Argentina began their World Cup title defence with an emphatic win, but are not the standout team of the tournament so far, according to Vivid Voice News Sport’s panel of experts.
A group of Vivid Voice News journalists, who have between them watched every team’s opening match, have ranked all 48 sides at the tournament based on their first performance.
The rankings assess form, quality of opposition, tactical execution and overall impression from the opening round of fixtures.
Readers have been invited to share their views on the selections.
Top 10 teams after opening matches
1. France
Group I – Beat Senegal 3-1
France lived up to pre-tournament expectations with a dominant second-half performance. Strong in every department, they remain clear favourites.
2. England
Group L – Beat Croatia 4-2
England scored four in a commanding attacking display led by Harry Kane, though defensive concerns remain.
3. Argentina
Group G – Beat Algeria 3-0
A convincing start to their title defence, with Lionel Messi’s influence once again central to their performance.
4. Germany
Group E – Beat Curacao 7-1
A ruthless attacking display, with seven goals underlining their intent regardless of opposition quality.
5. USA
Group D – Beat Paraguay 4-1
One of the standout surprises of the opening round, combining sharp attacking play with strong home support.
6. Norway
Group I – Beat Iraq 4-1
Erling Haaland-led Norway impressed with a system built around their key striker.
7. Colombia
Group K – Beat Uzbekistan 3-1
Pace, power and creativity led by Luis Díaz made Colombia a constant threat.
8. Morocco
Group C – Drew 1-1 with Brazil
Started brightly and matched Brazil for large spells, though they faded slightly in the second half.
9. Brazil
Group C – Drew 1-1 with Morocco
Unconvincing at times but showed resilience to avoid defeat.
10. Sweden
Group F – Beat Tunisia 5-1
Clinical and dangerous in attack, with multiple threats across the pitch.
11–20
11. Australia – Beat Turkey 2-0
Impressive tactical discipline against stronger opposition.
12. Spain – Drew 0-0 with Cape Verde
Wasteful but dominant in chances created.
13. Netherlands – Drew 2-2 with Japan
Strong going forward but defensively vulnerable.
14. Mexico – Beat South Africa 2-0
Comfortable win with control throughout.
15. Japan – Drew 2-2 with Netherlands
Resilient comeback display, though lacking attacking edge.
16. Scotland – Beat Haiti 1-0
Hard-fought but uninspiring victory.
17. Cape Verde – Drew 0-0 with Spain
One of the surprise packages with a disciplined defensive display.
18. Belgium – Drew 1-1 with Egypt
Created chances but needed an own goal to salvage a draw.
19. Egypt – Drew 1-1 with Belgium
Organised and competitive against strong opposition.
20. Senegal – Lost 3-1 to France
Competitive for long spells but ultimately outclassed.
21–30
21. Portugal – Drew 1-1 with DR Congo
Talented but lacking balance and cohesion.
22. Croatia – Lost 4-2 to England
Defensively exposed despite scoring twice.
23. DR Congo – Drew 1-1 with Portugal
Strong defensive structure and dangerous counter-attacks.
24. Switzerland – Drew 1-1 with Qatar
Wasteful despite creating enough chances to win.
25. New Zealand – Drew 2-2 with Iran
Energetic and brave performance.
26. Iran – Drew 2-2 with New Zealand
Flawed defensively despite attacking moments.
27. Saudi Arabia – Drew 1-1 with Uruguay
Disciplined and increasingly competitive.
28. Haiti – Lost 1-0 to Scotland
Physical and competitive but lacked cutting edge.
29. South Korea – Beat Czech Republic 2-1
Efficient and clinical when it mattered.
30. Uruguay – Drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia
Dominated chances but lacked finishing quality.
31–40
31. Turkey – Lost 2-0 to Australia
Disappointing despite high possession.
32. Austria – Beat Jordan 3-1
Unconvincing despite winning.
33. Ivory Coast – Beat Ecuador 1-0
Hard-working but needed improvement in attack.
34. Ghana – Beat Panama 1-0
Late winner saved a poor performance.
35. Algeria – Lost 3-0 to Argentina
Overwhelmed by superior opposition.
36. Jordan – Lost 3-1 to Austria
Limited threat going forward.
37. Bosnia-Herzegovina – Drew 1-1 with Canada
Let victory slip late on.
38. Canada – Drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina
Relied on a deflected equaliser.
39. Iraq – Lost 4-1 to Norway
Unable to contain Erling Haaland.
40. Ecuador – Lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast
Below expectations despite flashes of quality.
41–48
41. Czech Republic – Lost 2-1 to South Korea
Slow and lacked urgency.
42. Uzbekistan – Lost 3-1 to Colombia
Hard-working but outclassed.
43. South Africa – Lost 2-0 to Mexico
Struggled badly in all phases.
44. Qatar – Drew 1-1 with Switzerland
Fortunate to escape with a point.
45. Paraguay – Lost 4-1 to USA
Defensively poor and overwhelmed.
46. Tunisia – Lost 5-1 to Sweden
Comprehensively beaten.
47. Panama – Lost 1-0 to Ghana
Late defeat in a low-quality match.
48. Curacao – Lost 7-1 to Germany
Outclassed but scored a historic debut goal.
Have your say
Do you agree with Vivid Voice News Sport’s rankings after the opening round of fixtures?
