Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Scores & Results

France retains top spot in World Cup 2026 power rankings after group stage

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 8:30 AM

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

France retains top spot in World Cup 2026 power rankings after group stage

Summary

Following the conclusion of the group stage in the World Cup 2026, France maintains its top ranking. Kylian Mbappé's two goals in the opener and a hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé against Norway highlight the team's dominance. Argentina has moved up two spots, buoyed by Lionel Messi's continued scoring ability, while the Netherlands has climbed nine places with strong performances from Brian Brobbey. The knockout stage is set to begin, intensifying competition among the remaining teams.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•France leads the rankings, unchanged from pre-tournament evaluations.
•Argentina rises to second with Lionel Messi as a pivotal player.
•The Netherlands climbs nine places with Brian Brobbey's strong showing.
•Colombia improves its rank by 15 spots after solid display.
•Mexico, as co-hosts, wins all group matches without conceding a goal.

Latest Updates

8:30 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026 power rankings: France still kings but who has climbed 26 places?
8:30 AMThe Guardian Sport — World Cup 2026 power rankings: France still kings but who has climbed 26 places?

What they're saying

"
From Algeria to Uzbekistan, we assess the standing of the 48 nations after the group stage of the tournament It took a little over an hour for Kylian Mbappé to find his groove. Irked by a poor refereeing decision, he scored twice in France’s opener. Ably supported by a stunning cast, Mbappé will already have his sights on winning the competition. Michael Olise has shown his class throughout, while Ousmane Dembélé dazzled with a hat-trick against Norway. We’ll see if anyone can stop Didier Deschamps’s team. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Will Unwin