2018 FIFA World Cup power rankings: Updates after every match
MOSCOW — The group stage of a World Cup always challenges so much about what we thought we knew about the best teams on earth, and so it has proven again.
Favorites were held or humbled, outsiders came from nowhere to upturn the form guide, late winners broke hearts and provided fresh hope and the landscape of many groups tilted entirely from what was expected.
After each game of the group stage we took the timely opportunity to re-rank the 32 teams in order, taking into account form, the eye test, and their chances of making some headway. We will do the same during the knockout phase, as the chase for the trophy heats up.
1. France – Must start trying again now
2. Brazil – Hitting form
3. Spain – Lucked into the dream draw
4. England – Third game means nothing
5. Belgium – Same as above
6. Croatia – Modric’s magic is the key
7. Argentina – Timely reprieve
8. Portugal – Ronaldo lacking support
9. Uruguay – Poised and dangerous
10. Denmark – Comfortably through
11. Colombia - Big revival
12. Sweden – Closed group strongly
13. Switzerland – Fierce and feisty
14. Mexico – Nervously survived
15. Russia – Tough route
16. Japan – Can the dream continue?
ELIMINATED AFTER GROUP STAGE
17. South Korea – Nice way to finish
18. Germany – Miserable campaign
19. Senegal – Ran out of steam
20. Serbia – Uphill battle from here
21. Nigeria - Late heartbreak
22. Poland – Worst of the seeds
23. Peru – Awesome fans, pride intact
24. Iran – Courageous and entertaining
25. Morocco – Saved best for last
26. Iceland – No Cinderella this time
27. Tunisia – Too little, too late
28. Costa Rica – No repeat of 2014 heroics
29. Australia – Disappointing campaign
30. Saudi Arabia – Eliminated after two games
31. Egypt – Never showed its best
32. Panama – Not up to elite level
MORE WORLD CUP:
- Sorry soccer haters: This World Cup is amazing
- World Cup qualifying scenarios for every team
- Every World Cup champion