Argentina began their World Cup title defense in convincing fashion, securing a strong victory that demonstrated their quality. However, despite this impressive start, BBC Sport experts believe they are not currently the best-performing team in the tournament. A panel of journalists who collectively watched every team’s opening match has ranked all 48 teams based on their first performances, offering a comprehensive overview of the competition so far.
Topping the rankings is France, who lived up to expectations with a dominant 3-1 victory over Senegal. Their performance, particularly in the second half, showcased strength, depth, and balance across the pitch. With quality in every position, France have firmly established themselves as early favorites to lift the trophy.
England follow closely in second place after their thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia. Their attacking display was exceptional, with Harry Kane leading the line brilliantly. England created numerous chances and could have scored even more goals. However, defensive vulnerabilities were evident, which may be an area they need to address as the tournament progresses.
Argentina are placed third, largely due to the influence of Lionel Messi. Their 3-0 win over Algeria highlighted the team’s ability, but it is Messi’s presence and creativity that elevates them to another level. His leadership and brilliance continue to inspire the squad, making them one of the strongest contenders.
Germany occupy fourth place after an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curacao. While the quality of their opponents may not have been the highest, scoring seven goals in a World Cup opener is a remarkable achievement that cannot be overlooked. Germany’s attacking efficiency and ruthlessness make them a team to watch.
Rounding out the top five is the United States, who impressed with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. Their dynamic and fluid style overwhelmed their opponents, and the support of the home crowd appears to be giving them an added boost. Their inclusion in the top five may come as a surprise, but their performance justified it.
Norway sit in sixth place following a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq. Their team is built around Erling Haaland, and their tactics are designed to maximize his goal-scoring ability. With such a prolific striker, Norway have the potential to trouble any defense.
Colombia are ranked seventh after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. Their combination of physical strength, speed, and attacking flair, led by Luis Diaz, makes them a dangerous side. Morocco take eighth place after drawing 1-1 with Brazil. They started strongly and looked capable of beating one of the tournament favorites but appeared to settle for a draw in the second half, suggesting they may have more to offer.
Brazil, placed ninth, had a shaky start in their 1-1 draw with Morocco. While they showed resilience to avoid defeat, their performance raised questions about whether they can reach the heights of previous Brazilian teams. Sweden complete the top ten after a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia, showcasing their attacking strength and depth.
In the next group of teams, Australia impressed with a 2-0 win over Turkey, displaying pace and efficiency. Spain, however, were involved in one of the biggest surprises, drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde despite creating numerous chances. Their inability to convert opportunities cost them a higher ranking.
The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in a match they arguably should have won, while Japan showed resilience to secure a point. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 but faced a setback with a late red card. Scotland secured a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti, though their performance lacked fluency.
Cape Verde emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages, holding Spain to a draw with a disciplined display. Belgium and Egypt shared a 1-1 draw, with both teams showing moments of quality but lacking consistency. Senegal, despite losing to France, showed enough promise to suggest they could still make an impact.
Further down the rankings, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining a central figure in their approach. Croatia, despite scoring twice against England, struggled defensively. DR Congo impressed with their organization, while Switzerland disappointed with a draw against Qatar.
New Zealand and Iran played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with New Zealand exceeding expectations. Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw, demonstrating improved organization and competitiveness. Haiti, South Korea, and Uruguay all had mixed performances, showing potential but also clear weaknesses.
In the lower half of the rankings, Turkey suffered a disappointing defeat to Australia despite dominating possession. Austria secured a win but failed to convince, while Ivory Coast edged Ecuador in a tight contest. Ghana’s late victory over Panama masked an otherwise underwhelming display.
Algeria struggled against Argentina, failing to register a shot on target, while Jordan and Bosnia-Herzegovina showed glimpses of promise but lacked consistency. Canada managed a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina but required a deflected goal to do so. Iraq were unable to contain Norway’s attacking القوة, and Ecuador failed to live up to expectations.
Towards the bottom, the Czech Republic squandered a lead against South Korea, while Uzbekistan struggled against Colombia despite scoring their first-ever World Cup goal. South Africa had a poor performance against Mexico, and Qatar were fortunate to draw with Switzerland.
Paraguay were heavily beaten by the United States, and Tunisia endured a humiliating defeat to Sweden, even parting ways with their manager afterward. Panama were involved in a dull match against Ghana, conceding a late goal. At the very bottom of the rankings is Curacao, who suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany, though their goal remains a memorable moment in their World Cup debut.
Overall, the rankings reflect early impressions rather than definitive judgments. While some teams have lived up to expectations, others have surprised both positively and negatively. As the tournament progresses, these rankings are likely to change, with teams having the opportunity to improve and prove their true quality on the global stage.
