World Cup teams ranked from best to worst

Every team has now played in Qatar, but some have been far more disappointing than others. Here’s every team ranked.

Lionel Messi of Argentina shows dejection during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia

All 32 teams have played one game each at the World Cup in Qatar, with some starting better than others.

Here’s every team ranked from worst to best.

32. Iran

Destroyed 6-2 by England, Iran was the most disappointing team from the opening games. The Asian team now faces Wales, with a loss ending its World Cup campaign.

31. Qatar

Qatar became the first host nation to lose the opening game of the tournament when defeated 2-0 by Ecuador. They managed zero shots on target. Lose to Senegal and it’s all over.

30. Costa Rica

Poor Costa Rica were torn apart by Spain 7-0. Spain looked incredible, so it’s hard to be too harsh on Costa Rica but they did go 90 minutes without a single shot on goal.

29. Argentina

Humbled by Saudi Arabia, it was a nightmare start for one of the favourites of the tournament. They looked in control after a Lionel Messi penalty, but once the Saudis got ahead one of the World Cup heavyweights couldn’t find an answer.

28. Australia

The Socceroos started well against France, but once the world champions got ahead there was no way back. Two second goals killed off the game in the 4-1 loss.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring their team's first goal.

27. Germany

Unlucky to lose to Japan, Germany now has to get a result against a deadly Spain team or the World Cup dream is over.

26. Cameroon

Cameroon has now lost its past eight games at the World Cup, and still needs to play Brazil. Needs a win against the Swiss or it’s goodbye.

25. Senegal

Sunk by two late goals against the Netherlands, but still have Ecuador and Qatar to come.

24. Serbia

Outplayed naturally by Brazil, but a win against Cameroon can get this team’s campaign back on track. 2-0 loss to Brazil isn’t a disaster.

23. Ghana

Showed some late fight against Portugal, and will think they can still defeat Korea and Uruguay.

22. Croatia

The 2018 finalists will be disappointed with the Morocco draw, but now face Canada.

21. Canada

First World Cup since 1986, and they could have got a point against Belgium but missed a late penalty.

20. Uruguay

Disappointing against Korea, and now have to face Portugal. Second favourites in this group, but will have to do it the hard way now.

19. Morocco

Good effort to hold Croatia to a draw.

18. Poland

Would be disappointed with the draw against Mexico, and now have to beat Saudi Arabia.

17. Mexico

Played well in nil-all with Poland, but now face a desperate Argentina.

16. Denmark

Surprised by Tunisia, they now face France. An upset against the world champions isn’t too far-fetched.

15. Wales

Needed a late penalty from Gareth Bale to rescue a point against the US, but their second half was a lot better. Need to beat Iran before a huge match with rivals England.

Brazil's forward Neymar gestures after being fouled during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Brazil and Serbia.

14. United States

Looked good in the draw with Wales. Face England next but then have Iran in the final game, so can still progress.

13. Korea Republic

Good result to hold a disappointingUruguay to a draw. If they can beat Ghana next, they’ll be in a good position.

12. Tunisia

Held Denmark to a draw, and now face an Aussie team that lost 4-1. Huge fan support in Qatar is helping drive this team.

11. Ecuador

Three points against Qatar, and now in a good position in group A to progress.

10. Switzerland

Always the quiet achievers at World Cups, the Swiss started with a win. They face Brazil next but are still in a good position.

9. Belgium

Far from impressive against Canada, but got the win.

8. Saudi Arabia

No one gave them a chance against Argentina, but the Falcons are now in the box seat in their group. A win against Poland and they’re through.

7. Japan

Two late goals gave them an upset win against Germany. If they can beat Costa Rica next up, they’ll be all but through to the next round.

6. Netherlands

Far from convincing in the 2-0 win against Senegal, but the Netherlands now only have to face Ecuador and Qatar.

5. Portugal

Survived a late scare against Ghana to win 3-2, with Ronaldo breaking the record to become the first man to score at five World Cups. Portugal will feel confident of topping the group with Uruguay and Korea Republic to come.

4. France

Injuries have hit the France team, with Karim Benzema ruled out of the tournament and Lucas Hernandez out with an ACL injury from the Socceroos game, but the world champions look strong. How they fare against Denmark should provide more of an idea of where they’re at.

3. Brazil

Brushed aside Serbia, with two second half goals. It was far from a perfect start for the favourites, but how easily they won will have other teams worried already.

2. England

Demolished Iran and is now in control of its group. A win against the United States and the Three Lions are through to the next round. It’s scary how much depth this squad has.

1. Spain

A joy to watch against Costa Rica in a 7-0 win orchestrated by Pedri and Gavi in midfield. They play Germany next and a win would knock the 2014 champions out.