Guardian Power Rankings: France Lead The Way With Senegal And Japan In Top 10

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1) France

“There’s much talent and imaginable than successful 2022,” Kylian Mbappé said ominously this week aft France had beaten Brazil 2-1 contempt having Dayot Upamecano sent disconnected aft 55 minutes. He whitethorn good beryllium right. For nan 2nd crippled of this window, against Colombia, Didier Deschamps changed nan full starting XI but was still capable to section an onslaught of Marcus Thuram, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche. Doué scored 2 successful a comfortable 3-1 victory. “I’m good alert that location are immoderate very bully players that I won’t beryllium bringing because, successful my opinion, location are moreover amended ones,” Deschamps said. Marcus Christenson

World Cup fixtures: Senegal, New York New Jersey; Iraq, Philadelphia; Norway, Boston

2) Spain

The European champions had to alteration their plans aft nan Finalissima against Argentina, owed to beryllium held successful Qatar, was cancelled because of nan warfare successful nan Middle East. Instead they played friendlies against Serbia (3-0 win) successful Villarreal and Egypt successful Barcelona (0-0). The second was overshadowed by chants from Spain fans that constabulary are investigating for Islamophobia and xenophobia and Lamine Yamal said: “To those who singing these things: utilizing a belief arsenic a shape of insult connected a transportation shows you up arsenic ignorant and racist.” On nan transportation Luis de la Fuente’s squad were amazingly toothless against Egypt – contempt having 25 attempts – while Mikel Oyarzabal scored 2 bully goals against Serbia. One imaginable victor from this window? Víctor Muñoz, who scored Spain’s 3rd connected his debut against Serbia. Real Madrid sold nan speedy 22-year-old winger (with a buy-back clause) to Osasuna past summer. Billy Munday

World Cup fixtures: Cape Verde, Atlanta; Saudi Arabia, Atlanta; Uruguay, Guadalajara

3) Argentina

A somewhat surreal world model for nan world champions, which started pinch a constrictive 2-1 triumph complete Mauritania. The lineup was experimental, to beryllium fair, but nan coach, Lionel Scaloni was not impressed: “We didn’t play and nan important instruction present is to make judge it does not hap again.” For nan 2nd game, besides astatine La Bombonera, a definite Lionel Messi returned arsenic truthful did Argentina’s form. The Gambia were beaten 5-0 pinch nan Inter Miami guardant scoring 1 extremity and providing 1 assist. There was bad news arsenic good though pinch debutant Joaquín Panichelli of Strasbourg facing a agelong spell connected nan sidelines aft suffering a superior knee injury. Overall though nan temper was bully and astatine nan extremity of nan Gambia crippled nan squad received a lukewarm farewell from nan supporters, who sang “dale campeón” – spell champions – successful celebration. Mariano Dayan, Olé

World Cup fixtures: Algeria, Kansas City; Austria, Dallas; Jordan, Dallas

Lionel Messi aft scoring his team’s 3rd extremity against nan Gambia

4) Brazil

As was expected Brazil were overpowered by France 2-1 earlier recovering to hit Croatia 3-1. Carlo Ancelotti said he has nan 26-player squad arsenic good arsenic nan starting XI for nan World Cup successful his mind, but successful this model he was incapable to cleanable his plans because of injuries to cardinal players specified arsenic Alisson, Gabriel, Alex Sandro, Bruno Guimarães and Raphinha, who came disconnected astatine half-time successful nan crippled against France. Luiz Henrique benefited from nan Barcelona forward’s absence and showed he tin beryllium a gamechanger astatine nan World Cup. Endrick besides made his lawsuit pinch a promising cameo against Croatia and though Casemiro and Vinícius Jr weren’t rather astatine their best, these 2 games were a bully trial of Brazil’s depth. Gustavo Torres, Estadão

World Cup fixtures: Morocco, New York New Jersey; Haiti, Philadelphia; Scotland, Miami

5) Portugal

The matches against Mexico and USA were a bully trial of Portugal fans’ expertise to enactment awake successful nan mediate of nan night. Not only because of nan clip they were played but besides because of nan lethargic performances. Even so, Portugal did not lose, and aft a 0-0 tie pinch Mexico, successful nan reopening of nan Azteca Stadium, they managed to hit USA successful Atlanta, 2-0, pinch goals from Francisco Trincão and João Félix. In nan absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Diogo Costa and Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes was nan team’s main reference. Samu Costa and nan 33-year-old Toluca striker Paulinho (who was not moreover successful nan first squad action for these 2 games) were capable to audition for World Cup places while Ricardo Velho and Mateus Fernandes made their debuts. However, nan games will not person fixed nan coach, Roberto Martínez, galore sleepless nights arsenic he already had a bully thought astir who was going to nan tourney earlier this window. Nuno Travassos, A Bola

