politics
France tops World Cup 2026 power rankings after last-32 stage
France remained the top-ranked team after defeating Sweden. Spain moved up one spot while Argentina dropped to third following its match against Cape Verde.
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France stayed in first place in the World Cup 2026 power rankings after all six judges placed the team at the top. The side defeated Sweden in the last-32 round. Spain rose one position to second after an "almost perfect" win against Austria, according to coach Luis de la Fuente. Lamine Yamal continued to improve and goalkeeper Unai Simón has not conceded a goal.
Argentina fell to third despite winning all its matches and holding the tournament's leading scorer in Lionel Messi. The team allowed Cape Verde to score twice in a match played in Miami heat. Mexico climbed three places to fourth. The team is playing at home and features Gilberto Mora, who performed strongly against Ecuador.
Morocco advanced to fifth after forcing extra time against the Netherlands with a 91st-minute goal by Issa Diop and winning a penalty shootout. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team had gained respect. Brazil dropped one spot to sixth after a mixed performance against Japan.
Norway moved up five places to seventh, with Erling Haaland scoring the winner against Côte d'Ivoire. England remained eighth after a narrow win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Harry Kane scored, but the team showed defensive weaknesses ahead of its match against Mexico.
Colombia fell four spots to tenth despite a win over Ghana.
