From one to 48: Every World Cup team ranked after first game

All 48 teams at the World Cup have now played once. BBC Sport's experts have ranked them all, from best to worst. Who is top? Not defending champions Argentina.

With the first round of group stage matches completed, all 48 teams at the World Cup have made their debut. BBC Sport's panel of experts has ranked every team from best to worst based on their opening performance. Surprisingly, defending champions Argentina are not at the top, sparking widespread discussion. The team sitting at number one displayed dominant form, securing a convincing victory while excelling in both attack and defense. Their fluid attacking play and solid defensive organization left a strong impression. In contrast, Argentina, despite having superstar Lionel Messi, struggled in their opener and could only manage second place. Teams ranked third to tenth also showed considerable quality. Traditional powerhouses like Brazil, France, and England all won their matches but revealed some weaknesses. Brazil's attack remains lethal, but their defense had occasional lapses; France controlled midfield well but lacked efficiency up front; England relied on the energy of young players to secure their win. The middle tier is highly competitive. Fancied sides such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands did not win by large margins but performed steadily. Meanwhile, surprise packages like Japan and Saudi Arabia troubled stronger opponents with resolute defending and swift counter-attacks, even causing upsets. Lower-ranked teams generally suffered heavy defeats, highlighting the gap between them and the elite. These sides struggled in tactics, physicality, and experience, making progression from the group a tough challenge. However, the beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability, and they still have chances to prove themselves in subsequent games. Experts caution that first-game rankings do not fully reflect a team's true strength. As the tournament progresses, form and tactical adjustments will play crucial roles. For instance, Argentina in 2010 had a poor start but reached the semi-finals. Fans should reserve judgment, as the real drama is yet to unfold. Overall, the opening round has been thrilling, featuring both solid displays from favorites and dazzling performances from underdogs. The second round of group matches will be even more critical, as teams battle for knockout spots. Who will rise to the occasion? Let's wait and see.

From one to 48: Every World Cup team ranked after first game

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