The Athletic’s Complete Ranking of Every 2026 World Cup Game: From Worst to Best

Have you ever tried to rank every single game of a World Cup from worst to best? That’s exactly what The Athletic set out to do — and the results are fascinating, surprising, and sometimes controversial.

Whether you agree with their rankings or want to scream at your screen, this comprehensive breakdown covers every match of the 2026 World Cup group stage and beyond. Let’s dive in!

How the Rankings Work

The Athletic ranked every single World Cup game from the absolute worst to the absolute best. The criteria? Entertainment value, quality of football, drama, historical significance, and those magical moments that make the World Cup the greatest show on earth.

Important: These rankings are subjective. Your favorite game might be someone else’s snoozefest — and that’s what makes football beautiful!

The Lower Ranks: Games You Might Have Missed (Or Want to Forget)

Scotland’s Historic Win That Wasn’t Pretty

Congratulations to Scotland on their first World Cup win in 36 years! But let’s be honest — a game with 44 fouls and only four shots on target (from 24 attempts) was never going to rank highly. Desperation didn’t equal quality in this one.

South Africa vs. Czech Republic: A Struggle

• South Africa dominated possession after the Czech Republic’s early goal
• But they struggled for cohesion at both ends
• The Czechs sat deep but lacked punch on the counter-attack
• Result: A forgettable affair

Mexico City’s Incredible Atmosphere Saves the Day

The atmosphere in Mexico City was incredible, Julian Quinones was superb, and Raul Jimenez’s goal reminded everyone of the emotional weight the World Cup carries. But South Africa:

• Conceded through an error
• Attempted three shots worth just 0.07 expected goals (xG)
• Offered little before and after two red cards

England’s Frustrating Outing

A first half of slow football with no shots on target, followed by a slightly better 25 minutes after the break — interrupted by four hydration breaks. The final period was eventful though:

• England hit the post
• Harry Kane blazed a good chance over
• Jordan Pickford and Ezri Konsa somehow got away with bad tackles

The Draw That Was Always Coming

Both teams knew a draw would take them through, and apart from an Australian burst at the start and towards the end, this game suggested exactly that.

Uruguay’s Disappointment

• 11 total shots made this the most shot-shy game to date
• A third Fernando Muslera error resulted in Spain’s winner
• It was a shock there were only 28 fouls
• Uruguay have difficult questions to answer after elimination

The Sead Kolasinac Game!

The Bosnia captain:

• Got himself an assist
• Made a goal-line clearance
• Was partly responsible for Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equaliser
• Ensured Canada earned their first World Cup point

Ghana vs. Panama: Slow Start, Better Finish

• Ghana recorded zero shots in the first half
• Panama, with 64% possession, managed three
• The second half was much better with big saves, a late goal, and a Panama chance created by their own goalkeeper

Qatar’s Nightmare

Qatar offered nothing in attack or defence with 11 men and made multiple ridiculous tackles. Two brought red cards, with one seriously injuring Ismael Kone — casting a dark cloud over the match.

Germany’s Muscle Flex

Livano Comenencia’s equalizer and Dick Advocaat’s emotional reaction were great, but this was a statement of power. Germany’s xG of 4.2 was the fourth-most by a team in the last three World Cups.

Belgium Finally Find Fluency

New Zealand’s expansive style put them at risk. Belgium out-shot them 35 to six, and only goalkeeper Max Crocombe stopped it from becoming an even bigger rout.

Senegal vs. Iraq: Goals Galore

• Habib Diarra’s early goal and Rebin Sulaka’s 13th-minute red card didn’t open the floodgates immediately
• Pape Gueye’s six shots in 33 minutes equalled Iraq’s 90-minute tally
• Iliman Ndiaye changed things with spectacular striking
• Senegal couldn’t celebrate goals — they needed to sprint back for more!

Egypt’s Breakthrough

Egypt didn’t look overly reliant on Mohamed Salah (even though he assisted). They posed a constant threat on the break, and their opponent needed Romelu Lukaku to force an own goal for a point.

Croatia vs. Panama: Patience Rewarded

• Panama dropped into a back six, keeping Croatian chances to a minimum
• Ante Budimir tapped home a perfect Josip Stanisic cross in the 54th minute
• Panama had more possession after the goal but got just one shot on target

Kylian Mbappe Runs Riot

Mbappe converted two of his eight shots and ran riot with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise — all before and after a 131-minute delay due to thunderstorms!

Japan vs. Sweden: Second Half Drama

Neither team wanted to move out of first gear in a first half with just six shots and 374 completed passes. Daizen Maeda’s well-constructed goal made for an entertaining second half, with Anthony Elanga’s beauty levelling things up.

