World Cup 2026 overview: How are teams doing so far?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory. With the expanded 48-team format bringing more nations into the competition, the group stage has produced new challengers, surprising results and renewed questions about the traditional balance of power in international football.

Some of football’s biggest nations have shown why they remain favourites, while several smaller teams have demonstrated that the gap between the elite and the rest continues to shrink.

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The biggest football nations entered the tournament with high expectations, and many have justified their status.

France national football team have once again looked like one of the strongest sides in the competition. Their combination of attacking talent, physical strength and tournament experience has kept them among the favourites. Recent rankings after the group stage placed France at the top of several power assessments.

Argentina national football team have also remained competitive. The reigning world champions continue to benefit from a strong tactical structure and the influence of Lionel Messi, who remains one of the tournament’s biggest stories.

Other major nations such as England, Brazil and Portugal have shown quality but have also faced questions about consistency. The message so far is clear: talent alone is not enough. The teams that combine individual quality with tactical discipline are the ones progressing.

Europe’s strong showing

European teams have generally performed well. Several European sides have looked organised and prepared. Spain and the Netherlands have received praise for their technical quality, while teams like Switzerland and Norway have continued to show why they are difficult opponents.

The biggest surprise has been that many European “second-tier” nations are no longer simply trying to survive. They are competing.

Norway and the rise of the new contenders

Norway has been one of the most interesting teams to watch.

After missing major tournaments for decades, Norway returned with a squad built around global stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Their progress also reflects a shift in international football — elite players are no longer concentrated only among the traditional football giants.

Africa making a historic impact

One of the biggest stories of the tournament has been Africa’s performance. Nine out of ten African teams progressed to the knockout stage, a record achievement that highlights the continent’s growing strength and competitiveness.

Teams including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa have shown that African football development has reached a new level. Their success is connected to years of investment in youth development, coaching and infrastructure. African teams are no longer viewed only as dangerous outsiders — many are now legitimate tournament threats.

The biggest surprises

Cape Verde emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after an impressive group-stage performance.

The tournament has also shown that defensive organisation remains a powerful equaliser. Teams with fewer famous players have compensated through structure, discipline and tactical preparation.

Looking ahead

The biggest question is whether the established powers will regain control or whether new contenders can continue the trend of surprises.

France, Argentina and other traditional favourites still have the quality to go all the way. But teams like Norway, Switzerland and several emerging nations have shown that this World Cup may belong to more than just the usual names.

The 2026 tournament has already delivered one important lesson: the world of international football is becoming more competitive — and there are fewer easy matches than ever before.

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