re-ranking the – Day six turned into a showcase for the tournament’s biggest names: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each scored twice, and Lionel Messi delivered his first World Cup hat-trick as France and Argentina backed up their status at the top of the rankings.
By Wednesday, the rankings weren’t just about reputation anymore. They had been dragged, quite literally, through goals, saves, injuries, and moments that swung entire nights.
Day six belonged to the star names. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland both scored twice. Lionel Messi completed his first World Cup hat-trick. And unlike the day before, there were no draws—Argentina, France, Norway and Austria all started with wins.
France moved up to justify being the team to chase, opening with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. After a stagnant first half. Mbappé clicked into gear despite being denied a penalty. and his long-range second goal took him past Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer. Bradley Barcola scored France’s second off the bench. underlining the strength in depth that can matter over a long tournament. Against the same team that beat Morocco in January’s Africa Cup of Nations final. France’s performance felt like more than a statement.
Argentina’s rise was more poetic than loud, but no less convincing. At his sixth World Cup, Messi scored his first hat-trick at the tournament at 38 years old. It was the kind of goosebump-inducing moment supporters can’t help but chase—yet the tournament still has to be survived. not just celebrated. Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane. the son of France legend Zinedine. had two of the three goals in his story; the concern wasn’t whether he could have done better. The bigger question was Argentina’s staying power, especially with an ageing squad. There’s also the historic benchmark in the background: no team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
England’s turn was still to come. Their spot in the rankings is tied to what they do on Wednesday against Croatia. Their tournament preparations carried weight: leaving Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of his squad underlined how much talent Thomas Tuchel had to choose from. The form of strikers Harry Kane—successive hat-tricks to end the season—and Ollie Watkins—six goals in five club games—was part of the reason England were seen as ready to make an impact. Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad on Tuesday with a calf injury and was replaced by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. which affects options rather than the starting XI. England. now the last top-10 team to get their campaign underway. were about to find out whether timing helps or harms.
Germany’s ranking stayed shaped by what their win did—and didn’t—settle. Germany, ranked 10 moving from 10, produced a 7-1 win over minnows Curacao. For a nation like Germany. it’s described as either win the World Cup or nothing. and a one-sided result didn’t reveal much about 2026 prospects. What did emerge was evidence that Germany’s imaginative attack could be among the best to watch. even as their defending might leave much to be desired.
Spain took a hit after their start. Spain. ranked 2 moving down to 5. had been reminded that it’s not how you start but how you finish—citing Spain in 2010 after a tournament-opening loss. and Argentina in 2022. But Spain’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde was described as humiliating and hugely disappointing for the Euro 2024 champions. The question wasn’t only the result. but what comes after it: whether they rely too heavily on Lamine Yamal. the unfit 18-year-old who can’t do it all himself.
Brazil’s opening match didn’t set the tone either. Carlo Ancelotti made two changes at half-time, showing they weren’t fine-tuned yet. Those changes came at full-back and in midfield—two areas flagged as concern in their 1-1 draw against Morocco. Even so. Vinicius Jr’s emphatic finish was a silver lining. and Brazil still have a route to top Group C with games against Haiti and Scotland to follow.
The Netherlands’ day offered a reminder that control isn’t the same as control for 90 minutes. They were ranked 8 moving from 8 after a decent showing against Japan: physicality. strength from attacking set pieces. and occasional brilliance from forward players. But depth looked like a problem as levels noticeably dropped after five substitutions. Ronald Koeman threw on an extra defender for the last 10 minutes. and it didn’t hold—Japan scored a late equaliser.
Portugal’s ranking reflected the weight of one name and the comfort of structure behind it. Portugal were ranked 5 moving from 5. Cristiano Ronaldo. in theory. should have been suspended for the first two games. but his magical reprieve meant he will almost certainly start. The bigger question was whether he would finally make a mark at a World Cup having never scored a knockout goal before. With Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, Portugal were described as having the tournament’s best midfield.
Morocco’s draw in their opening match worked like proof of character. Morocco were ranked 7, unchanged from 7, after their draw with Brazil. With their semi-final run at Qatar 2022 in mind, the result kept them framed as heavyweights. Their new talent also mattered: 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi. committed to Morocco after appearing for the French under-21s. had a standout midfield game. demanding the ball and controlling the tempo.
Colombia’s momentum was written in cautious hopes. Colombia were ranked 14. down from 14. following a start where their tournament was carried by talisman James Rodriguez—described as likely being his last World Cup. Jhon Arias and Richard Rios were flagged as key players. and Luis Diaz was positioned as a potential standout: someone who could be one of the tournament’s best. arriving from Bayern Munich’s prolific one-third of the most productive attack in Europe.
