Curacao Rise as Germany Tops Day Four World Cup Rankings 2026
The world cup rankings 2026 shifted again after day four, and Curacao climbed despite getting thrashed 7-1 by Germany. The update also put Germany, Sweden and Ivory Coast among the day’s winners, while Spain and France were judged the strongest teams on paper.
Germany, Sweden and Ivory Coast
Germany’s 7-1 rout of Curacao was the clearest result feeding the re-ranking. Curacao still moved up in The Athletic’s list, which made the move the strangest line in an update built around all 48 teams after day four.
Sweden and Ivory Coast were also placed among the winners from the day. That left the rankings rewarding teams that handled their business and, in Curacao’s case, a side that the list still viewed more favorably even after a heavy loss.
Spain and France Lead
Spain and France sat at the top of the paper assessment. Spain’s only obvious issue was Lamine Yamal’s fitness, with the player expected to feature during the group stage and possibly in Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde later that day.
France’s case rested on depth. Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki all gave them attacking options that kept them in the strongest-on-paper tier.
Argentina, England and Brazil
Argentina remained under Lionel Scaloni, with the reigning champions from Qatar in 2022 still carrying the status built by the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles. Lionel Messi was listed as the GOAT and would turn 39 during the tournament, a reminder of how much experience still sits at the center of their case.
England’s squad left out Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, yet Harry Kane finished the season with successive hat-tricks and Ollie Watkins scored six goals in five club games. England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final tournament warm-up game, giving the rankings another team whose paper case looks stronger than the squad list alone might suggest.
Brazil entered the update after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, with Carlo Ancelotti making two half-time changes and Vinicius Jr scoring with an emphatic finish. They can still top Group C with Haiti and Scotland to follow, but the rankings already showed how quickly one opening draw can complicate the picture in a 48-team tournament.
