From one to 16 – ranking every team left in the World Cup

Sixteen teams remain in the World Cup, each with a story to tell. Some have dazzled, others scraped through, and a few still harbour ambitions of lifting the trophy. BBC Sport’s ranking of the last 16 offers a snapshot of who has impressed, who has ridden their luck, and who might yet spring a surprise. The debate over who deserves to be where is already fierce. The knockout stages begin with fixtures such as France vs Mexico and Argentina vs Switzerland, where the margins between progress and elimination will be razor-thin.

Who has looked the best so far?

France top the list, and it’s not hard to see why. They have looked unstoppable, with Kylian Mbappé leading an attack that has struck fear into every defence. Their opponents have struggled to contain their relentless pace and precision, a combination of rapid transitions and clinical finishing that has overwhelmed teams like Croatia in the group stage (4-2 on 24 November). Spain, meanwhile, have quietly gathered momentum. After a nervy 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener on 23 November, they have steadily improved, biding their time before stepping up a gear. Argentina, despite a scare against Cape Verde, remain a force to be reckoned with. Lionel Messi’s influence is undeniable, and his team have shown resilience when it mattered most, coming from behind to win 3-2 in the last 32 on 30 November.

Brazil have silenced their critics. Carlo Ancelotti has moulded them into a side capable of going all the way, with Vinícius Júnior at the heart of their attacks. Their 3-0 victory over Serbia on 28 November showcased their tactical flexibility, switching between a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 to exploit spaces. Morocco, semi-finalists four years ago, have the pedigree to go deep again, while Colombia have been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament so far. Their blend of pace and flair, with Luis Díaz glinting in attack, makes them a handful for any opponent. Their 2-1 win over Paraguay on 28 November highlighted their ability to break down deep defences with quick, incisive passing.

Who has overachieved—and who has underwhelmed?

Norway’s position in the rankings might raise eyebrows, but their progress has been built on solid foundations rather than spectacle. Erling Haaland’s presence ensures they are always a threat, even if their style isn’t as eye-catching as others. The United States, co-hosts riding a wave of football fever, have shown organisation but lack the cutting edge to trouble the very best. Portugal, meanwhile, have yet to fully ignite, though their squad still possesses the quality to change a game. Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Bernardo Silva’s movement offer potential, but they have lacked cohesion in their 2-0 win over Ghana on 24 November.

Switzerland will celebrate their first knockout win at a World Cup since 1938—a 1-0 victory over Italy on 3 December—after a 38-year wait. Their tournament has been smooth so far, but Colombia will be a huge test. Egypt, however, will need Mohamed Salah to deliver if they are to progress further. Their 2-1 defeat to Uruguay on 29 November exposed their defensive frailties. Belgium’s survival has been a rollercoaster, coming from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 on 30 November, but their performances have lacked the authority expected of a side with such talent. England, after a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia in their opener on 24 November, have struggled to replicate that intensity. They have done the job so far, but improvement will be essential if they are to go deeper.

What comes next—and who could still cause an upset?

The draw has thrown up intriguing ties. Mexico, explosive in attack and resolute at the back, could test England’s resolve in a potential Round of 16 clash. Colombia’s dynamism will be a stern examination for Switzerland, while Argentina’s route to the final could be paved with challenges, including a potential quarter-final against Brazil. France, as the team to beat, will face sterner tests as the tournament intensifies, with their quarter-final against Morocco looming.

The knockout stages demand consistency, and not every team left in the competition has shown it yet. Some have relied on moments of individual brilliance, others on collective resilience. The margins are finer now, and one mistake could end a campaign. For the teams that have impressed, the challenge is to maintain their form. For those who have scraped through, the focus shifts to survival—and perhaps a late surge of inspiration.

One thing is certain: the World Cup is never short of drama, and the last 16 stage is where legends are made—or undone. The next round will separate the pretenders from the contenders, and only the very best will advance.