Argentina stumble in power rankings as France, Spain advance

The World Cup has become a high-stakes battlefield, with the equation growing tougher for the game's traditional powers as the knockout rounds progress. Two round-of-16 fixtures have already delivered quarter-final berths for Morocco and France, while heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have already been eliminated from the tournament.

Against this backdrop of shocks and shifting fortunes, football analysts have released an updated power ranking based on team performance, ability and expectations — one that sees defending champions Argentina slip after a nervy win over Cape Verde.

Here is a look at where the top sides stand

1. France (unchanged): Didier Deschamps' side remain unbeaten at this World Cup. Kylian Mbappe's relentless scoring and the team's sharp tactical execution have made Les Bleus nearly untouchable. After a strong group-stage goal haul, France thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32. Mbappe's penalty against Paraguay kept him at the top of the Golden Boot race, taking his career World Cup tally to 19 goals.

2. Spain (up): La Roja stumbled with a goalless draw against Cape Verde at the start of the tournament, but have returned to their best form since Lamin Yamal recovered from injury. After beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, Spain demolished Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, signalling clear title intent.

3. Argentina (down): Lionel Messi remains Argentina's central force, but the defending champions were made to sweat by Cape Verde. Messi's 20th World Cup goal came in regulation time, yet the match went to extra time before Cristian Romero's 111th-minute strike secured a 3-2 win and spared the champions an upset. That shaky performance against a side ranked outside the top 50 cost Argentina a spot in the power rankings.

4. Portugal (up): Portugal endured a difficult group stage, but Roberto Martinez's side beat a tough Croatia side 2-1 in the round of 32. A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, combined with a stoppage-time Croatia goal being ruled out by VAR, lifted Portugal to fourth in the rankings.

5. Brazil (unchanged): Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil were made to work hard against Japan in the round of 32. Trailing at half-time, the Selecao were rescued by a Casemiro equaliser and a dramatic 95th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli. Despite the win, Brazil remain at fifth, having yet to show their best form.

6. England (down): Thomas Tuchel's England had a scare against DR Congo, trailing until the 68th minute before captain Harry Kane emerged as saviour. Kane's brace in the final 15 minutes spared England's blushes. Questions remain over how their underwhelming form will hold up against Mexico at altitude in the Azteca.

Further down the list: Morocco (7), Mexico (8), Norway (9), United States (10), Belgium (11), Colombia (12), Switzerland (13), Egypt (14).