Croatia, meanwhile, were positioned as fit enough to matter. Croatia were ranked 11. unchanged. and it was acknowledged that they could have slipped earlier due to injury concerns around key players. The report now leans on the idea that both Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol appear fit and ready. The experienced core is supplemented by promising youngsters. and their opener against England should give a clear picture of the kind of tournament the 2018 finalists can expect.
From there, the rankings spread into the rest of day six’s winners and the teams that failed to cash in.
Mexico opened brightly with an accomplished, drama-free win over South Africa. Mexico were ranked 13, up from 13, after Julian Quinones scored early and Raul Jimenez scored a second-half emotional, heart-rending goal. With Edson Alvarez—left out as he builds up fitness—and Gilberto Mora highlighted as possible next threats. Mexico were seen as set to feel home advantage more than most thanks to the passionate Azteca crowd.
South Korea’s wobble didn’t become a collapse. They were ranked 22. up from 22. after going 1-0 down against the Czech Republic in the second half and relying on goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu for excellent saves. Their comeback victory meant they were described as already having one foot in the knockout stage. Son Heung-min was mentioned as the missing final ingredient if his shooting boots were on.
Uruguay’s day came as a mixed bag. Uruguay were ranked 16. down from 16. dreadful in the first half and barely offering a threat with Darwin Nunez ineffective and subbed off at half-time. After the break, they came back and deserved a late equaliser from Maxi Araujo. They took 27 shots. but the record—only six goals in their past eight matches—kept the goalscoring problem on the table.
Senegal didn’t fall far even after losing to France. with Senegal described as harsh to drop out of the top 15. Senegal were ranked 15, down from 15. Coming into the tournament after winning AFCON “(sort of)” earlier this year. Senegal’s first-half performance was highlighted. including substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s late goal that was quickly overshadowed by Mbappé.
Egypt’s frustration stayed open. Egypt were ranked 29, down from 29, still searching for their first World Cup victory 92 years after their first appearance. They looked set to end the drought after Emam Ashour’s thunderous strike gave them the lead against Belgium. but a poor second half forced them to settle for a point. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were described as sprightly, and Egypt’s next game is New Zealand on Monday.
The United States’ opening win carried a shock to expectations. United States were ranked 17, unchanged from 17, after a stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Folarin Balogun scored twice, including a curled finish into the top corner on his weaker left foot. Gio Reyna was also highlighted for a beautiful trivela strike in second-half stoppage time. Christian Pulisic was taken off at half-time over a potential calf problem; both he and manager Mauricio Pochettino suggested it was precautionary.
Belgium’s opener didn’t erase doubts. Belgium were ranked 9, down from 9, after their 1-1 draw with Egypt left the same picture: a squad considered one-paced and lacking match-winning stars. Jeremy Doku tried his best, but Belgium looked pretty ordinary in the hunt for momentum.
Ivory Coast’s dream start kept them moving up. Ivory Coast were ranked 33, up from 33, after Manchester United’s Amad Diallo scored a late winner against Ecuador. They haven’t progressed from the group stage of a World Cup before. and now they were described as having a 95 per cent chance of reaching the knockout stage. needing to beat Curacao to guarantee progression to the last-32.
Japan’s draw by itself didn’t tell the full story, but injuries did. Japan were ranked 18, down from 18, after an underperformance against the Netherlands while still claiming a notable result. Their past year included beating Brazil and England. Injuries to Kaoru Mitoma. Takumi Minamino and Wataru Endo reduced their chances. but the expectation was that a convincing victory against Tunisia would help their tournament get going.
Sweden’s answer was simple: scoring. Sweden were ranked 38, up from 38, after their clinical 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. It was a sharp turnaround given Sweden lost twice to Kosovo during qualification. The front two of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were credited with making the team work together under Graham Potter. and Sweden were framed as a possible dark horse.
Norway stayed in the goal business. Norway were ranked 31, unchanged from 31, after Erling Haaland scored twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq. From set pieces, Norway looked giant, with Leo Ostigard nodding their third goal from a Martin Odegaard corner. Games against higher-ranked Senegal and France were framed as tests of how high their ceiling can reach.
Australia’s pragmatism paid off. Australia were ranked 27, up from 27, with a 2-0 win over Turkey even though they managed only 28 per cent possession. The report leaned on Tony Popovic’s work in making them hard to break down. plus a sense they could exceed expectations. The opening goal came from 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda.
Switzerland’s disappointment lingered in the details. Switzerland were ranked 19. unchanged from 19. after dominating Qatar. accumulating 68 per cent possession and an xG of 3.2. then conceding a late equaliser. Group B remained wide open after Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also drew 1-1. Qatar was still seen as the best opportunity for three points. and Switzerland’s inability to win as heavy favourites risked looking worse if Qatar were beaten in their other fixtures.
