World Cup 2026: France set the standard as last-16 power rankings take shape

France have emerged as the team to beat at the 2026 World Cup after a dominant run through the group stage and into the last 16, according to power rankings published by The Independent following a dramatic round of 32 that saw both Germany and the Netherlands eliminated.

Didier Deschamps’ side sit top of the pile having scored ten goals in the group stage before beating Sweden 3-0 to reach the knockout rounds. Kylian Mbappe scored again in that victory, taking his overall World Cup goal tally to 18 and moving him clear of Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record.

Spain and Argentina chasing the pace

Spain, who arrived in North America as many pundits’ favourites, are rated second in the rankings despite a stuttering start that included a goalless draw with Cape Verde in the group phase. With Lamine Yamal back to fitness, La Roja found their rhythm, thrashing Saudi Arabia and edging past Uruguay before dispatching Austria 3-0 in the last 32, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice.

Holders Argentina are also placed among the leading contenders, with Lionel Messi continuing to carry the side and having scored his seventh goal of the tournament in a narrow win over Cape Verde. The Independent notes that, for the first time in the competition, Argentina’s progress has looked less than routine, hinting at cracks that could be exposed later in the knockout stages.

Germany and Holland among the big names heading home

The round of 32 delivered the tournament’s biggest shock so far as Germany were beaten on penalties by Paraguay, a result that has reportedly sparked a managerial reshuffle with Jurgen Klopp among those linked with succeeding Julian Nagelsmann following his resignation.

The Netherlands were also sent packing, losing to Morocco and extending their long wait for a first World Cup triumph. Their exit means two of European football’s traditional heavyweights will be watching the rest of the tournament from home.

England survive a scare

England are among the sides described as enduring “close shaves” in reaching the last 16, alongside Portugal and Brazil. Despite the nervous passage, Thomas Tuchel’s side have made it through to the knockout stages proper, though The Independent’s rankings suggest questions remain over their level compared with the tournament’s front-runners.

With the 48-team format having initially raised concerns about a dilution in quality, the standard of the remaining 16 sides suggests those fears have largely been put to rest. France, Spain and Argentina now head into the knockout rounds as the teams to beat, with the rest of the field aiming to close the gap before the business end of the competition.

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