Which team is up 11 places and into the top 10? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 12
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland did it again. They are the stars delivering at this World Cup and leading the chase for the Golden Boot. As a result, France, Argentina and Norway have all qualified for the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Spare a thought for Jordan, whose hopes of progression ended on day 12, while Senegal have work to do to be one of the best third-place finishers.
But how did it all affect our team rankings?
- France
FIFA ranking: 3
Personally, I think France may have found their formula for success. Since the second half of their opening game against Senegal, Michael Olise has played in the No 10 role and he provided another two assists in the 3-0 win against Iraq, adding to his match-changing performance in the opening game.
A storm stoppage in Philadelphia couldn’t take the wind out of Mbappe’s sails. He scored twice, for the second match in a row, as France booked their spot in the knockouts. A game against Norway on Friday awaits to see who tops the group.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that France has found a winning formula, and it’s all thanks to Michael Olise’s playmaking abilities. Olise’s impact has been transformative, and his two assists against Iraq showcase his match-changing abilities. France’s success is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula, and it’s exciting to see them in the top spot.
- Argentina
FIFA ranking: 1
In my opinion, Argentina’s dominance at the World Cup is a testament to Lionel Messi’s greatness. Messi, regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, has been in complete control, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in their two wins and becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer after his double against Austria.
The defence will be pleased too after consecutive clean sheets, though Cristian Romero’s substitution against Austria due to a knee injury is a concern. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Messi’s dominance is not just a one-off, but a consistent display of his greatness. His ability to score goals and lead Argentina to victory is a testament to his skill and determination.
- Germany
FIFA ranking: 10
Germany won 7-1 against Curacao, but their 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast was a more meaningful result, even if they left it late. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Germany’s win over the Ivory Coast was a testament to their resilience and ability to come from behind. Despite leaving it late, they secured progression to the knockouts at the top of Group E, the first time they have emerged from the group stage at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014.
- England
FIFA ranking: 4
If the performance against Croatia is what Thomas Tuchel’s England are going to look like, sign us up for more. The nation’s star forwards flourished in their 4-2 success as Harry Kane registered a double and Jude Bellingham put England back in front after half-time, before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score a fourth. What makes this particularly fascinating is that England’s performance against Croatia was a testament to their depth and ability to adapt. Despite questions still needing to be answered defensively, England’s attacking prowess and ability to come from behind showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Spain
FIFA ranking: 2
Responded to the humiliation of drawing against Cape Verde in their opener by producing one of the most one-sided performances of the tournament so far in beating Saudi Arabia 4-0. They had 22 shots, produced 2.85 xG and could easily have scored a few more. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Spain’s performance against Saudi Arabia was a testament to their ability to bounce back from a disappointing draw. Their dominance and ability to score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 8
The thrashing of Sweden laid down a marker for the Netherlands. Brian Brobbey came into their starting line-up and powered through Sweden’s defence as their attack intertwined beautifully with Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville also on the scoresheet. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the Netherlands’ performance against Sweden was a testament to their attacking prowess and ability to adapt. Their beautiful interplay and ability to score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Brazil
FIFA ranking: 6
After looking pretty unconvincing in their opening match, Brazil returned to some level of form with a pretty dominant 3-0 win over Haiti. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Brazil’s performance against Haiti was a testament to their ability to bounce back from a disappointing opening match. Their dominance and ability to score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Morocco
FIFA ranking: 7
Expectations are huge back home after reaching the semi-final in 2022 and (probably) winning AFCON earlier this year. Morocco look pretty good in Group C after drawing with Brazil and beating Scotland, with Ismael Saibari beautifully taking both of their goals. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Morocco’s performance in Group C is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their beautiful goals and ability to compete with top teams showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- United States
FIFA ranking: 17
When people are genuinely discussing whether the U.S. can win the World Cup, you know it’s going well. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the U.S.’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their positive, adventurous and fun to watch style, along with their rotating cast of attacking talents, showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Norway
FIFA ranking: 31
The dark horses are galloping on to the knockouts and have to be taken more seriously after their 3-2 win over Senegal. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Norway’s performance against Senegal was a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their firepower and ability to outscore their opposition showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Mexico
FIFA ranking: 13
Mexico became the first team through to the knockout stage, with a 1-0 victory over South Korea ensuring their progress to the last 32 and also guaranteeing top spot in Group A. That is crucial not only because they’ll play a third-placed side in the next round but it also means that tie will be in Mexico City… and their last-16 game would be too. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Mexico’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their perfect start and ability to secure top spot in Group A showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Colombia
FIFA ranking: 14
A team of attacking talent and willing runners aplenty. It wasn’t as convincing a victory against Uzbekistan as they might have hoped, but a win puts them top of Group K above Portugal and DR Congo. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Colombia’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their attacking talent and willingness to run showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Portugal
FIFA ranking: 5
All of the teams considered pre-tournament favourites have come to the party in one way or another… except Portugal. Their 1-1 draw with DR Congo wasn’t just a disappointing result, but the performance left so much to be desired. After taking an early lead, they mustered only one shot in the next hour of football and, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s anonymous 90-minute performance took the headlines (he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup finals match), the whole display was drab. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Portugal’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of shots and overall performance showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Croatia
FIFA ranking: 11
Finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, Croatia showed moments of quality against England but ultimately had less firepower. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Croatia’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their moments of quality and ability to compete with top teams showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Egypt
FIFA ranking: 29
