First Games Done: Here’s How All 48 Teams Measure Up

Every team at the 2026 World Cup has now played one match. Some squads came out firing, while others stumbled right out of the gate. We’ve ranked all 48 teams from strongest to weakest based on their first performance. The defending champion Argentina didn’t take the top spot, which might surprise you.

Who Dominated the Opening Round

A few teams looked unstoppable in their first game. They showed sharp passing, solid defense, and lots of goals. Here are the squads that impressed the most:

• Brazil crushed their opponent with a 4-1 win, led by a young star who scored twice.
• France controlled the ball for most of the match and won 3-0.
• Spain’s quick passing game left their rivals chasing shadows in a 2-0 victory.

The Middle of the Pack: Surprises and Letdowns

Many teams landed in the middle of our rankings. Some played well but couldn’t finish their chances. Others barely held on for a draw. For example, Germany tied 1-1 after a late goal, while England won 2-1 but looked shaky on defense. Argentina, the defending champions, managed only a 1-1 draw and dropped to 15th place. Their star player missed a penalty kick, which hurt their ranking.

Bottom of the List: Teams That Need to Step Up

A few teams had a rough start and now sit at the bottom of our rankings. They’ll need big improvements to stay alive in the tournament. These squads struggled the most:

• Morocco lost 3-0 after making several defensive mistakes.
• Australia failed to score and fell 2-0.
• Canada showed some fight but still lost 4-1 to a stronger opponent.

What the Rankings Mean for the Rest of the Tournament

One game doesn’t decide a team’s fate. Many squads have bounced back in the past after a poor first match. The top-ranked teams have momentum, but the bottom ones still have a chance to surprise everyone. Fans should watch for big changes in the next round as teams adjust their strategies.