This is my first post-World Cup power rankings. I love power rankings and I especially love counter rankings.
FIFA has their own rankings (released on Oct. 7), and I’m sure they spend a lot of time and money and technology on the formula to come up with it. I can’t say I do the same, it’s more of a gut feel. But these are my power rankings, and as I have always said: If you don’t like mine, then get your own.
FIFA rank: 11
2026 World Cup Recap: A lot of expectations this summer were put on the Colombians, who were among the trendy dark-horse contenders to win it all. Luis Diaz, who has shined as an attacker for Liverpool and now Bayern Munich, balanced out a tough defense. Nevertheless, a round of 16 loss to an equally stout Switzerland side ended the dream.
What’s Happened Since: The Colombians had a relatively uneventful window with a win (over Peru), a loss (to Paraguay), and a draw with Mexico (who is ranked No. 10 by FIFA instead) in friendly competition.
Next Opponents: TBD
Alexi’s Take: “FIFA has Mexico at this spot, but I just think that’s ridiculous.”
(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
FIFA rank: 6
2026 World Cup Recap: History was made in 2022 as Morocco became the first African nation to reach a men’s World Cup semifinals. Leaning on talent that grew up playing in leagues across Europe, Morocco has become a machine. The team lost to France in the quarterfinals (having lost to them in the 2022 semis), but its young core and success at youth tournament levels will keep them around.
What’s Happened Since: Morocco cruised to two wins in African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying in September. The drama surrounding the team will off the pitch as a court ruling in whether Morocco or Senegal will ultimately be named AFCON champions following the controversial final in 2025.
Next Opponents: TBD
Alexi’s Take: “After making the 2022 World Cup semifinals, we were interested to see whether they could continue that momentum in 2026. Whether it was just a golden generation, or it was a moment in time and would be a Croatia-esque storyarc. I think Morocco and this generation of players have proved they are here to stay.”
(Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
FIFA rank: 8
2026 World Cup Recap: It initially felt like its Golden Generation players of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois wouldn’t be able to compete at this tournament. But they proved people wrong, especially the U.S. men’s national team. After a 4-1 beatdown over the USMNT in the round of 16, they would lose to Spain the quarterfinals.
What’s Happened Since: Two losses to a more talented France team in the Nations League should be tempered by wins over Italy and Türkiye. Those Golden Generation veterans may be relied up on less now that talents like Jérémy Doku are emerging.
Next Opponents: vs. Türkiye (Nov. 12); vs. Italy (Nov. 15)
Alexi’s Take: “Speaking of good solid teams, we have Belgium next. The U.S. found out in the worst possible way and at the worst possible time how good this team can be.”
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
FIFA rank: 2
2026 World Cup Recap: It was going to be Messi’s Last Dance on the international stage, and Argentina nearly pulled it off. After winning it all in 2022, the team reached the final in the summer but were dominated by Spain in a tough 1-0 loss. Even at age 39, Messi was the focal point and the inspirational guiding light for a talented team. He finished with 8 goals, behind only France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
What’s Happened Since: Messi officially bid adios to playing for Argentina in a send-off match against African team Benin. It was an emotional night on Oct. 6 in Buenos Aires as a whole nation honored one of sport’s greatest figures. The era changes, but the talent will still be there with youngsters like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernández and Nico Paz leading the team.
Next Opponents: TBD
Alexi’s Take: “Most people have Argentina in the top 2, including FIFA, but I’m putting them here. Going to back-to-back World Cup finals and winning in 2022 is impressive, but this is an Argentina team that is now playing without their most important player. Let’s be honest, they rode Messi, and he carried them in many ways. They did it willingly and were a wonderful team to watch and obviously incredibly successful.
Now we don’t know what this team is going to look like going forward without Messi. We have seen Argentina play without Messi, and they have plenty of talent and will continue to be a top-10 team. But it’s a changing of a specific guard here – it’s not even a change because there’s nobody who could ever replace him.”
FIFA rank: 7
2026 World Cup Recap: Aside from a 5-0 win over debut team Uzbekistan in the group stage, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. never lived up to their creative potential. Portugal reached the Round of 16 where they lost to eventual champions Spain.
What’s Happened Since: If Messi’s exit from the world stage was a storybook ending, then Cristiano Ronaldo provided one that felt more like a tabloid. Ronaldo, who had already announced that 2026 would be his last World Cup appearance, had a falling out with manager Jorge Jesus and abruptly left the team in September over disagreements about playing. Portugal still won its four Nations League games – including two victories over Erling Haaland’s Norway – and looked crisper without Ronaldo up top.
Next Opponents: vs. Czechia (Nov. 14); vs. England (Nov. 17)
Alexi’s Take: “Having Portugal here is a bit of the opposite reasoning for having Argentina where they are at. I guess we could call it the new Portugal, more than likely now without Cristiano Ronaldo. We have seen how good they are, even recently in this window.
I feel like a burden, whether they have admitted it or not, is going to be lifted, and they are just going to get better. Nobody’s denying all the talent they have, but this incredible weight (or albatross as some people may say) is now gone.
I am bullish on them going forward without Cristiano Ronaldo, just maybe not so bullish when it comes to Argentina without Messi.”
(Getty)
FIFA rank: 3
2026 World Cup Recap: The amount of star power in this squad – including forward trio Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise – had Les Bleus fans thinking this was the team to beat at the tournament. Mbappé scored an astonishing 10 goals at the tournament (making him winner of the Golden Boot for top scorer) and setting a record for most ever in World Cup history with 22. France ran into a brick wall against Spain in the semis but finished in third after a high-scoring consolation match against England.
What’s Happened Since: With Didier Deschamps stepping down as manager following the World Cup, it felt like an end of an era. But with legend Zinedine Zidane taking over, don’t expect France to lose a step – especially with Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise still in the mix. France won all four of its matches in this window despite Mbappé leaving the team early due to an injury.
Next Opponents: vs. Italy (Nov. 12); vs. Türkiye (Nov. 15)
Alexi’s Take: “This team is just loaded. But the top team did make them look average in the World Cup semifinals.”
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