Uruguay’s Conversion Woes

Uruguay scored from one of 27 shots, with a conversion rate of just 3.7% — the second worst by a team in World Cups since 2018.

Saudi Arabia Deserve Credit

Saudi Arabia were well worthy of their point:

• Defended with numbers and a high line
• Caught opponents offside six times
• Only Spain (2022) and Saudi Arabia themselves (vs. Argentina) have done better

Switzerland Let Qatar Back In

Switzerland had two-thirds of the ball, and Dan Ndoye alone matched Qatar’s shot tally. Yet they only had Breel Embolo’s penalty to show for it, and Miro Muheim’s 94th-minute own goal secured Qatar’s first World Cup point.

Morocco’s Fast Start Fizzles

Ismael Saibari’s finish after 67 seconds — the earliest goal in the tournament — was brilliant. But as with their first game, Morocco’s energy dropped in the second half.

Mbappe’s Hat-Trick of Clarity

In an interview from a decade ago, Ousmane Dembele sounded confused about his preferred foot. Now it’s his opponents who can’t figure out which way the Ballon d’Or holder will go. His absolute clarity resulted in a first World Cup hat-trick.

France Look Ominous

Conceding from a restart would have annoyed France. Instead, Mike Maignan got a confidence boost, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue combined for France’s fourth, and the favourites look more ominous than ever.

Argentina’s Controlled Victory

Jordan scored one of the best-constructed goals of the group phase, but a much-changed Argentina still had too much. Giovani Lo Celso’s free kick was excellent, and Lionel Messi scored from a dead ball too — making it six goals in the group stage, as many as he scored in four World Cups from 2006 to 2018.

DR Congo’s Efficiency Masterclass

A historic result manufactured by aggressive defensive strategy and the counter-attacking threat of Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu. DR Congo completed just 96 passes compared to Portugal’s 724 but still managed more shots (eight to seven) — talk about efficiency!

Messi Makes History Again

Expectations were high, but Austria did little to trouble a physical Argentina side. Lionel Messi missed a penalty but scored twice, including a vintage left-footed low curler, to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 18 goals.

Brazil Feast on Scotland

Brazil racked up 4.46 xG — the fourth most in the past three World Cups — and feasted on Scotland’s errors. Steve Clarke’s side were better after half-time, but this was yet another sobering major tournament defeat for the Scots.

The Yan Diomande Game!

The RB Leipzig winger was electric on both flanks, almost single-handedly making up for both teams leaving their shooting boots at home. Ivory Coast’s depth ultimately won out, with Manchester United’s Amad scoring a 90th-minute winner.

Spain’s Early Strike

Scoring early feels like Spain’s best route to success, and Lamine Yamal — in his first World Cup start — provided it. Saudi Arabia offered little resistance.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Double

Ronaldo arrived at the World Cup with a double in a game where Portugal’s high-risk approach paid off handsomely. They unleashed plenty of set-piece trickery, including Nuno Mendes’ fine first-half free-kick goal.

Netherlands Dominate Tunisia

Two Dutch goals in the first seven minutes made for a one-sided first half. Hazem Mastouri’s goal prompted a bit more adventure, but Ronald Koeman’s side were simply better and scored a third.

Jordan’s Historic Moment

Emotional celebrations followed Jordan’s first World Cup goal, scored by Nizar Al Rashdan with a clean strike against the run of play. Algeria had 71% possession and completed over three times as many passes, ultimately scoring from two of their 10 corners to eliminate Jordan.

Ivory Coast Book Knockout Spot

Nicolas Pepe’s double booked Ivory Coast’s first World Cup knockout appearance in a largely comfortable victory. Curacao gave it their all but lacked a cutting edge.

South Korea vs. Czech Republic: Second Half Improvement

South Korea had eight shots in the first half but only one on target. Both teams then had nine of 12 combined shots on target in the second half. The Czech Republic scored from a throw-in, while Korea’s equaliser came at the end of a 25-pass move.

England Top Their Group

As with their game against Ghana, this wasn’t easy for England, who initially struggled to break Panama down. Thomas Christiansen’s side even tested Jordan Pickford twice before Jude Bellingham scored and then assisted Harry Kane.

Erling Haaland’s World Cup Debut

A headline debut for Haaland, who scored his signature back-post goal and then pressed Iraq’s goalkeeper into gifting him a second. For Iraq, Aymen Hussein scored at either end in a forgettable showing.

Brazil’s Ancelotti Masterclass

A standout example of what many envisioned when Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti. They utilised their pace in behind to perfection, creating 0.86 xG from fast breaks and scoring twice — the joint-most by a team in the last three World Cups.

