2026 World Cup Quarterfinals Power Rankings: Who's Still Standing?

The stage is set for the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with eight teams remaining in the running for the coveted title. As we reflect on the thrilling round of 16 matches, one thing is clear: the competition is heating up, and only the strongest will make it to the finish line. In this article, we'll delve into the latest power rankings from the FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew, examining the top contenders and what they mean for the tournament.

Background & Context

The 2026 World Cup has been a wild ride so far, with upsets and close calls galore. From Switzerland's dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia to Norway's historic advancement to the quarterfinals, the tournament has been full of surprises. As we enter the quarterfinals, the stakes are higher than ever, and the competition is fierce.

The FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew, comprising Melissa Ortiz, Maurice Edu, Brad Guzan, and Sacha Kljestan, has been analyzing the teams and their performances throughout the tournament. Their power rankings provide a fascinating insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and which ones are likely to make it to the final.

Key Details

According to the FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew, the top four teams in the power rankings are Argentina, England, France, and Morocco. However, it's the bottom four teams that provide the most interesting storylines. Switzerland, which was ranked eighth, has been a dark horse in the tournament, impressing with its 3-2-0 record. Belgium, on the other hand, has been on a hot streak, winning three consecutive matches after a shaky start.

Norway occupies the No. 6 position, with unanimous consent from the World Cup NOW crew. The team's historic advancement to the quarterfinals has been a highlight of the tournament, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in its round of 16 win over Brazil. Haaland's impressive form has earned him a spot in the Golden Boot race, and Norway's chances of making it to the final are looking increasingly strong.

For the No. 5 spot, the crew agreed on Morocco, which has been an impressive team throughout the tournament. Its 3-0 win over Canada in the round of 16 was a highlight, and its penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the round of 32 was a testament to its determination and skill.

The debate shifted as the panel examined the top four teams, with a close comparison between England and Argentina. "Our decision between number three and number four was tough, because I think England has also shown championship quality, and so I think there's a small separation between the one and two teams and the three and four teams," Kljestan said.

Edu pointed to England's recent performance with its 3-2 win over Mexico to show how close the margin was between the two sides. "The biggest to me, between Argentina and England, because I was at that game in Mexico City, England were impressive to be able to do what hadn't been done since 2013 in a competitive match at the Azteca, which is to win, there was impressive," Edu said.

What Experts Say

The FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew's power rankings provide a fascinating insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each team. According to Edu, Belgium's ability to score in bunches has been a key factor in its success. "Belgium has shown that it can score a lot of goals, but it's also shown that it can be vulnerable early in matches," Edu said.

Kljestan agreed, noting that Switzerland's performance has been impressive, but its reliance on penalty shootouts has been a concern. "Switzerland has been a dark horse in the tournament, but its reliance on penalty shootouts has been a worry," Kljestan said.

Ortiz added that Morocco should not be taken lightly, citing its impressive win over Canada in the round of 16. "Morocco has been an impressive team throughout the tournament, and its win over Canada was a highlight," Ortiz said.

Key Takeaways

• The FOX Sports World Cup NOW crew's power rankings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each team, with Argentina, England, France, and Morocco occupying the top four spots.
• Belgium has been on a hot streak, winning three consecutive matches after a shaky start, but its vulnerability early in matches has been a concern.
• Norway's historic advancement to the quarterfinals has been a highlight of the tournament, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in its round of 16 win over Brazil.
• Morocco has been an impressive team throughout the tournament, with its 3-0 win over Canada in the round of 16 being a highlight.

What This Means For You

The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals are shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. With the top four teams vying for the title, and the bottom four teams looking to pull off upsets, anything can happen. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just tuning in for the excitement, the quarterfinals are sure to deliver.

As the tournament heats up, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Argentina, England, France, or Morocco emerge as the champions, or will one of the dark horses pull off a stunning upset? One thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals are going to be an unforgettable experience.

So, grab your favorite snacks, gather your friends and family, and get ready to cheer on your favorite teams. The quarterfinals are just around the corner, and it's going to be a wild ride!