World Cup fixtures: DR Congo, Houston; Uzbekistan, Houston; Colombia, Miami

6) Senegal

“If I had immoderate doubts astir our expertise to triumph nan World Cup, I wouldn’t beryllium here,” said Pape Thiaw aft a 3–1 friends triumph complete nan Gambia. Strikingly, his assurance has drawn neither ridicule nor backlash. For possibly nan first time, an African broadside tin realistically target winning nan World Cup earlier it kicks off. Senegal’s belief is rooted successful a dependable pipeline of talent from elite home academies specified arsenic Generation Foot and Diambars. For Thiaw, nan privilege will now beryllium to support unity and, supra all, fitness. The representation of Sadio Mané missing nan past World Cup still lingers and is simply a reminder of really vulnerable moreover nan strongest ambitions tin be. Maher Mezahi

World Cup fixtures: France, New York New Jersey; Norway, New York New Jersey; Iraq, Toronto

Ibrahim Mbaye celebrates Nicolas Jackson's extremity against Peru astatine Stade de France

7) Belgium

The Red Devils went to North America to play against 2 of nan World Cup hosts. With a 5-2 triumph against nan USA and a 1-1 tie against Mexico, nan results were OK, but surely near room for improvement. Scoring 5 goals successful immoderate world is good, particularly if you are without your champion goalscorer (Romelu Lukaku) and players specified arsenic Benfica’s Dodi Lukébakio surely stepped up successful his absence. Belgium still request Lukaku though. On nan antagonistic broadside Belgium erstwhile again conceded from group pieces and that is thing that needs to beryllium sorted earlier nan tournament. Kevin De Bruyne besides seemed a small irritated successful nan buildup against Mexico, but astatine slightest that shows he is still very motivated to execute for his country. David Van den Broeck, Het Nieuwsblad

World Cup fixtures: Egypt, Seattle; Iran, Los Angeles; New Zealand, Vancouver

8) Japan

The past fewer days could not person gone amended for Japan pinch nan only imaginable downside that World Cup opponents will now spot them arsenic a greater threat. The Samurai Blue started their UK circuit pinch a comfortable 1-0 triumph complete Scotland successful Glasgow. The triumph against England by nan aforesaid scoreline was besides deserved and historical arsenic they became nan first Asian squad to hit nan Three Lions. Much was made of England’s absences but Japan were without immoderate of their biggest stars specified arsenic good successful Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo and Takehiro Tomiyasu. A well-coached squad and a acheronian equine that is looking much visible each nan time. “I’m happy that we were capable to win, but we still person a agelong measurement to go. We person to beryllium moreover stronger,” nan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. John Duerden

World Cup fixtures: Netherlands, Dallas; Tunisia, Monterrey; Sweden, Dallas

9) Germany

The federation erstwhile renowned for its powerful “9ers” are still searching for a successor to Thomas Müller, Jürgen Klinsmann and Miroslav Klose. Deniz Undav scored nan victor successful nan 2-1 triumph against Ghana connected Monday nighttime but Julian Nagelsmann past said that he was improbable to commencement astatine nan World Cup. “If he had 70 minutes nether his belt, he wouldn’t beryllium capable to decorativeness those chances,” nan coach said. That debate, however, distracts from nan team’s existent problem: nan defence pinch Nico Schlotterbeck not nan only subordinate who looked shaky successful this window. There were immoderate positives though pinch Florian Wirtz producing arguably his champion ever crippled for Germany successful nan 4-3 triumph against Switzerland pinch 2 assists and 2 goals while 18-year-old Lennart Karl was applauded by guidance fans for his dribbling skills. Oliver Fritsch, Die Zeit

World Cup fixtures: Curaçao, Houston; Côte d’Ivoire, Toronto; Ecuador, New York New Jersey

Florian Wirtz of Germany scores against Switzerland

10) Morocco

On paper, Morocco are African champions, but connected nan transportation certainty is harder to find. Walid Regragui stepped down arsenic caput coach past month, believing he had grounded to triumph nan 2025 Afcon, only for Caf to overturn nan result a fewer weeks later. Since then, attraction has quickly shifted to his successor, Mohamed Ouahbi, who is caller disconnected starring Morocco’s under-20s to nan 2025 World Cup title. Early signs person been encouraging: March friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay eased concerns astir continuity and Ouahbi’s Atlas Lions look much ambitious, moving distant from Regragui’s pragmatic attack built connected protect solidity and group pieces. The lingering mobility remains: which style is amended suited for occurrence astatine nan World Cup? MM

World Cup fixtures: Brazil, New York New Jersey; Scotland, Boston; Haiti, Atlanta

11) Croatia

The cardinal takeaways from Croatia’s excursion to Florida are: yes, they tin so play pinch 3 astatine nan backmost and yes, Luka Vuskovic is decidedly nan man they person been missing successful defence, nan youngster having proved himself and surely cementing a starting spot for nan World Cup. Against Colombia (2-1 win) they looked overmuch much move and agressive successful a 3-4-2-1 while against Brazil (3-1 defeat) nan coach, Zlatko Dalic, opted for a cautious 5-4-1, which raised caller questions astir nan team’s identity. With nan return of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, Dalic is apt to move backmost to 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 for nan World Cup. Alexander Holiga, Telegram

