FIFA Rankings After the 2026 World Cup: Norway Storm, Brazil in Turmoil

Following the completion of the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, significant changes occurred in the FIFA world rankings. Norway, drawing attention with its performance in the tournament, defeated Brazil 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. This historic victory earned Norway 33.61 points, the highest among the teams that advanced to the quarter-finals from the Round of 16. With this result, Norway surpassed Uruguay to claim the 19th spot in the rankings. Thus, climbing exactly 12 places since the beginning of the tournament, they became the highest-climbing team in the competition.

The performance of Norway's star player Erling Haaland played a major role in this success, carrying his team to the quarter-finals. For Brazil, however, this defeat was a huge disappointment and meant an early exit from the tournament. With this result, Brazil finished the cup in 11th place, equaling the second-worst performance in their history. While the situation is concerning for the South American giant, Norway fans are looking to the future with great hopes with this golden generation. All teams eliminated in the Round of 16 were deprived of ranking points.

Belgium experienced another notable rise in the rankings. The European team drew attention by defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. This resounding victory, featuring a flurry of goals, earned Belgium 21.84 points. Thanks to these points, Belgium managed to surpass the Netherlands and rise to the 8th spot in the FIFA rankings. Other European giants that advanced to the quarter-finals in the tournament also solidified their positions by earning significant points in the rankings.

England and Spain were the other major teams that strengthened their rankings by reaching the quarter-finals. England advanced to the next round by defeating host Mexico 3-2 in front of a passionate crowd at the historic Azteca Stadium, adding 20.42 points to their performance. Spain, on the other hand, defeated its neighbor Portugal 1-0 and left the pitch with 20.06 points. Both European giants cemented their positions as favorites in the quarter-final matchups with these consistent performances.

In the top 10 of the current FIFA rankings, only one change was observed, which was Belgium overtaking the Netherlands. Leader France collected some points among the teams advancing to the quarter-finals, maintaining its top spot with 1925.86 points. They are followed by Argentina with 1925.15 points, reducing the gap between the two superpowers to just 71 points. Brazil, in fifth place, sees its position in jeopardy if Morocco manages to upset France in the quarter-finals. While the tournament excitement continues at full speed in the quarter-final stage, the results of these matches will completely change the future outlook of the rankings.