From Algeria to Uzbekistan, we have assessed the standing of all 48 nations following the conclusion of the group stage. Kylian Mbappé needed just over an hour to find his rhythm for France, scoring twice against Senegal and benefiting from a talented cast including Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé, who dazzled with a hat-trick against Norway.
Lionel Messi, now 39, continues to lead Argentina with impressive displays. Despite a missed penalty against Austria, his hat-trick versus Algeria helped him become the tournament’s record goalscorer. Meanwhile, Spain recovered from a dismal opening draw with Cape Verde to dominate Saudi Arabia, aided by Lamine Yamal by Lamine Yamal by Lamine Yamal’s emergence, and navigated a tough test against Uruguay.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side found success by deploying Brian Brobbey as a target man, with the striker netting three goals in two starts. Virgil van Dijk praised Brobbey’s ability to pin down defenders. Brazil, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Vinícius Júnior, whose four goals proved vital as his team continues to find its footing. Colombia is similarly reliant on the attacking contributions of Daniel Muñoz and Luis Díaz, with head coach Nestor Lorenzo noting that expectations have shifted from mere qualification to winning the trophy.
The co-hosts, Mexico, have enjoyed a stellar start, winning all three group games without conceding a goal. Head coach Javier Aguirre insists his focus remains entirely on the upcoming knockout rounds. Conversely, England struggled to break down defensive blocks against Ghana and Panama, though the individual quality of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane secured progression. Defensive concerns remain a talking point for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Morocco has impressed as an African champion, using the attacking flair of Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari to secure wins against Scotland and Haiti, setting up a challenging last-16 clash with the Netherlands. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, remains a focal point for Portugal after scoring twice against Uzbekistan, though the team is looking for him to deliver when it matters most.
Germany has appeared fragile at the back, relying on late goals from substitutes like Deniz Undav to stay alive, while Norway continues to progress behind the clinical finishing of Erling Haaland and the creativity of Martin Ødegaard. Belgium’s golden generation, however, has looked disjointed, failing to find consistency despite a heavy win over New Zealand. Japan has proven to be a technical, well-drilled side, while Côte d’Ivoire reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history thanks to a mix of talented wingers.
The US team, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, has high aspirations, with Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic leading the attack. Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi has been a standout performer, helping his team bounce back from a slow start. Other nations, including Croatia, Egypt, and Australia, continue to navigate the knockout brackets with varying degrees of success and tactical adjustments, while the tournament has seen high drama in late-game scenarios, particularly for Austria and South Africa.
