The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now entering its quarter-final stage after another thrilling round of knockout fixtures that saw eight more nations crash out of the tournament, including a couple of traditional powerhouses.

Brazil fell victim to Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring form, bringing an end to Carlo Ancelotti’s dream of adding a sixth star to the Selecao shirt as Norway pulled off a monumental upset. Alongside them, Portugal also bowed out, joining all three host nations on the sidelines. The United States followed Canada and Mexico out of the competition, in the midst of controversy after Fifa controversially lifted Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension.

At the other end of the spectrum, England delivered one of their greatest World Cup performances ever, knocking Mexico out at altitude and becoming only the third team in history to defeat the co-hosts in a competitive match at the iconic Estadio Azteca. France continue to look like the team to beat, though their narrow victory over a rough-playing Paraguay was less convincing. Meanwhile, Argentina and Spain both relied on stoppage-time winners to book their spots in the last eight.

There were initial concerns that a 48-team World Cup might dilute the overall quality, but with just eight contenders remaining, that debate has been firmly put to rest.

Our power rankings consider both current performances and potential at this World Cup, in addition to how each team has fared compared to pre-tournament expectations:

France
Kylian Mbappe’s celebration after France overcame Paraguay’s rough tactics said it all. Didier Deschamps has assembled a formidable, balanced side that has looked almost untouchable thus far. The French netted 10 goals in the group stage, added three more without reply against Sweden in the round of 16, and though their 1-0 victory over Paraguay was less emphatic, their opponents’ questionable tactics offered some explanation. Mbappe’s penalty winner took his all-time World Cup tally to 19 goals — smashing Miroslav Klose’s record twice in this tournament alone. France remain the benchmark for the rest.

Spain
Spain entered the World Cup as pre-tournament favourites but initially struggled to live up to that billing. Their goalless opener against Cape Verde was one of the early shocks of the competition. However, with Lamine Yamal back in the lineup, Spain rediscovered their rhythm, thrashing Saudi Arabia before clinching top spot in Group H with a fiery win over Uruguay. In the knockouts, they have looked increasingly like champions in waiting. After a dominant 3-0 triumph over Austria, Spain edged Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner. It wasn’t their most dazzling display, but eliminating a major rival always adds weight to their credentials.

England
England fans are daring to dream once again. After surviving a scare against DR Congo in the round of 32, the Three Lions stunned co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca — a venue where only two visiting teams had ever previously triumphed in competitive play. England withstood early pressure before Jude Bellingham’s sensational one-minute brace put them ahead. Their resilience was tested as Mexico twice reduced the deficit, and Jarell Quansah’s red card left them with 10 men for much of the second half. Yet, through sheer defensive grit — with Dan Burn outstanding — Thomas Tuchel’s men held firm to secure a famous victory in Mexico City. National pride soared in the early morning hours back home. Next up: Norway.

Argentina
It’s still largely the Lionel Messi show for Argentina, though the defending champions have faced turbulence. After edging Cape Verde in extra time, they scraped past Egypt amid refereeing controversy. Egypt had a goal disallowed for a dubious foul earlier in the buildup, while Mohamed Salah was denied a penalty before Argentina countered and scored a stoppage-time winner. Mostafa Ziko, who had an earlier strike ruled out before scoring later, accused the World Cup of being “fixed.” It was an unconvincing performance from Argentina, whose fortunate escape against a weaker side dents their current standing.

Morocco
The reigning Afcon champions impressed in the group stage, notably outplaying Brazil in their opener but failing to capitalise on chances against Scotland and Haiti, which left them second in Group C. That set up a blockbuster round-of-32 clash with the Netherlands — and what followed was one of the wildest penalty shootouts in World Cup history, featuring five misses out of ten. Morocco prevailed before dispatching hosts Canada with authority, further validating their 2022 semi-final run as no fluke.

Norway
Making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, Norway have quickly made up for lost time. Led by Erling Haaland’s prolific form, they achieved the biggest win in their footballing history, eliminating five-time champions Brazil with a 2-0 victory in New Jersey. Haaland’s brace propelled him into contention for the Golden Boot alongside Messi and Mbappe. Now, they face England in the quarter-finals — and Tuchel will know all too well about Haaland’s knack for punishing English defences.

Belgium
Belgium became global fan favourites after their last-16 clash against hosts USA descended into controversy. Fifa’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban after intervention from US President Donald Trump caused outrage, uniting the football world — except Americans — behind Belgium. Fuelled by that injustice, Rudi Garcia’s side delivered a statement 4-1 win. Their social media post “Overturn this” said it all. Though Belgium’s golden generation has passed, this victory restored pride. Up next, however, is Spain — and that will be a far greater challenge.

Switzerland
Switzerland may rank last among the quarter-finalists, but reaching this stage for the first time in 72 years is a triumph in itself. They edged Colombia on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes, finally breaking their long-standing last-16 curse. Their next challenge is Argentina — and after Egypt’s heartbreak, the neutrals may well be rooting for the Swiss.

Eliminated nations include: Colombia, Egypt, USA, Portugal, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Canada, Ghana, Cape Verde, Australia, Algeria, Croatia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, DR Congo, Ecuador, Sweden, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Czech Republic, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curacao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Panama, Scotland.