France top the BBC Sport expert rankings after the first round of World Cup 2026 group stage fixtures, ahead of England and Argentina.
A team of BBC Sport journalists watched every single opening game at the tournament to compile the definitive 48-team ranking list.
France earned their place at the summit following a rampant second-half performance that saw them beat Senegal 3-1 in Group I.
England sit second after a brilliant attacking display against Croatia, scoring four goals in a 4-2 victory, though slight defensive concerns were noted.
Argentina are ranked third, with BBC Sport crediting the presence of Lionel Messi as the defining factor in their 3-0 win over Algeria.
Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao earns them fourth place, with BBC Sport noting that any team scoring seven in their opener cannot be ignored.
The USA are a surprise inclusion in the top five after destroying Paraguay 4-1 with a slick performance, aided by strong home support.
Norway, built around Erling Haaland, sit sixth after beating Iraq 4-1, while Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan puts them seventh, powered by Luis Diaz.
Morocco and Brazil sit eighth and ninth respectively after their 1-1 draw, with Morocco praised for threatening to blow Brazil away in the opening 20 minutes.
Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde is described as the shock of the tournament so far, dropping them to 12th despite creating enough chances to win comfortably.
Cape Verde themselves are ranked 17th, with goalkeeper Vozinha’s inspired performance making them a fan favourite and everyone’s second team at the tournament.
Scotland sit 16th after a 1-0 win over Haiti that was described as a good result but poor performance, with BBC Sport noting 28 years of World Cup absence as possible context.
Portugal are placed 21st despite still having Cristiano Ronaldo, with BBC Sport observing that the squad appears burdened by his desire to be at the centre of everything.
New Zealand’s gutsy 2-2 draw with Iran earned them 25th place, with Elijah Just identified as a potential breakout star of the tournament.
Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia left them 30th, with BBC Sport noting that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will need to improve their finishing after managing 28 shots before their late equaliser.
Turkey are 31st after losing 2-0 to Australia despite enjoying more than 70 per cent possession, a disappointing return for the nation that finished third back in 2002.
Tunisia prop up the table in 46th after their 5-1 loss to Sweden, a result so damaging that the article notes the country sacked their manager following the opening game.
Panama sit 47th after a 1-0 defeat to Ghana, involved in what experts described as one of the worst games of the tournament, conceding a 95th-minute winner.
Curacao are ranked bottom after their 7-1 defeat to Germany, though BBC Sport acknowledged their equaliser as a moment the nation will never forget on their World Cup debut.