World Cup fixtures: England, Dallas; Panama, Toronto; Ghana, Philadelphia

12) England

The caveat is England played nan reserves against Uruguay (1-1) and had six probable starters retired against Japan (0-1). The concern, though, is that Thomas Tuchel has a tie and 2 defeats from games against top-20 opposition. England do not person momentum aliases recognisable identity. A big of players flunked auditions for a spot successful nan 26 and nan biggest interest of each is really nan broadside fared without Harry Kane to lead nan statement against Japan. They cannot spend their skipper and champion root of goals to suffer shape aliases prime up an injury. Jacob Steinberg

World Cup fixtures: Croatia, Dallas; Ghana, Boston; Panama, New York, New Jersey

Harry Kane, who was injured, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire aft nan conclusion against Japan

13) Netherlands

The coach, Ronald Koeman, now has to prime up nan pieces aft 2 beautiful chaotic matches against Norway (2-1 win) and Ecuador (1-1). Koeman’s No 1 striker, Memphis Depay, missed nan 2 games pinch wounded and nan coach is unsure whether nan Corinthians guardant will beryllium fresh for nan World Cup. “You request to play matches earlier nan World Cup. During nan past World Cup [in Qatar] location was a deficiency of fittingness too’’, Koeman warned. The Dutch are besides sweating connected nan fittingness of Frenkie de Jong and nan replacements – Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey and Tottenham’s Xavi Simons – did not impress. The Oranje created a batch of chances against a Norway broadside without Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard but grounded to person astir of them. Denzel Dumfries was past sent disconnected against Ecuador aft 12 minutes, starring to a disastrous location capacity pinch respective second-string players incapable to impress. Marcel van der Kraan, De Telegraaf

World Cup fixtures: Japan, Dallas; Sweden, Houston; Tunisia, Kansas City

14) Côte d’Ivoire

Morocco and Senegal are wide tipped to beryllium nan African teams that spell furthest astatine nan World Cup, and for bully reason, arsenic they are nan astir caller Afcon finalists. Yet Côte d’Ivoire are softly emerging arsenic superior contenders too, aft awesome friends wins complete South Korea (4–0) and Scotland (1–0). Their main spot lies retired wide, wherever Amad Diallo, Yan Diomandé, Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra harvester pace, dribbling and extremity product. Defensive solidity is different cardinal asset. The only existent mobility is up front: who will lead nan line? Emerse Faé has brought successful Elye Wahi arsenic a imaginable solution, and nan erstwhile Marseille striker could beryllium nan missing portion for Les Éléphants. MM

World Cup fixtures: Ecuador, Philadelphia; Germany, Toronto; Curaçao, Philadelphia

15) Norway

Ståle Solbakken’s broadside started this model pinch a 2-1 conclusion against nan Netherlands but were missing cardinal players specified arsenic Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Fredrik Aursnes. That, however, gave others nan chance to radiance and Andreas Schjelderup was 1 of those who seized nan opportunity, scoring a magnificent goal. Tuesday’s lucifer against Switzerland was played connected a unspeakable pitch, making it almost intolerable to play immoderate decent football. Solbakken and his players won’t person learned excessively overmuch from it but nan past week has seen 2 decent performances against 2 teams that regularly play successful awesome tournaments. Vegard Bjelland, TV 2 Norway

World Cup fixtures: Iraq, Boston; Senegal, New York New Jersey; France, Boston

Erling Haaland celebrates scoring for Norway successful 1 of their friendlies

16) Mexico

In 2 large tests for Javier Aguirre’s side, El Tri passed – not pinch flying colours, mind you, but capable to create immoderate warranted optimism. A scoreless tie pinch Portugal was followed by a 1-1 tie pinch Belgium, and successful some games Mexico competently strung together phases of possession and created chances, while keeping talented opponents mostly astatine bay. That’s a immense affirmative considering nan squad’s existent wide-ranging wounded crisis. Mexico will sorely miss goalkeeper Luis Malagón (achilles) and midfielder Marcel Ruíz (cruciate ligament) astatine nan World Cup, but nan skipper Edson Álvarez, striker Santiago Giménez, and others should beryllium backmost successful time. Alexander Abnos

World Cup fixtures: South Africa, Mexico City; South Korea, Guadalajara; Czech Republic, Mexico City

The Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez (left) slides successful connected USA’s Damion Downs successful July 2025

17) Austria

Ralf Rangnick was satisfied. “We did not take these opponents by accident,” he said aft Austria followed a 5-1 triumph complete Ghana pinch a 1-0 triumph complete South Korea. With Jordan, Algeria and Argentina awaiting them astatine nan World Cup, nan reasoning was obvious: Africa and Asia, covered. Austria had spared themselves nan playoff play by drafting pinch Bosnia successful November, sealing nonstop qualification for a first World Cup since 1998. There was caller intrigue, too, arsenic Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka were only cleared to correspond Austria soon earlier nan campy and some made an contiguous impression, particularly against Ghana. This is already a squad pinch a clear identity, 1 that is now being sharpened further. The cardinal players are successful shape and nan conflict for places is on. Andreas Hagenauer, Der Standard

World Cup fixtures: Jordan, San Francisco; Argentina, Dallas; Algeria, Kansas City

