Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup power rankings have tightened after the last-16 stage, with France still leading the field while England surged after a gritty win at the Azteca Stadium.

With the quarterfinals now set, France, Spain and Argentina remain the top three, but England’s rise to fourth has changed the mood around the tournament.

The next stage now brings more pressure, with the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals set as eight nations chase a place in the semi-finals.

France, Spain And Argentina Hold Firm

France stayed top after surviving a bruising meeting with Paraguay, whose low block and physical approach tested Didier Deschamps’ side. Rayan Cherki summed up the mood when he said: “To anyone who wants to go to war with us, this is what you should expect.”

Spain kept second place after another clean sheet, making it five matches without conceding. Mikel Merino came off the bench to decide the match against Portugal, showing the depth Luis de la Fuente has at his disposal.

Argentina remain third after escaping trouble against Egypt. Lionel Messi missed a penalty, then helped spark three goals in 13 minutes as Lionel Scaloni’s side fought back with the calm of defending champions.

England And Norway Make Their Move

England climbed four spots after beating Mexico in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane took the headlines, while Jordan Pickford’s saves and Dan Burn’s late blocks helped protect the result with 10 men.

Norway rose after beating Brazil, with Ørjan Nyland saving Bruno Guimarães’s penalty and Erling Haaland punishing loose defending at the other end.

Belgium also jumped after a 4-1 win over the United States, helped by Charles De Ketelaere’s double and Rudi Garcia’s bold selection calls.

Full fixtures and official tournament updates are available through the FIFA World Cup site.