The World Cup, featuring the most teams ever, is moving towards its climax. With 48 teams participating, it’s been a challenge to keep track of everything.
Whether you call it football or soccer, the world’s attention has been on North America since the opening match, where Mexico defeated a nine-man South Africa team 2-0 on June 11.
Since then, the only constant has been the unending series of games, with Lionel Messi of Argentina being the standout player. There have been 94 matches played so far, with no breaks.
An impressive 275 goals have been scored, averaging 2.93 goals per game—the highest since the 1970 World Cup. Out of the initial 48 teams, 38 have been eliminated, leaving just nine in the competition.
As tomorrow marks the first day without a match, we’ll evaluate the performance of each country. Teams are ranked by total points earned throughout the tournament (three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss), with goal difference used to break ties.
France emerges as a strong favorite, boasting a squad filled with talent. Their forward line includes Ballon D’or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bayern Munich’s Michel Olise, and the remarkable Kylian Mbappe.
In the 2022 Qatar World Cup, France lost to Argentina, where Mbappe made history by scoring a hat trick in the final without winning the trophy.
Despite winning the Jules Rimet in 2018, Mbappe is determined to build a legacy, aiming to surpass the long-standing shadow of Messi. France edged out Paraguay in the round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory and is set to face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday, July 9.
The reigning champions, France, are still in contention to defend their title, though they had a close call against Cape Verde. The African team pushed them to extra time before a deflected goal in the 111th minute secured France’s win.
Argentina, with Lionel Messi’s extraordinary performances, continues to impress. Messi has scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches and is the first player to net 20 goals across five tournaments.
Argentina will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals as Messi seeks to add another chapter to his illustrious career.
Spain showed their strength in the round of 16 with a last-minute goal from Mikel Merino, eliminating Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In 2018, Spain exited the World Cup in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco. This year, they look more resilient.
Uniquely, there are no Real Madrid players on the Spanish squad, a decision that appears to be benefiting manager Luis de la Fuente’s strategy.
Spain is set to face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday.
England remains hopeful of international glory, thanks in part to the talents of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid.
The Three Lions overcame Mexico in a dramatic round of 16 match. Despite being down to ten men following Jarell Quansah’s red card, England triumphed 3-2 at the Azteca.
Could Germany’s Thomas Tuchel become the first foreign manager to win the World Cup for another country? They will face Norway in a quarter-final match on Saturday.
Norway has emerged as a surprise package, defeating Brazil 2-1, thanks to Erling Haaland, now the nation’s top World Cup goalscorer.
Haaland, in peak form, is leading Norway’s historic campaign. Their unique ‘viking row’ celebration has also captured fans’ hearts.
Norway will need all their fighting spirit when they face England in a quarter-final showdown on Saturday.
Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ isn’t done yet, pushing for the ultimate World Cup victory. This tournament marks the last for many of their seasoned stars.
They dispatched the USA 4-1, despite controversies involving President Donald Trump, who lobbied to overturn a red card for American striker Folarin Balogun.
Belgium now faces Spain in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash, aiming for their first World Cup win.
Morocco made a significant impact with a draw against Brazil, later causing major upsets by eliminating the Netherlands and defeating Canada decisively.
Entering the tournament as reigning AFCON champions, Morocco seems well-synced and could pose a real threat to France in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland advanced from their group undefeated, securing wins over Canada and Bosnia and a draw against Qatar.
With goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, they overcame Algeria 2-0. Switzerland now faces Colombia in the round of 16, with a potential quarter-final match against Argentina on the horizon.
Colombia secured their round of 16 spot by defeating Ghana 1-0. Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz was a constant threat, despite a disallowed goal. Jhon Arias scored the winning goal, ending Ghana’s campaign.