18) Ecuador

Ecuador came retired of their 2 friendlies emotion positive, having extended their unbeaten tally of games to 17, but it feels arsenic if location is still rather a batch of activity to do earlier nan World Cup. In nan 1-1 tie against Morocco, they competed well, pressed good and showed bully organisation, though they erstwhile again lacked nan cutting separator to seal victory. Against nan Netherlands, different 1-1 draw, they played against 10 men for astir of nan crippled and their attack was nan correct 1 – a precocious press, fierce wing-backs and a full committedness to onslaught – and that is nan way forward. La Tri are already demonstrating intention, energy, and structure; now they request to construe each of that into greater clarity, much clear chances and victories. Francisco Hanna, Studio Fútbol

19) Egypt

Egypt person immoderate soul-searching to do earlier nan World Cup. Their coach Hossam Hassan, nan nation’s top striker, would look people inclined toward attacking football, yet astatine nan 2025 Afcon, nan Pharaohs often sat heavy and relied connected counterattacks, contempt boasting much value successful onslaught than successful defence. March friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain propose a desire to equilibrium some approaches, but galore fans will dream Egypt leans into its strengths going forward. With Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, Zizo, Mohamed Mostafa and Emam Ashour, their attacking arsenal is excessively potent to beryllium restrained. MM

World Cup fixtures: Belgium, Seattle; New Zealand, Vancouver; Iran, Seattle

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah celebrates a triumph astatine nan Africa Cup of Nations successful 2026

20) Switzerland

Switzerland had 2 very different matches: first a chaotic 4-3 conclusion against Germany and past a dull 0–0 against Norway, though nan second was partially down to nan very mediocre transportation successful Oslo. For nan head Murat Yakin, however, nan results were of secondary importance; his main attraction was connected testing a fewer things and giving each nan players immoderate playing time. He rotated each 10 outfield players and skipper Granit Xhaka played only nan first half against Germany. That conclusion was nan first nonaccomplishment since November 2024. “Sometimes a conclusion for illustration that is good, truthful you tin commencement demanding things again,” said Yakin. Four days later, nan defence showed a marked betterment against Haaland and co, pinch Yakin reverting to a backmost 3 for nan first clip successful a agelong while – a statement that had formed nan ground of a successful tourney astatine Euro 2024. Christian Finkbeiner, Blick

World Cup fixtures: Qatar, San Francisco; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Los Angeles; Canada, Vancouver

21) Colombia

It was not a bully model for Colombia arsenic it ended pinch 2 defeats – against Croatia and France – aliases for nan coach Néstor Lorenzo, but past he had opted for reliable assignments, learning from nan country’s past experiences earlier different awesome tournaments wherever friendlies against lesser teams person fixed adjacent to nothing. James Rodríguez was again astatine nan centre of attraction but not successful a bully way. Having played only 40 minutes of nine shot successful 2026 he still started some games earlier being taken disconnected conscionable aft nan hr connected some occasions. Jenny Gámez of El Tiempo called it a “cowardly decision” not to commencement Rodríguez connected nan chair successful 1 of nan games. MC

World Cup fixtures: Uzbekistan, Mexico City; DR Congo, Guadalajara; Portugal, Miami

James Rodríguez of Colombia is challenged by Maxence Lacroix of France successful Maryland successful March

22) Algeria

A complete unknown, moreover to their ain players, unit and media. What is certain, however, is they boast a wealthiness of method value crossed nan pitch. Marcelo Bielsa precocious captured this, stating: “The Algerians are much method than nan English,” aft his Uruguay side’s friends astatine Wembley. The declare doesn’t look far-fetched erstwhile watching Rayan Aït-Nouri, Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza aliases Amine Gouiri connected nan ball. But method unsocial is not enough, and nan clearest illustration of that came successful nan quarter-finals of nan 2025 Afcon, erstwhile Vladimir Petkovic’s broadside were physically dominated by Nigeria. MM

World Cup fixtures: Argentina, Kansas City; Jordan, San Francisco; Austria, Kansas City

23) Turkey

Are Turkey acheronian horses to beryllium this summer’s acheronian horses? They managed a fiendish duty successful Kosovo calmly, deserving to sneak through, and Vincenzo Montella’s broadside tin boast attacking wizardry on pinch a coagulated core. Finding nan correct equilibrium will beryllium cardinal connected their return to nan World Cup aft 24 years away, but Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz person nan expertise to problem anyone. Montella has instilled a subject and composure that had not ever been coming and a spot successful nan knockout shape should beryllium comfortably achievable. Nick Ames

World Cup fixtures: Australia, Vancouver; Paraguay, San Francisco; USA, Los Angeles

Turkey’s Mert Muldur, Zeki Celik and Arda Guler aft qualifying for nan World Cup

24) USA

Which USA squad are you going to get? The 1 that looked for illustration nan (somewhat) vanished article successful nan 5-1 triumph against Uruguay to adjacent retired 2025, aliases nan disjointed, occasionally lackadaisical squad that turned up for this window’s 5-2 conclusion by Belgium and nan 2-0 conclusion against Portugal astatine home? Christian Pulisic is successful a unspeakable moment, having missed respective cardinal chances successful those games, and while Weston McKennie is carrying complete immoderate of his Juventus shape to nan nationalist team, it hasn’t been enough. There’s nary mobility that there’s talent connected this team, but nether Pochettino they person yet to afloat put it together into a cohesive whole. AA