South Korea’s 86-Minute Wait

South Korea did not have a shot on target for 86 minutes and could have equalised with their first effort on goal. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu kept them in the game, but gifted Mexico the winner.

Croatia vs. Ghana: Modric’s Final Say

Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus. It felt fitting that Luka Modric had the final say, assisting Nikola Vlasic from a corner, but Ghana will feel a little hard done.

Canada’s Historic Moment

A potentially defining match for football in Canada after Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time winner sent them through to the last 16. Jesse Marsch’s side deserved it after a second-half surge led by Alphonso Davies’ first appearance at this tournament.

Credit to South Africa though — in possession, they looked a totally different team, conjuring sweeping moves from back to front. Their defenders made two goal-line clearances while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams came up with big saves.

Ecuador Finally Show Up

Ecuador struggled to put away chances in their first two games, but Nilson Angulo’s strike was excellent and Gonzalo Plata’s winner ensured Germany’s shortcomings were punished.

Brazil vs. Morocco: First Half Flair

The first half was entertaining. Brazil struggled to cope with Morocco’s flair, movement, and purpose, and Saibari’s goal was just reward. A moment of genius from Vinicius Junior drew them level. The second half, however, included both teams combining for eight shots and 117 possessions lost.

Iran vs. Belgium: Goalkeeping Heroics

A game of inconsistent football and great saves. Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand was crucial with seven stops, including an extraordinary point-blank block. Thibaut Courtois bailed out his defence with reflex saves too.

Messi at 39: Intelligence Over Mileage

At 39, Messi might not be the best player in the world anymore, but this was evidence that mileage can be made up for with intelligence. His performance had all the classic elements — passes from deep, quick one-touch plays, and three left-footed goals.

Switzerland Expose Canada’s Vulnerability

The first signs of vulnerability in the Canadian back line? Switzerland worked around them with ease to open the scoring, and their second goal was a case of judgement and goalkeeping both being poor. Promise David’s goal was delightfully executed, but this game raised questions for Jesse Marsch.

Sweden’s Overperformance

Sweden scored five goals from just 1.3 xG — the second-highest overperformance (+3.7) across the past three tournaments. Yasin Ayari had his own goal-of-the-tournament competition, and Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both scored from each other’s assists.

USA vs. Australia: First Half Rout

An enjoyable end-to-end affair where the first half felt like a rout, with Australia having as many shots as yellow cards — two, the same number of goals the United States had scored. The second half was more even but the damage was done.

The Middle Ranks: Games With Memorable Moments

Five Goals After the 70th Minute!

For 74 minutes, this game was goalless. But substitutes made their mark, making this the first game in World Cup history to feature five goals scored after the 70th minute. Enter Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas — the duo scored a goal apiece, Vargas set up Manzambi for a third, and there was still time for a Bosnian thunderbolt from Ermin Mahmic and a Granit Xhaka penalty.

Japan’s Clinical Performance

A clinical performance that oozed technical quality. Japan scored twice in each half and kept hapless Tunisia down to a shot apiece either side of the break.

Austria vs. Jordan: A Decent Fist

Austria play fluid, relentless football under Ralf Rangnick, but Jordan made a decent fist of their first World Cup match, creating nine chances despite having just 37% possession. It took an own goal from a set piece and a 102nd-minute penalty to win.

Qatar vs. Bosnia: Action-Packed

An action-packed first half with a brilliant Kerim Alajbegovic strike, an own goal, a vintage Hassan Al-Haydos goal, and two shots cannoning off the post. Things got more tense in the second half before Bosnia sealed it with a late third.

Iran vs. Egypt: Physical and Entertaining

Two goals, including an excellent acute-angle finish from Ramin Rezaeian, as well as a missed penalty in the opening 15 minutes set the tone for a physical, entertaining contest with 27 fouls and 26 shots. Iran had a late goal disallowed for offside but still could have won it.

DR Congo vs. Colombia: Goalkeeping Heroics

Another great goalkeeping performance, this time from DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi. Colombia peppered him with shots and had three goals disallowed before Daniel Munoz’s deflected strike finally beat him on 76 minutes. DR Congo’s aggressive defending was eventually worked around by Colombia’s rampaging side.

Egypt’s Memorable Comeback

Egypt’s first World Cup win was a memorable comeback, propelled by a second half in which they kept New Zealand down to four shots while racking up 13 and scoring three goals. Set pieces were a theme and both teams delivered.

