The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and The Athletic is ranking every match, from worst to best. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 games so far, with commentary and analysis from an expert perspective.
Group L, England 4-2 Croatia: A thrilling encounter with penalties, set-piece goals, and a barrage of attacks. England delivered an emphatic performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical versatility.
Group D, Australia 2-0 Turkey: An adrenaline-fueled smash-and-grab, with Australia's goalkeeper Patrick Beach making crucial saves. The match featured a high number of shots and a balanced xG, highlighting the quality of both teams.
Group G, Iran 2-2 New Zealand: A classic cat-and-mouse game with 31 shots and a near-even possession split. New Zealand's hold-up play and excellent goals were countered by Iran's resilience, making it a highly entertaining match.
Group D, USA 4-1 Paraguay: The host team's immaculate performance, backed by a boisterous crowd, showcased the talent of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Gio Reyna. The USA's dominance and efficient finishing made it a perfect example of a host team's potential.
Group I, France 3-1 Senegal: Kylian Mbappe's early marker and a brilliant solo goal showcased his stage presence. Senegal's disruption of France's rhythm and their late consolation attempt made it a competitive match.
Group H, Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: A disciplined defensive display from Cape Verde, snuffing out Spain's chances, became an Instagram sensation. The match evoked memories of previous draws for Spain, highlighting the importance of a solid defense.
Group D, Turkey 0-1 Paraguay: Paraguay's early goal and resilience despite a red card for Miguel Almiron showcased their ability to battle adversity. Turkey's high shot attempts and lack of goals scored made it a memorable match.
Group B, Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina: A game with five goals scored after the 70th minute, featuring substitutes making their mark. Switzerland's fluid play and goal-scoring prowess, coupled with Bosnia's resilience, made it an entertaining match.
Group K, Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia: Colombia's entertaining and disciplined performance, despite a strong first-half showing from Uzbekistan, showcased their ability to adapt and score crucial goals.
Group A, Mexico 1-0 South Korea: A match with a significant first-half dominance by South Korea, who failed to convert their chances. Mexico's goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's crucial save kept them in the game, leading to a memorable victory.
These rankings provide a glimpse into the excitement and unpredictability of the 2026 World Cup, with each match offering unique insights and memorable moments.
