France are the new No. 1 in ESPN FC’s World Cup Power Rankings after the first round of group-stage games, and their rise comes after a statement opening win over Senegal. England also climbed sharply after a convincing victory over Croatia, while Spain slipped following an unexpectedly flat draw with Cape Verde.
The first week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced the kind of swing voters were waiting for. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé all delivered, but the rankings were shaped just as much by teams that looked less certain than expected and by smaller nations that forced bigger opponents to work.
France take the top spot
France moved up to No. 1 with 13 of 20 first-place votes, and the result reflected more than just the scoreline. After a slow first half, Mbappé scored twice in the second period, including a long-range strike in injury time, and became France’s all-time leading men’s scorer.
ESPN noted that France limited Senegal to just 0.10 xG over 90 minutes, while Michael Olise added an assist and created four chances. The team still faces tougher tests, including a June 26 meeting with Norway and Haaland that could decide the group.
England’s attack turns heads
England made the biggest jump near the top, rising to No. 2 after defeating Croatia 4-2. Thomas Tuchel’s side collected three first-place votes, and the performance eased concerns about several notable squad omissions before the tournament.
Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham added the go-ahead goal, and Marcus Rashford finished late after a strong attacking move. Croatia twice fought back in the first half, but England’s willingness to play forward quickly changed the tone around their campaign.
Spain slide, Germany and Morocco rise
Spain fell to No. 4 after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde, a result that clearly cooled confidence in La Roja. Lamine Yamal made a lively 19-minute cameo, but the ranking reaction also reflected Spain’s history of slow starts at the World Cup.
Germany climbed to No. 5 after beating Curaçao 7-1, while Morocco moved up to No. 7 after holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw. Brazil dropped to No. 6, though their result against Morocco was viewed more as a tough opening assignment than a major setback.
Where the rest of the top 15 stands
Argentina stayed at No. 3 after Messi’s hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria, a performance that also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 men’s World Cup goals. The Netherlands held at No. 8, the USA entered at No. 9, and Portugal slipped to No. 10.
Norway remained at No. 11, followed by Colombia at No. 12 and Japan at No. 13. Belgium fell to No. 14, while Mexico joined the rankings at No. 15 after the first set of ballots.
| Rank | Team | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | up 1 |
| 2 | England | up 2 |
| 3 | Argentina | no change |
| 4 | Spain | down 3 |
| 5 | Germany | up 2 |
| 6 | Brazil | down 1 |
| 7 | Morocco | up 2 |
| 8 | Netherlands | no change |
| 9 | USA | NEW |
| 10 | Portugal | down 4 |
| 11 | Norway | no change |
| 12 | Colombia | up 1 |
| 13 | Japan | down 1 |
| 14 | Belgium | down 3 |
| 15 | Mexico | NEW |
The ballot closed before Thursday’s matches involving Mexico, South Korea, Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czechia and South Africa. ESPN FC said those second-round performances will be reflected in the next Power Rankings after that round is completed on Tuesday.