World Cup fixtures: Paraguay, Los Angeles; Australia, Seattle; Turkey, Los Angeles

Weston McKennie successful action against Belgium

25) Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa steadied nan vessel pursuing nan damaging 5-1 conclusion against USA successful November pinch 2 draws successful this window, 1-1 against England and 0-0 against Algeria. That doesn’t mean that group backmost successful Uruguay are happy though pinch nan emotion that nan manager’s set-up has been excessively negative. Bielsa made 3 changes to nan starting XI for nan crippled against Algeria but his squad were incapable to break down a stubborn opponent. There was much bad news for nan coach pinch starting left-back Joaquín Piquerez suffering a superior ankle wounded against England, which is apt to norm him retired of nan World Cup. MC

World Cup fixtures: Saudi Arabia, Miami; Cape Verde, Miami; Spain, Guadalajara

26) Sweden

“We weren’t cleanable but who cares?” Graham Potter said aft Sweden had beaten Poland 3-2 to scope nan World Cup contempt not winning a azygous crippled successful their first qualifying group. As bully arsenic they had been against Ukraine successful nan semi-final playoff past Thursday, they were arsenic mediocre against Robert Lewandowski and co. Viktor Gyökeres scored 4 crossed nan 2 games, including an 88th-minute victor against nan Poles, and location was a hugely encouraging substitute quality from Lucas Bergvall. Alexander Isak should beryllium fresh for nan finals and Dejan Kulusevski says he will beryllium too. The Sweden skipper has not played since May but joined up pinch nan squad and had tears successful his eyes astatine nan last whistle. “As agelong arsenic I unrecorded I will springiness everything for Sweden,” he said. Marcus Christenson

World Cup fixtures: Tunisia, Monterrey; Netherlands, Houston; Japan, Dallas

Graham Potter pinch his Sweden players aft beating Poland

27) Tunisia

When a caller coach is hired, fans often want to spot caller ideas and personnel. Since taking complete aft Afcon, Sabri Lamouchi has delivered conscionable that, making changes successful extremity and astatine centre-back. He besides recruited Rani Khedira, relative of nan erstwhile Real Madrid midfielder Sami, persuading nan 32-year-old to correspond Tunisia. Some Carthage Eagles fans labelled him an opportunist, but nan Union Berlin midfielder impressed successful his early appearances. Tunisia whitethorn deficiency nan prima powerfulness to excite neutrals, but they do stay highly disciplined and difficult to break down arsenic shown during nan 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, wherever they did not concede a azygous goal. MM

World Cup fixtures: Sweden, Monterrey; Japan, Monterrey; Netherlands, Kansas City

28) Australia

The model started pinch a grumble but ended pinch a backflip, a sequined glove, a Michael Jackson move and a tantalising glimpse into nan early of nan Socceroos. “I americium a immense MJ fan,” Nestory Irankunda confirmed aft Australia stunned Curaçao 5-1 successful their Fifa Series friendly. The Watford striker mixed pinch his chap substitutes Jordan Bos and Riley McGree to devastating effect for 3 goals successful nan last 20 minutes. Irankunda’s double demonstrated a caller level of attacking composure from nan 20-year-old, which nan coach, Tony Popovic, will dream continues to turn up of nan World Cup. After a drab showing against Cameroon earlier successful nan window, Australia’s last preparations person received a much-needed boost. Jo Khan

World Cup fixtures: Turkey, Vancouver; USA, Seattle; Paraguay, San Francisco

Nestory Irankunda of Australia shoots against Curacao

29) South Africa

For nan first clip since taking charge, Hugo Broos is facing disapproval astatine home. A tie and a conclusion against Panama during nan March model person raised existent questions astir Bafana Bafana’s readiness for nan tournament. “That’s why we played doubly against Panama – to study and understand what we still request to improve,” Broos said, though nan consequence did small to quiet nan noise. Despite nan results, South Africa played shot that was easy connected nan oculus and that won’t change. Built astir a halfway of well-drilled Mamelodi Sundowns players, Bafana Bafana could beryllium 1 of nan astir technically pleasing sides successful North America successful nan summer. MM

World Cup fixtures: Mexico, Mexico City; Czech Republic, Atlanta; South Korea, Monterrey

30) DR Congo

Fifty-two years aft their past quality (as Zaire), nan Democratic Republic of Congo are backmost astatine nan World Cup. Much has changed globally, yet for nan Central African federation overmuch has stayed nan same. Longstanding taste tensions linger, peculiarly successful nan eastbound portion of nan country. Yet, nan full state erupted successful joyousness erstwhile nan Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, calved successful war-scarred Bunia, scored nan victor against Jamaica to seal qualification. “To get nan winning extremity for nan state … this is what you dream about,” he said. On nan pitch, concerns persist astir scoring goals, but successful these difficult times, qualification carries a value that transcends nan tournament. MM

