FIFA World Cup 2026 Power Rankings: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal fail to convince; USMNT closing in on top 10

The first phase of the 2026 World Cup is now over as 32 teams qualified for the knockout phase. The field consists of the 12 group winners, the 12 runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. It's a fixed bracket, no redraws or swaps so every team in the field knows what their path to the final is and who they'll have to beat to stay alive down through the rounds.

Lionel Messi and Argentina, as well as Kylian Mbappe and France, look like the best teams out there, while the U.S. men's national team continue to dream big.

The top teams are still delivering and there are not many changes at the top of our power rankings, but things became much more interesting in the middle of the 32 teams, as there were some huge disappointments in the first phase, like Uruguay or Turkiye, that completely changed our rankings compared to the ones before the tournament. Here is how all the teams stack up ahead of the knockout stages: 

World Cup Power Rankings: Portugal, Ronaldo fail to convince Francesco Porzio 1 min read

Power Rankings: Ohio State and Miami remain above the chaos Brandon Marcello 1 min read

Top 25 and 1 coaches: No. 1 Hurley is undisputed; Izzo aging like fine wine David Cobb 8 min read

A Taylor-made landing spot for star RB, plus Week 7 game balls and gaffes Tyler Sullivan 12 min read

How the Rays fixed Peralta after trade -- and it starts at the very beginning Mike Axisa 8 min read

Despite reports, lobbying, time isn't right for Manning to take Colts' reins Brad Crawford 2 min read

WNBA Finals MVP rankings: A clear favorite, but this battle is far from over Jack Maloney 5 min read

NFL Week 7 grades: Browns' QB call paying off; Seahawks win reunion John Breech 19 min read

Packers lash out at officiating following loss to Lions: 'It's bulls--it' Jordan Dajani 4 min read

CBS Sports 138: Miami the unanimous No. 1; UCLA keeps rising in rankings Chip Patterson 5 min read