Colombia vs. Uzbekistan: Entertaining Stuff

Colombia were one of the most entertaining teams in qualifying but were made to work hard by a disciplined Uzbekistan. Daniel Munoz’s goal was cancelled out, but Luis Diaz added to his assist with the go-ahead goal. Uzbekistan went close to an equaliser before Jaminton Campaz scored in stoppage time, immediately followed by a shot thundering back off the crossbar.

Paraguay vs. Turkey: Resilience Rewarded

There is joy in watching less-fancied teams battle adversity and succeed. Paraguay scored early, then lost Miguel Almiron to a red card for covering his mouth — a first — but remained resilient. Turkey attempted 32 shots, raising their tournament tally to 62, the most over two World Cup games without a goal scored since records began in 1966.

DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa Show

Eldor Shomurudov scored one of the goals of the tournament with a deft lob, and Nathanael Mbuku saw a well-taken equaliser disallowed. Up stepped Yoane Wissa, fresh off a difficult debut season at Newcastle United, to score his second and third goals of the tournament and turn the tide.

Ecuador vs. Curacao: Record-Breaking Saves

Ecuador had 27 shots worth 2.8 xG and 15 efforts on target. Eloy Room stood tall to make the most saves in a 90-minute World Cup match and secure a historic point for Curacao. It wasn’t all one-sided though — Curacao had 10 shots and forced some great saves too.

Spain vs. Cape Verde: The Instagram Phenomenon

This would have evoked annoying memories of previous tournaments for Spain. They struggled to up the ante without Lamine Yamal and could not break down a disciplined, shapeshifting defence. For Cape Verde, Vozinha was excellent at snuffing out chances on his way to becoming an Instagram phenomenon after one of the World Cup’s great results.

Senegal vs. France: Mbappe’s Stage

Senegal could and should have scored first, having disrupted France’s rhythm. They didn’t, and Mbappe punished them first before Barcola’s chipped finish moments after coming on. Senegal didn’t even get to celebrate a late consolation, with Mbappe thumping the ball home brilliantly from distance. This is his stage, and he put down an early marker.

The Upper Ranks: Where the Magic Happens

USA’s Perfect Host Performance

A perfect example of the immaculate vibes generated when a host team, backed by a boisterous crowd, absolutely coasts to victory. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song, and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection.

Mexico’s Azteca Glory

An even better example of the above. Mexico punished the Czech Republic’s sloppiness with aplomb after weathering their opponents’ good start, scoring all three goals in the second half. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came on late to participate in a sixth World Cup at age 40 and played a small part in the final goal.

Ivory Coast vs. Germany: Cutback Chaos

Franck Kessie and Deniz Undav scored from cutbacks into the box, but the chaos came from the number of opportunities from that same route that went begging. Both teams overcomplicated the basics for 93 minutes before Undav’s winner broke Ivorian hearts.

South Africa’s Historic Qualification

The game itself was not a classic, with chances at a premium. But for South Africa to leap from last place at kick-off up to second and qualify for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time in their history was incredible to witness. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute winner will surely attain cult status back home.

New Zealand vs. Iran: Cat and Mouse

Before Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, and Kane, there was Elijah Just. Two excellent goals, facilitated by classic No. 9 hold-up play from Chris Wood, meant New Zealand led twice. Iran responded both times in a classic cat-and-mouse game with 31 shots, 12 on target, and near-even possession.

Norway vs. Senegal: Haaland’s Counter

Had Senegal been more proactive or awarded a penalty late on, this could have gone differently. Before they could wake up, an Edouard Mendy error was punished by Marcus Pedersen before Haaland scored on the counter and then with a cushioned volley. Ismaila Sarr took both his goals brilliantly, even scoring while on the ground.

Netherlands vs. Sweden: Tactical Flexibility

This game was top-class entertainment, showcased both teams’ tactical flexibility, and could have ended with a very different scoreline. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo feasted off low crosses to each score twice, punctuating this as the World Cup of cutbacks. Sweden could have levelled things, and ended the game with more shots (16 to 10) and shots on target (eight to seven).

Australia vs: Turkey: Smash and Grab

The adrenaline from a smash-and-grab of this kind is difficult to match. Turkey attempted 30 shots, 12 of which were blocked — both the highest by a team across the past three World Cups. Australia had just nine shots but nearly matched Turkey’s xG. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe’s goals were top-drawer.

Colombia vs. Portugal: The Engaging 0-0

You will be hard-pressed to find a more engaging 0-0. Both teams’ stars came to play with top spot in Group K up for grabs, with the flair and technical quality on display making for a compelling watch with 37 shots. Colombia forced Diogo Costa into multiple great saves and had a late winner disallowed. But the save of the match came from 37-year-old Camilo Vargas to deny Bruno Fernandes.