World Cup fixtures: Portugal, Houston; Colombia, Guadalajara; Uzbekistan, Atlanta

Axel Tuanzebe aft DR Congo hit Jamaica to scope nan World Cup

31) Canada

Two draws – 2-2 against Iceland and 0-0 against Tunisia – were decent capable connected nan look of it, but nan first of those was nan astir instructive. The Canadians went down 2-0 to Iceland earlier looking overmuch amended successful nan 2nd half arsenic 2 Jonathan David penalties evened nan score. Then, Tajon Buchanan’s reddish paper stopped each momentum – nan 3rd consecutive crippled Canada person vanished pinch 10 men. The large worry, though, is nan wellness of Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich prima missed this model pinch a hamstring strain, and he’s an unquestioned ceiling-raiser. AA

World Cup fixtures: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Toronto; Qatar, Vancouver; Switzerland, Vancouver

Canada’s Jonathan David scores from nan spot against Iceland

32) Paraguay

Two games – 1 triumph and 1 conclusion and a batch of mixed feelings. Greece were beaten 1-0 earlier Paraguay, somewhat paradoxically, played nan amended shot successful nan 2-1 conclusion by Morocco. La Albirroja dominated against nan Afcon champions but yet paid nan value for 2 protect slips. Julio Enciso showed erstwhile again that he is Paraguay’s champion subordinate and nan 1 to watch astatine nan World Cup. The coach had besides called up a quartet of debutants pinch astir eyes being connected goalkeeper Gastón Olveira from Olimpia and playmaker Maurício Prado, from Palmeiras. Olveira was calved successful Uruguay and Prado successful Brazil. Both were only granted Paraguayan citizenship precocious but slotted correct into nan squad and they are very apt to spell to nan World Cup now. In truth they impressed to specified a grade that immoderate experts are calling for them to beryllium successful nan starting XI travel June. Paraguay tin beryllium excited for what’s to come. Óscar Gómez, VS Sports

World Cup fixtures: USA, Los Angeles; Turkey, San Francisco; Australia, San Francisco

33) Iraq

The past of nan 48 teams to make it. The Lions of Mesopotamia are backmost aft 40 years distant and sealed nan deal, fittingly connected Mexican ungraded pinch a 2-1 triumph complete Bolivia. Nobody knows what qualifying conscionable 2 months aliases truthful earlier nan tourney intends for mentation but fewer successful nan football-mad state will attraction particularly arsenic location is small unit pinch France, Senegal and Norway waiting. The team’s Australian coach Graham Arnold was hoisted up connected shoulders and walked astir nan transportation draped successful an Iraqi emblem arsenic he celebrated his bonzer achievement. “I’ve sewage to springiness truthful overmuch acknowledgment to nan players,” he told Fifa+. “Their activity ethic, they showed nan existent Iraqi mentality of fighting and putting their bodies connected nan line, that’s why we won nan game.” JD

World Cup fixtures: Norway, Boston; France, Philadelphia; Senegal, Toronto

34) Uzbekistan

“We still deficiency consistency, and this is simply a worrying awesome earlier nan World Cup,” said Fabio Cannavaro aft Uzbekistan hit Gabon 3-1. It was a triumph but not a convincing one, pinch protect mistakes contributing to immoderate testy exchanges pinch reporters successful nan post-match property conference. The 2nd crippled against Venezuela was a amended all-round performance. It ended goalless and nan White Wolves won nan shootout, which is bully mentation successful itself for nan summer. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov was named Fifa Series MVP contempt missing nan first crippled and nan teenage defender Bekhruz Karimov made a promising debut. JD

World Cup fixtures: Colombia, Mexico City; Portugal, Houston; DR Congo, Atlanta

35) Czech Republic

The Czechs are backmost astatine a World Cup for nan first clip successful 20 years but they surely did it nan difficult way. Having mislaid to nan Faroe Islands and vanished 2nd successful their qualifying group down Croatia, they hit Ireland and Denmark connected penalties successful their playoff games to scope nan tournament. In fact, they were only 4 minutes positive added clip distant from going retired against Ireland earlier Wolves’ Ladislav Krejci equalised. No wonderment nan coach, 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek, who was appointed successful December, was affectional aft nan Denmark game. “ There isn’t precisely tears streaming down my face, but my eyes were decidedly a small wet,” he said. “I americium very happy.” MC

World Cup fixtures: South Korea, Guadalajara; South Africa, Atlanta; Mexico, Mexico City

Czech Republic players aft beating Denmark connected penalties

36) Bosnia and Herzegovina

This Bosnian squad picked nan astir difficult, but astatine nan aforesaid clip nan sweetest measurement to nan World Cup. Sergej Barbarez sewage his first coaching occupation astatine nan property of 52 successful April 2024 and rejuvenated nan team, introducing a twelve caller and young players. They vanished nan qualifiers down Austria and dropped into their sixth playoff for a awesome tournament. In Cardiff, against Wales, they were losing 4 minutes earlier nan last whistle but ended up winning connected penalties. They past went down to Italy aft 15 minutes successful Zenica, but produced different comeback and different shootout win. The winning spot footwear successful Cardiff was scored by 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, nan 1 against Italy by 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic, pinch 40-year-old seasoned Edin Dzeko arsenic captain. This is an exciting, young, and joyful squad that deserves its spot astatine nan World Cup. Sasa Ibrulj

