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World Cup 2026 Power Rankings before round of 16: Who's No. 1?
In the blink of an eye, we're down to the final 16 nations left competing for the 2026 World Cup. What do our writers and experts think the field looks like from worst to best of the teams remaining?
Illustration by ESPN
Top Headlines
Cape Verde's incredible World Cup run captured hearts and earned them respect
Sights and sounds
World Cup Daily live: Cape Verde overshadow Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding; Canada face Morocco in R16
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP via Getty Images/Leonardo Fernandez, FIFA
No matter the France result, Paraguay's inspired World Cup has been a success
2026 FIFA World Cup
How Messi, Argentina saved themselves from humiliation of biggest upset in World Cup history
Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images
Messi: World Cup competitiveness is what makes it special
0:32
Gibbs: Cape Verde exposed Argentina's vulnerabilities
0:38
Chaos in Cape Verde as stunning goal shocks Argentina
0:39
Buenos Aires goes wild for Messi's opening goal vs. Cape Verde
0:48
Men's World Cup scoreboard
Transfer Talk
Transfer rumors, news: Premier League clubs on alert over Barcelona and France defender
Getty Images
Reaction to the action
Moreno: 18-year-old Herrington shouldn't have to take a penalty
1:51
Leboeuf 'disappointed' with Ghana's performance vs. Colombia
0:31
Highs and Lows
Can Egypt get the ball to their stars? One big question for every World Cup round-of-16 team
Getty Images
Grades for every team eliminated from the World Cup: Cape Verde get an A
Top Headlines
- Argentina break Cape Verde hearts in extra time
- Messi: Argentina have 'many' things to correct
- Colombia see off Ghana to set up clash with Swiss
- Rodman marks NWSL return with dramatic double
- USA's Balogun on ban: 'Emotional roller coaster'
- Sources: Mexico-England KO unchanged after talks
- 'Recharged' Klopp confirms talks for Germany job
- Ancelotti: Sir Alex only manager more qualified
- ⚾ Pochettino is latest WC star to throw first pitch
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2026 World Cup Golden Boot tracker: Will Messi, Mbappe, or other score most goals?
We're into the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the race for the Golden Boot -- given to the tournament's top goal scorer -- is red-hot.
- Saeed Rahbaran for ESPN, Imagn Images
How Mexico's World Cup run brought a small Oregon town to life
The World Cup melds communities, cultures, homelands and those left behind. In Woodburn, Oregon, soccer is more than just a game.
USMNT at the World Cup
- JL Giles/Marvel Comics
Red, White & Clueless: The untold story of the 1994 U.S. World Cup team
Legends chasing milestones
- (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo goal tracker: Road to 1,000 career goals
With Cristiano Ronaldo on the quest to score 1,000 goals, ESPN provides goal-by-goal analysis of the Portuguese superstar's quest.
- Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026
ESPN provides game-by-game analysis of Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
