Ranking the World Cup teams from one to 48 based on their 2026 performance

Key Points:

• Belgium (FIFA ranking 9) had a turbulent World Cup, advancing from the group stage on goal difference and reaching the quarter-finals after a dramatic comeback against Senegal, but were ultimately hampered by injuries and lost narrowly to Spain.
• Morocco (ranked 6) became the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals, impressively defeating the Netherlands on penalties and Canada 3-0 before falling to France without key injured forward Ismael Saibari.
• Switzerland (ranked 15) reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, showing resilience despite a controversial red card and elimination by Argentina, marking progress after several previous early exits.
• Paraguay (ranked 34) achieved a historic upset by beating Germany in the last 32 but were unable to challenge France in the subsequent round, finishing with a respectable tournament after a heavy opening loss to the U.S.
• Mexico (ranked 10) suffered a heartbreaking exit on home soil, losing at the Azteca Stadium for the first time in World Cup history and falling to England despite chances, with Julian Quinones emerging as a key player scoring four goals.