So far, so good. Made to sweat by New Zealand and had to come from behind, but Egypt finally won a match at the World Cup for the first time, inspired by a goal and an assist from Mohamed Salah. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Egypt’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to come from behind and win a match showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Japan
FIFA ranking: 18
Japan are more than 99 per cent likely to progress from the group after a convincing 4-0 win over Tunisia, which included an Ayase Ueda double. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Japan’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their speed, intensity, and effective press showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- South Korea
FIFA ranking: 22
A desperately disappointing performance and result against Mexico which leaves their knockout-stage qualification in peril going into their final match against South Africa. They barely created any chances in Guadalajara, with captain Son Heung-min given the hook after less than an hour. What makes this particularly fascinating is that South Korea’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of chances and inability to create opportunities showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Switzerland
FIFA ranking: 19
At 20 years and 247 days, a star was born in Johan Manzambi as Switzerland left it late with a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their second match. Freiburg’s Manzambi became the youngest player to score a double as a substitute in a men’s World Cup match. Switzerland face Canada next, knowing a draw sees them through but a victory will mean they finish top of the group. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Switzerland’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to come from behind and secure a victory showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Canada
FIFA ranking: 30
An extraordinary result against Qatar in their second group game, dishing out a 6-0 walloping to break their World Cup duck. Almost everything went right for Canada in Vancouver as they showcased the aggressive attacking game Jesse Marsch wants, with Jonathan David netting a hat-trick as they humbled Qatar. Ismael Kone’s injury was the exception and is a blow, but Canada have arrived at the World Cup. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Canada’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their aggressive attacking game and ability to score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Belgium
FIFA ranking: 9
That FIFA ranking might need updating to a more realistic number. Belgium’s stats in their second match against Iran (23 shots, 1.82 xG, 70 per cent possession) tell you they dominated the game and should have won, but stats also tell you that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the Premier League’s best ever players and Romelu Lukaku is the Belgian national team’s record goalscorer, and right now those things don’t mean too much. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Belgium’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of results and inability to score goals showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 33
The Ivory Coast have shown an ability to compete with anyone and led Germany for more than half an hour. Their wingers, Yan Diomande and Amad, have proven a handful for defences, but they were unable to hold onto what would have been a statement victory. Still, they have a 95 per cent chance of progressing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, according to The Athletic’s forecast model. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the Ivory Coast’s performance is a testament to their ability to compete and adapt. Their ability to lead Germany for more than half an hour showcases their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Uruguay
FIFA ranking: 16
Oh dear. Two matches, 44 shots, 3.88 xG, three goals… but only two points. And now they need a result against Spain to go through. Not what Marcelo Bielsa envisaged when plotting Uruguay’s progress from Group H. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Uruguay’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of results and inability to score goals showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Ghana
FIFA ranking: 73
Twenty-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi turned a disappointing performance into a crucial win with one kick of the ball in stoppage time against Panama. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Ghana’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to turn a disappointing performance into a crucial win showcases their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Algeria
FIFA ranking: 28
Algeria showed they are a threat from set pieces, scoring both goals from corners in a turnaround win against Jordan. This could help them hurt superior opposition from limited chances. Riyad Mahrez came back into the starting line-up and was a creative spark in open play. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Algeria’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their threat from set pieces and ability to score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Sweden
FIFA ranking: 38
After a 5-1 victory against Tunisia, Sweden were on the other side of a 5-1 scoreline after being soundly beaten by the Netherlands. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Sweden’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to bounce back from a disappointing loss and score goals showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Senegal
FIFA ranking: 15
No points on the board after two games. Senegal had a positive start to the tournament, with a good first-half showing against France, but since then, they’ve conceded six goals. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Senegal’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of points and inability to stop conceding goals showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Australia
FIFA ranking: 27
Hopes were high for Australia after their 2-0 win over Turkey in their opening game, but they struggled to keep up with the USMNT, particularly in the first half. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Australia’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of results and inability to keep up with their opponents showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Austria
FIFA ranking: 25
Ralph Rangnick tinkered with the starting line-up against Argentina, bringing Tottenham’s Kevin Danso into the back line and PSV’s Paul Wanner into midfield. The problem is that this team, despite having quality, doesn’t have prolific forwards or a formidable defence (conceding to Jordan). It is unclear where their real strength to hurt better teams lies. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Austria’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of results and inability to score goals showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Scotland
FIFA ranking: 41
Scotland fans have all turned into mathematicians and data analysts as they attempt to work out how many goals they can afford to lose to Brazil by and still qualify as one of the best eight third-placed teams. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Scotland’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to compete with top teams and their mathematical analysis showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Iran
FIFA ranking: 20
On the face of it, they achieved a great result against Belgium, against whom they created some excellent chances and had an intuitive free-kick goal narrowly ruled out for offside. But Iran are still waiting for their first win of the tournament and their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages against all odds are on a knife-edge. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Iran’s performance is a testament to their ability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their ability to create chances and compete with top teams showcase their potential to go far in this tournament.
- Ecuador
FIFA ranking: 24
Having come into the tournament on the back of a 19-match, two-year unbeaten streak, Ecuador have been seriously disappointing so far, losing to Ivory Coast and now drawing with Curacao. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Ecuador’s performance is a testament to their inability to adapt and find a winning formula. Their lack of results and inability to score goals showcase their potential struggles in this tournament.
- Paraguay
FIFA ranking: 40
Their 1-0 win over Turkey was much more like it from a side