Ecuador’s unbeaten run ended in a way that stung. Ecuador were ranked 24. unchanged from 24. after a 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in Philadelphia ended an unbeaten run of 19 matches and almost two years. They hit the woodwork three times. Their next hope was described as needing a draw against Germany to get out of the group.
Austria’s confidence came with a first win. Austria were ranked 25, up from 25, after a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Jordan. Their first World Cup since 1998 came with experience in European club football. Romano Schmid’s opener stood out, and Marko Arnautovic, 37, scored a penalty with sharpness. Austria were expected to battle Algeria for second place in Group J.
Algeria’s ranking shift was small, but the job for them was bigger than the number. Algeria were ranked 28, down from 28, described as not much of a crime to succumb to Argentina and Messi. The ranking places Algeria below Austria, who sit above them in Group J. It was also reported that head coach Vladimir Petkovic has faith in the new guard. starting 24-year-old Anis Hadj Moussa over older Riyad Mahrez in their opener. Algeria’s games against Jordan and Austria were described as far more winnable.
Ghana’s churn moved the pressure onto a new beginning. Ghana were ranked 73, down from 73, after sacking manager Otto Addo in March. Mohamed Kudus’ absence was flagged as a blow. Antoine Semenyo was positioned as carrying attacking hopes. and the new coach. Carlos Queiroz. was noted as needing time to get the team pointing in the right direction.
Canada’s home crowd didn’t get the performance they wanted. Canada were ranked 30. unchanged from 30. but they were disappointing at home in Toronto on Friday despite targeting a first World Cup win against Qatar. Jonathan David was ineffective before being substituted by head coach Jesse Marsch just after the hour mark. Cyle Larin. Ontario-born and expected to make an impact after ending the club season strongly with Southampton in the English Championship. saved the moment with a deflected shot to secure a 1-1 draw.
Turkey’s shock lingered from the start. Turkey were ranked 23, unchanged from 23, after losing to Australia in their opening game. If they progress from Group D. the report suggests it would likely be third place unless they trouble the United States. setting up a tougher knockout draw. Turkey’s quality was acknowledged in their nice moments. including 72 per cent possession. but their end product was the key worry. tied to Baris Alper Yilmaz and Arda Guler.
Scotland made a statement in Group C. Scotland were ranked 41, up from 41, now leading Group C after beating Haiti. The group includes two top-10 ranked FIFA teams—Brazil and Morocco—after Scotland’s 1-0 win moved them toward progression. John McGinn scored their first World Cup goal since 1998.
Iran’s disappointment sat between experience and build-up. Iran were ranked 20. unchanged from 20. after a 2-2 draw against New Zealand following an “unfathomably difficult build-up.” The report called it a disappointment despite twice coming from behind. leaving Iran needing a result against either Belgium or Egypt (or both) to progress.
Saudi Arabia’s plan earned respect. Saudi Arabia were ranked 60. unchanged from 60. with an organised. well-coached start that almost produced a big shock at their second successive World Cup. Beating Argentina in 2022 was part of the context. A point against Uruguay. despite taking the lead. was described as a great result. and victory against Cape Verde in their final match almost certainly gets them out of the group. Before that, the report asks whether they can trouble Spain.
Panama’s draw didn’t come with a kinder draw. Panama were ranked 34, unchanged from 34, with England, Ghana and Croatia in their group. The report frames it as not helping their prospects. while a kinder draw might have offered a better chance to reach the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.
Paraguay’s return after 16 years was brutal. Paraguay were ranked 40, unchanged from 40, and their opening match against the U.S. was described as a disappointing return to the World Cup after a 16-year wait. Paraguay were played off the park. lacking the organisation and structure that propelled them to a sixth-placed finish in South American qualifying. where they ended level on points with Brazil and beat reigning continental and world champions Argentina. Playing against hosts is never easy, but now their chances of qualification for the knockout stages are in peril.
New Zealand’s draw kept their belief alive. New Zealand were ranked 85, unchanged from 85, after an impressive 2-2 draw against Iran in their opening match. Elijah Just scored twice, both expertly set up by Chris Wood, extending their unbeaten World Cup run to four matches. They drew all three games in their last appearance in 2010.
Qatar’s moment came late, then mattered more. Qatar were ranked 56, up from 56, after a draw against Switzerland shifted them up the rankings. It was also described as the result of Swiss complacency as much as Qatar’s courage. The report points out Qatar showed more in their first game than they did during their three as hosts in 2022. when they conceded seven goals and scored just once.
Bosnia and Herzegovina returned with a fight. Bosnia and Herzegovina were ranked 64, unchanged from 64, after their 1-1 draw against Canada. Edin Dzeko didn’t play due to a shoulder injury that has sidelined him since the March internationals. The report refers to him as the “Bosnian diamond” whose star striker return would significantly boost their chances of progression.
