instagram fame, and drawing 2-2 with Uruguay, they confirmed progression with a third point, against Saudi Arabia, to finish in second.
The reward is a round-of-32 tie against holders Argentina. They couldn’t do it again, could they? Whatever happens in the knockout stages, these players have inspired a generation by making history.
25. Bosnia and Herzegovina
FIFA ranking: 61
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Unlike the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina didn’t waste their chance after progressing through the European qualification play-offs, knocking out Italy in the final. A 3-1 win against Qatar booked their place in the World Cup’s round of 32, adding to the point earned against Canada in their opening draw.
Having finished third in Group B, they are set to face another host, the United States, in San Francisco on Wednesday.
The eliminated teams
26. Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 7
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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, but at least it was against a strong opponent.
27. Germany
FIFA ranking: 12
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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, so they haven’t exactly been a formidable team in recent years. They are usually reliable from the penalty spot at least, but this marked their first shootout defeat in World Cup history.
28. Japan
FIFA ranking: 17
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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.
29. Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 30
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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.
30. Sweden
FIFA ranking: 36
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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.
31. Ecuador
FIFA ranking: 24
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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.
32. South Africa
FIFA ranking: 54
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Farewell then, to South Africa. After their opening-game defeat by Mexico, it felt like even the most optimistic of souls would have thought they’d make it out of the group, and 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
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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 the last few groups and hope their three points and a goal difference of zero 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 United States, 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
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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
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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 United States, but it was too late to matter.
36. Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 19
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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
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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: 31
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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.
39. Scotland
FIFA ranking: 42
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.