World Cup fixtures: Canada, Toronto; Switzerland, Los Angeles; Qatar, Seattle

37) Ghana

The Ghanaian Federation sacked coach Otto Addo conscionable 72 days earlier nan World Cup. There was nary mentation given, but location was nary really needed. Under his watch, nan Black Stars looked blunt, lacking urgency contempt clear potential. Local reports propose nan FA person sounded retired nan erstwhile Morocco coach Walid Regragui arsenic a imaginable replacement. Whoever takes complaint inherits a squad pinch quality: Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey are nan pillars of this team. Yet, Ghana besides consciousness acold removed from nan dynamism of 2010, erstwhile they came wrong moments of reaching nan World Cup semi-finals. MM

World Cup fixtures: Panama, Toronto; England, Boston; Croatia, Philadelphia

38) Iran

The Fifa president Gianni Infantino whitethorn beryllium wished that Iran spell to nan United States but pinch nan co-host’s caput of authorities threatening a onshore penetration aft weeks of aerial bombardment, nan determination is improbable to beryllium successful his hands. Football is evidently not a privilege but nan nationalist squad was successful action, starting pinch a 2-1 nonaccomplishment to Nigeria successful a crippled that had been moved from Jordan to Turkey. Captain Mehdi Taremi looked much uncomfortable than astir erstwhile singing nan anthem but nan striker scored and past sewage 2 much arsenic Costa Rica were thrashed 5-0 connected Tuesday. On nan transportation then, it went beautiful good but cipher knows what is going to hap disconnected it. JD

World Cup fixtures: New Zealand, Los Angeles; Belgium, Los Angeles; Egypt, Seattle

39) Scotland

Steve Clarke’s beardown endorsement of a 3 (or five) man defence successful nan aftermath of conclusion to Côte d’Ivoire implied Scotland whitethorn usage nan strategy astatine nan World Cup. Previously, this was seen chiefly arsenic a format which allowed some Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney to commencement for Scotland. Clarke had edged distant from it but it was restored for nan nonaccomplishment successful Liverpool. George Hirst did not people successful nan world model but impressed successful nan Scottish attack. Problematic positions – centre-back and goalkeeper – stay precisely that. Both would beryllium offset if Clarke tin observe cutting separator among his squad betwixt now and June. Ewan Murray

World Cup fixtures: Haiti, Boston; Morocco, Boston; Brazil, Miami

Scott McTominay scores against Denmark successful November to scope nan World Cup

40) Panama

While immoderate countries look to chop and alteration managers connected a monthly basis, Los Canaleros person stuck by Thomas Christiansen since 2020 and person reaped nan rewards. They whitethorn person benefited from 3 of Concacaf’s large beasts qualifying automatically arsenic hosts but they were unbeaten successful qualifying – 10 games played, 7 wins, three, draws, 19 goals scored and conscionable 5 conceded – moreover if they were grateful for Suriname’s capitulation against Guatemala successful nan last round. Their March friendlies took nan style of a alternatively funny double-header against South Africa, wherever they drew nan first crippled and won nan 2nd 2-1. “These kinds of matches thief america grow,” said Christiansen, whose squad are now classed 33rd successful nan world by Fifa. John Ashdown

World Cup fixtures: Ghana, Toronto; Croatia, Toronto; England, New York New Jersey

41) New Zealand

The All Whites will beryllium buoyed up by their first triumph complete a South American squad aft an unexpected 4-1 triumph complete Chile, which besides turned astir a three-game losing streak. It intends they caput overseas to their first World Cup successful 16 years pinch a skip successful their step. It was a important turnaround aft their disappointing 2-0 conclusion against Finland successful nan first friendly. But against Chile, a reinvigorated New Zealand quickly sewage to work, pouncing aft nan guidance had been reduced to 10 men pinch 2 goals either broadside of half-time, managing to break down a higher-ranked force wherever they person antecedently travel unstuck. Whether that stands up against apical 10-ranked England successful June is different matter. JK

World Cup fixtures: Iran, Los Angeles; Egypt, Vancouver; Belgium, Vancouver

42) Jordan

Preparing for a first World Cup, Al-Nashama don’t get galore chances to play guidance from extracurricular Asia aliases nan Arab world truthful location was a batch of anticipation for nan Fifa Series, moreover if it was moved from Amman to Antalya successful Turkey. It brought successive 2-2 draws against Costa Rica and past Nigeria. Jordan are a squad built connected a coagulated defence truthful conceding 4 was concerning but connected nan different manus scoring 4 was welcome, particularly pinch two-thirds of their three-man frontline, Ali Olwan and Yazan al-Naimat, retired injured. JD

World Cup fixtures: Austria, San Francisco; Algeria, San Francisco; Argentina, Dallas

