Di first week of 2026 FIFA World Cup don show say superstars dey shine, with Lionel Messi tying di men’s World Cup goals record by scoring im first hat trick for dis competition, Erling Haaland scoring two times for im tournament debut, and Kylian Mbappé adding two of im own to become France all-time leading men’s scorer. Small nations dey make impact too, as Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 for dia first win since 1990, and tiny Cape Verde hold powerhouse Spain to 0-0 draw.
Our panel of 20 reporters rank dia top 15 favourites, and France take number one spot with 13 of 20 first-place votes. Les Bleus beat Senegal 2-0, with Mbappé scoring two goals to become France all-time top scorer. England move up to number two after beating Croatia 4-2, with Harry Kane scoring two goals. Argentina drop to number three despite Messi scoring three goals against Algeria, tying Klose record for most goals.
Spain drop to number four after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde. Germany rise to number five after beating Curacao 7-1. Brazil drop to number six after drawing 1-1 with Morocco. Morocco stay at number seven after drawing Brazil. Netherlands drop to number eight after drawing 2-2 with Japan. USMNT enter ranking at number nine after beating Paraguay 4-1. Portugal drop to number ten after drawing 1-1 with DR Congo.
Norway enter at number 11 after beating Iraq 4-1. Colombia enter at number 12 after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. Japan stay at number 13 after drawing Netherlands. Belgium drop to number 14 after drawing 1-1 with Egypt. Mexico enter at number 15 after beating South Africa 2-0.
Voting conclude before Thursday games, so second round results go reflect for next Power Rankings. Di tournament don show plenty excitement, and e go be interesting to see how teams adjust as group stage continue.