Czech Republic’s opener left the pathway open. Czech Republic were ranked 43. unchanged from 43. after losing their opening match against South Korea but creating stronger Group A prospects than might have been expected due to South Africa’s ineptitude. Captain Ladislav Krejci’s header from Vladimir Coufal’s long throw gave them a brief lead against the Koreans. The report notes late chances they spurned. With the next match against South Africa on Thursday. the report suggests they might be able to sneak through in third place.
Cape Verde kept Spain honest. Cape Verde were ranked 67, unchanged from 67. Holding 2010 winners and reigning European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw is described as Cape Verde’s equivalent of winning the World Cup. The report highlights their gutsy. organised display of 100 per cent wholehearted commitment. backed by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. who used to play in the Angolan league. It was an extraordinary result, and they fully merited it. A point against Uruguay or Saudi Arabia in Group H would have been a glorious achievement.
Uzbekistan’s momentum came with a first appearance in sight. Uzbekistan were ranked 50, unchanged from 50, after their March friendly FIFA Series tournament win against Gabon and Venezuela. With their country’s first World Cup appearance ahead. their prospects of escaping Group K—containing Portugal. Colombia and DR Congo—rest on striker and captain Eldor Shomurodov continuing his excellent club form with Istanbul Basaksehir. where he shared the Turkish Super Lig golden boot with 22 goals. the most prolific season of his career. In a warm-up against the Netherlands, they only lost to a 98th-minute goal.
Tunisia’s coaching shock followed a crushing start. Tunisia were ranked 45. unchanged from 45. after not conceding a single goal in their 10 qualifiers but being trounced 5-1 by Sweden in their opening match. The report says it was expected to be their least difficult game in Group F. Head coach Sabri Lamouchi made a raft of changes since taking over in January. including casting aside several experienced players. and it didn’t pay off. Lamouchi has been sacked, with ex-Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard parachuted in as his replacement.
South Africa’s Group J problems aren’t just tactical—they’re also discipline. South Africa were ranked 61, unchanged from 61. Two red cards really did not help. and they were comfortably second-best with 11 men against Mexico in the opening game of the tournament. Coach Hugo Broos’ decision to deploy a new five-at-the-back formation didn’t pay off. South Africa were occasionally calamitous at playing it out from the back and never looked like scoring. The report asks whether they can fix that with two suspended players against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
Jordan’s debut came with a goal and a lesson. Jordan were ranked 63, unchanged from 63, after losing 3-1 to Austria but still scoring their first World Cup goal. Manager Jamal Sellami told his staff to calm down after their goal and to act like they’ve been here before. But they haven’t, so every game is a learning curve. Jordan will need points in Group J to move up the rankings.
Curacao’s effort against Germany became one of the tournament’s best moments. Curacao were ranked 82, unchanged from 82. Livano Comenencia fired the smallest World Cup nation ever level for 17 minutes against four-time winners Germany. and the report notes he wouldn’t have had that moment if not for a hydration break. Curacao managed eight shots and didn’t embarrass themselves. Their performance came with a chance for shock moments against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
DR Congo’s path is slim, but it exists. DR Congo were ranked 46, unchanged from 46, described as having half a sniff of progressing. They’re in a group with first-timers Uzbekistan; beat them in the final group game and they might go through as one of the best third-place teams.
Iraq’s physical start nearly lasted. Iraq were ranked 57, unchanged from 57, imposing themselves physically against Norway in the first half. Aymen Hussein scored a towering header. but a sloppy backpass and slow reaction from goalkeeper Jalal Hassan gifted Haaland his second goal and restored Norway’s lead before half-time. Confidence was depleted with Norway’s third and fourth goals. Iraq’s report frames the best expectation as earning a point in Group I. with remaining games against France and Senegal.
Haiti ended the day still chasing their best chance. Haiti were ranked 83, unchanged from 83. Their best shot for a result in Group C was likely against Scotland, with their other opponents Morocco and Brazil. As the lowest-ranking team. they produced a spirited performance that was more encouraging than the manner in which other teams lost. But succumbing 1-0 does not justify a move up in the rankings. and Haiti still need to keep a competitive spirit in tough remaining group games.
The through-line across day six was simple enough to feel: rankings moved when teams didn’t just look good on paper. but survived the night with goals people could point to—Mbappé’s denied penalty turning into a long-range second. Haaland’s double carrying Norway forward. and Messi’s hat-trick—while others paid for first-half stalls. depth issues. injuries. and the kind of moments that flip a tournament from “potential” to “problem.”.
World Cup day six rankings France Senegal 3-1 Argentina hat-trick Messi Kylian Mbappe Erling Haaland Lionel Messi England Croatia Norway Iraq Austria Jordan World Cup contenders