Daily Archives: June 27, 2026

Are favourites France getting stronger still? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 16

France have scored 10 goals in their three World Cup group matches and now play Sweden in the round of 32
“That’s a wrap on day 16. World Cup favourites France and the brilliant Ousmane Dembele didn’t take it easy on Norway, claiming their third victory of the group phase and setting up a round-of-32 meeting with Sweden on Tuesday. Will Norway’s rested starters from that match, including Erling Haaland, be raring to go against Ivory Coast a few hours earlier? Cape Verde made history as the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup knockout stages, where Lionel Messi and Argentina await. They couldn’t… could they? And there was a thrilling finale to Group G on Friday — including an unusual decisive offside call late in Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt — where Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to finish top. So, how does all this shake up our rankings? …”
NYT/ATH

Why is a 0-0 draw our pick of the tournament? Ranking every match at the 2026 World Cup

Cape Verde became the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup knockout stages
“Do you have a favourite match of the World Cup? Could you order all of them? Well, that’s what we’re trying to do. The Athletic is ranking every game, from worst to best. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments. … 63. Group L, England 0-0 Ghana A first half of ponderous football that yielded no shots on target, followed by a slightly better 25 minutes after the break, interrupted by four hydration breaks. We at least had an eventful final period where England hit the post and Harry Kane blazed a good chance over, while Jordan Pickford and Ezri Konsa somehow got away with bad tackles. In a tournament of goals, Ghana’s excellent defensive organisation has stood out. …”
NYT/ATH