France is ranked as the top team heading into the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a power ranking released by the FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew. Spain is positioned at No. 2, followed by Argentina at No. 3 and England at No. 4.
The panel, which includes Melissa Ortiz, Maurice Edu, Brad Guzan, and Sacha Kljestan, evaluated the eight remaining teams based on their performances throughout the tournament.
France has maintained its status as a tournament favorite, securing the No. 1 spot. The team has won all five of its matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding two. Its most recent outing was a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16. Kljestan noted that France has lived up to expectations as the odds-on favorite and has proven to be the best attacking team while also being the best defensively.
Spain earned the No. 2 position, largely due to its defensive efficiency. The team has not conceded a goal in the tournament thus far and has outscored opponents 9-0. Its most recent result was a 3-0 win against Canada in the round of 16.
Argentina secured the No. 3 spot, with analysts citing their tournament history and management as key factors. Despite winning all five of their matches, their last two victories were close, requiring extra time against Cape Verde and a comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt. "They've made the fans suffer, but they've always come through," Ortiz commented. Guzan added that while Lionel Messi has been pivotal, other players on the roster will need to step up.
England is ranked No. 4. The panel found the separation between England and Argentina to be slight, acknowledging England's championship-caliber play. Kljestan highlighted England's impressive 3-2 win over Mexico in Mexico City, a feat not accomplished in competitive matches at the Azteca since 2013. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a goal and an assist in that match.
Morocco is ranked No. 5. The team advanced to the quarterfinals after a 3-0 victory over Canada. Their most notable performance was a penalty shootout win against the Netherlands in the round of 32, following a 1-1 draw. They are set to face France in the quarterfinals.
Norway occupies the No. 6 position. Erling Haaland scored twice in their round of 16 win against Brazil, marking Norway's first-ever quarterfinal appearance. Haaland has scored in all four of Norway's wins in the tournament.
Belgium is ranked No. 7. After a 4-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16, Belgium has won three consecutive matches. The team had a 1-2-0 record in the group stage but showed resilience with a comeback win against Senegal in the round of 32.
Switzerland rounds out the rankings at No. 8. The team advanced to the quarterfinals via a penalty shootout win against Colombia. Switzerland has a record of 3-2-0 in the tournament.
Looking ahead, the analysts expressed skepticism about the chances of teams ranked outside the top four winning the World Cup. Kljestan believes it will be difficult for lower-ranked teams to win three consecutive matches against elite opponents.