Cape Verde’s Resilience Confirmed

If the draw against Spain was viewed as a one-off, this game emphatically reaffirmed Cape Verde’s resilience. Kevin Pina’s rocket set off an eruption of joy, only for Cape Verde to trail at half-time. To not only equalise but outshoot Uruguay 10-6 with 35% possession in the second half deserves a high spot on this list.

USA vs. Turkey: Dead Rubber, Live Emotion

Turkey were out of the tournament, while the USA had already secured top spot. But what could have been a dull dead rubber was instead an emotionally super-charged contest. The co-hosts scored in the third and 49th minutes. Turkey converted all three of their shots on target after failing to convert any of their previous 13 from 62 attempts.

Full Tilt Football

Tense, engaging, and a first sight of two top teams playing at full tilt for 90 minutes. This game is one of the reasons the best teams in a group should play on the first or second matchday, when the jeopardy and desperation are more palpable.

England Deliver Emphatically

Penalty (and a retake)? Check. Set-piece goal? Check. Two well-taken equalisers? Check. Lengthy passing sequence ending in a solo goal? Check. Barrage of attacks prompting one save after another? Check. Goal on the counter? Check. This game, unlike most England outings in recent tournaments, delivered emphatically.

Haiti vs. Chaos: Wilson Isidor’s Magic

Haiti, already embraced all hell breaking loose with a fast start. Their goals, including a best-of-the-tournament contender from Wilson Isidor, and the celebrations will be long remembered. They defended resolutely in the second half with goalkeeper Johny Placide forced into eight total saves. Morocco’s quality and desperation ultimately proved the difference.

Algeria vs. Austria: Dramatic, Bleak, Then Dramatic Again

Marko Arnautovic’s early goal seemed to throw a spanner in the works with both teams needing a draw. Algeria hit back with assistance from the corner flag and excellent dribbling by Rafik Belghali. Marcel Sabitzer put Austria ahead again and Riyad Mahrez made it 2-2. But from that point, the intensity dropped with both teams comfortable — until Houssem Aouar spied a gap and sent Mahrez through to score, sparking jubilation before Sasa Kalajdzic’s header confirmed a ridiculous ending.

Cape Verde Make History

Was this more entertaining than some games ranked below it? No. Do we care? Not in the slightest. Cape Verde are the smallest nation ever to make the World Cup knockout rounds, and they did so in a group that had Spain and Uruguay. The scenes after the full-time whistle were simultaneously moving and jubilant. This is the kind of unparalleled story and experience that makes the World Cup different from any other competition.

Key Takeaways from the Rankings

• Substitutes can change everything — the first game with five goals after the 70th minute proved that
• Goalkeeping heroics were a recurring theme throughout the tournament
• Underdogs shone — Cape Verde, DR Congo, and South Africa all had historic moments
• Set pieces and cutbacks were the defining tactical themes
• Messi continues to make history at 39, becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer
• Mbappe announced himself as the tournament’s biggest star with a hat-trick
• The host nations brought incredible energy and memorable performances

Summary

The Athletic’s ranking of every 2026 World Cup game tells the story of a tournament filled with drama, history, and unforgettable moments. From Scotland’s ugly-but-historic win at the bottom to Cape Verde’s fairy-tale knockout qualification at the top, every game contributed to the beautiful chaos that makes the World Cup the greatest sporting event on the planet. Whether it was Mbappe’s hat-trick, Messi’s record-breaking goals, or a 0-0 between Colombia and Portugal that somehow captivated the world, this tournament proved once again that football has no equal when it comes to storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did The Athletic decide the rankings?
A: The rankings are based on a combination of entertainment value, quality of football, drama, historical significance, and memorable moments. It’s subjective by nature — and that’s part of the fun!

Q: What was the lowest-ranked game?
A: Scotland’s first World Cup win in 36 years ranked near the bottom due to 44 fouls and only four shots on target from 24 attempts. Historic? Yes. Pretty? Not so much.

Q: Who was the standout player of the tournament?
A: Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a hat-trick and dominant performances, while Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 18 goals. Erling Haaland also made a memorable debut.

Q: What was the biggest surprise of the tournament?
A: Cape Verde becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds — in a group containing Spain and Uruguay — was the standout fairy-tale story.

Q: Why was the Colombia vs. Portugal 0-0 ranked so highly?
A: Because it was packed with flair, technical quality, 37 shots, incredible saves (including one from 37-year-old Camilo Vargas), and a late winner disallowed for the tightest of offsides. Sometimes a 0-0 can be more thrilling than a 5-4!