43) Qatar

It is arsenic you were for nan 2022 hosts who squeezed into 2026 by nan narrowest of play-off margins. It has been difficult for nan caput coach, Julen Lopetegui, to build connected that momentum arsenic some nan team’s March friendlies were cancelled owed to nan warfare successful nan Middle East. Missing retired connected nan chance to look Argentina is peculiarly galling and Serbia wouldn’t person been a bad trial either. Instead it has each been astir nan coaching unit moving pinch nan players. Officials said that having nary games could thief successful position of fatigue down nan statement and that training went well. JD

World Cup fixtures: Switzerland, San Francisco; Canada, Vancouver; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Seattle

44) South Korea

“It’s excessively early to talk that,” said nan Korea coach, Hong Myung-bo, erstwhile asked whether Son Heung-min should stay an automatic starter, an unthinkable mobility until recently. Son is not nan only concern, however, aft nan Taeguk Warriors mislaid 4-0 to Côte d’Ivoire successful nan first of their 2 games. There are worries that this each feels for illustration nan leadup to coach Hong’s first clip successful charge, nan dismal 2014 World Cup. The attraction was connected nan new-look three-man defence containing defenders that don’t play successful that strategy for their clubs. So unpopular has Hong go that location were those who wanted a akin consequence successful Vienna successful nan dream location would beryllium a change, but a 1-0 conclusion against Austria intends nan model ends pinch much questions than earlier astatine some ends of nan transportation – not what you really want astatine this stage. JD

World Cup fixtures: Czech Republic, Guadalajara; Mexico, Guadalajara; South Africa, Monterrey

Son Heung-Min shoots astatine extremity against Austria

45) Cape Verde

“Honestly, I still can’t judge what we’ve achieved,” Ryan Mendes said aft Cape Verde’s last qualifying lucifer against Eswatini. “When I was little, I utilized to dream astir Ronaldo’s Brazil and each nan awesome shot nations, and I dreamed of being location 1 time too. But what we knowledgeable … was thing we had ne'er seen before.” Having helped his state to scope their first Afcon successful 2013, nan legendary skipper has now sealed his bequest successful guiding nan Blue Sharks to a World Cup. But for illustration Egypt and Morocco, Cape Verde must now forge an personality connected nan biggest stage. In erstwhile Afcons, they’ve held their ain done sharp, possession-based football. The mobility is whether, against acold tougher opposition, they’ll backmost themselves to do it again. MM

World Cup fixtures: Spain, Atlanta; Uruguay, Miami; Saudi Arabia, Houston

46) Saudi Arabia

It is not a bully motion erstwhile nan federation denies that nan coach has been fired midway done an world model but coach Hervé Renard was connected shaky crushed aft a dismal 4-0 nonaccomplishment to Egypt successful Jeddah connected Friday. “It could person been 6-0 by half-time,” said Saeed al-Owairan, Saudi’s slaloming goalscoring leader of 1994. And you cognize it is bad erstwhile guidance pundits are complaining that nan tests are excessively easy. A travel to Serbia looked daunting but past Abdullah al-Hamdan scored to springiness immoderate dream earlier nan hosts came backmost with, inevitably, erstwhile Al-Hilal striker Aleksandar Mitrovic heading location a precocious winner. No cleanable sheets successful nan past 8 now and plentifulness of unit connected nan coach who, immoderate reports suggest, wants to time off anyway. JD

World Cup fixtures: Uruguay, Miami; Spain, Atlanta; Cape Verde, Houston

47) Haiti

Despite a 2-1 conclusion against Tunisia and a 1-1 tie pinch Iceland, nan March Fifa model offered valuable lessons for nan caput coach, Sébastien Migné. Haiti started nan games excessively slow and nan deficiency of early strength exposed a corporate weaknesses, leaving nan squad chasing games. Tactically, however, Haiti showed committedness successful transitions and attacking movements. Wilson Isidor impressed, scoring his first world extremity to gain nan tie against Iceland, while Josué Casimir stood retired pinch pace, method value and relentless pressing. Injuries to Johny Placide and Carlens Arcus forced adjustments, but besides opened nan doorway to useful experimentation up of bigger challenges. While important activity remains, Haiti has shown it possesses nan resources to make an effect connected nan World Cup stage. Pierre Midy

World Cup fixtures: Scotland, Boston; Brazil, Philadelphia; Morocco, Atlanta

48) Curaçao

Curaçao’s 2 friendlies successful nan caller Fifa Series served arsenic a stark reminder of nan activity needed earlier nan World Cup. The caller coach, Fred Rutten, saw his broadside suffer 2-0 to China and 5-1 to Australia. There were glimpses of quality, pinch galore players nurtured successful nan Netherlands (Curaçao’s constituent country), but consistency was lacking. In some matches, Curaçao faded precocious on, losing sharpness and intensity. Against Australia they conceded 4 goals successful 17 minutes. Among nan team’s priorities is adding much steel, peculiarly successful defence, wherever greater separator is needed. These matches should service arsenic a timely wake-up call. Arthur Renard

World Cup fixtures: Germany, Houston; Ecuador, Kansas City; Côte d’Ivoire, Philadelphia

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