The business end of the FIFA World Cup is well underway with the Round of 16 concluding and the Round of 8 (quarterfinals being finalised). While some of the all-time favourites such as Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands are out of the reckoning, a few of the usual suspects – defending champion Argentina, last World Cup finals’ runner-up France, Spain, and England are still in contention. France takes on Morocco in the first of the quarterfinals on Friday (India time: 12:30 AM). 

The table below looks at the teams that have made it to the quarterfinals and how they have fared in comparison to their pre-tournament rankings measured in terms of Elo Ratings. The Elo system, similar to the method used in chess, rates teams by looking at their relative records against other teams. It is useful as a standardised rating and a better tool for analysis than the FIFA rankings, whose methodologies have changed in the course of time. 

The Top 4 teams, in terms of Elo Ratings, at the start of the tournament, Spain, Argentina, France and England – in that order – still remain in contention. All four of them have improved their Elo ratings, thanks to their record, with France making the highest increase – 80 points. Despite this increase, France still remains third in Elo, with Argentina narrowly ahead in second spot. Of the remaining four in the quarterfinals – Morocco, Belgium, Switzerland and Norway, the North African team made the biggest leap with 94 points, to jump 12 slots in the rankings to the 12th place in the world today. The other three also registered jumps. 

On Elo alone, Spain, Argentina, France and England would be the favourites to lift the trophy.

While Elo ratings are measured based on relative performance, it is useful to look at actual footballing performance in terms of goals scored and conceded to analyse the performance of the quarterfinalists. 

A look at the raw numbers in the above table shows France setting the pace, scoring 14 goals across games and conceding just two, for a goal difference of +12 and registering a goals-difference of 2.4 per game.Spain and Argentina followed on 1.8, by contrasting routes. Spain’s was thanks to a stellar defence which ensured that they registered clean sheets in every game – no team has scored against La Furia Roja all tournament. Argentina scored as many goals as France – 14, but they also conceded five (two against Egypt which almost upset the defending champions). Belgium had an average goals-difference of 1.6, while England and Morocco’s mark was 1.2. Norway had the lowest average goal-difference of 0.6, having conceded nine goals in five games. 

While Elo ratings and actual goals are useful in ranking the quarterfinalists by relative strength and outcomes respectively, it is necessary also to look at how well a team has actually played. This can be based on key parameters such as the quality of the chances that it created or denied and also on how clinically those chances were converted into goals. This is where “expected goals” or xG, a new metric, helps. It assigns every scoring chance a value between 0 and 1 – the probability that a shot from that position and situation would, on average be converted – weighing other factors such as where the shot was taken, the type of pass or move that created it and the defensive pressure exerted by the defender on the shot-taker. Over a match, a team’s xG is the sum of the number of goals that the chances merited. The difference between this figure and the actual score is a good way to gauge the quality of finishing. 

xG is modelled and different agencies – Opta, FIFA itself and other independent trackers build their models based on different data and assumptions and so xG values differ for each tracker. In the below table, we use RealGM’s expected-goals tracker. XGoals(Sum) gives the total of xG for all games for each team, XGoals(Ave), the average and XGoalsA(Ave), the average for the opposite team. XGoalsDiff = XGoals(Ave) – XGoalsA(Ave).

In terms of xG, Spain moves to the front of the list with an expected-goals differential of +1.69, thanks largely to their stellar defence that limited opponents to an expected-goals figure of just 0.31, the lowest in the tournament for any team. Spain does it unconventionally, its game is not predicated necessarily on defence or defensive tactics such as “parking the bus” (i.e. deploying all its players in defensive positions well within their half). The team has maintained a strong defence thanks to its controlling the possession game (65.8% according to FbRef.com) and rarely allowing the opposition to get to the ball, limiting chances to score. Argentina (+1.59), France (+1.33) round off the top three, with the Albiceleste leading in total XGoals (10.94), thanks largely to its talisman Lionel Messi who has scored eight goals – the highest – in the tournament. The Kylian Mbappe-headlined France is not far behind in XGoals (10.3). Belgium has also created far more goal scoring chances with 10.68 XGoals, but it has also allowed the opposition higher leeway to score.

In sum, France has made the most of the chances that it has created in the tournament, while Spain has been spectacular on defence but somewhat lacking in efficiency in converting chances to actual goals. Argentina’s defence has been just second best to Spain, but the fact that it has conceded more goals speaks to some of the extraordinary ones scored against them (Sidny Cabral’s screamer for Cabo Verde and Zico’s goals off outstanding wing work by Egypt’s forwards come to mind). RealGM’s data shows that the Argentina vs Egypt match had xGoals estimate of 2.8 for Argentina and just 0.98 for Egypt (the actual score was 3-2). 

The three teams – Spain, France and Argentina are clearly the favourites based on their strong play in the tournament with Switzerland, England, Morocco and Belgium bunched up with near equal XGoalsDiff but in different ways (Morocco has the stingiest defence of this lot). Norway’s defence makes it the weak link of the quarterfinalists but it also possesses a lethal forward in Erling Haaland who has helped create chances. 

(With inputs from Devyanshi Bihani. Expected Goals data thanks to RealGM.com)

Published – July 09, 2026 07:59 pm IST

A child touches a replica of the World Cup trophy in Mexico
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre reacts during the World Cup Group A soccer match against South Africa in Mexico City, on June 11, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP

South Korean fans react ahead of the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Korea and Czechia in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 11, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

The second Group A clash between South Korea and Czechia at the Estadio Guadalajara stadium.

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11, 2026.

In Focus Podcast | FIFA World Cup preview: Who will take home the trophy?

The Group A clash saw three red cards (two for South Africa, one for Mexico) in the second half. Julian Quinones scored for Mexico in the 9th minute at the majestic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where more than 114,000 people watched Diego Maradona’s Argentina beat West Germany in a five-goal thriller to lift the World Cup in 1986.

Follow the live updates here

The race to FIFA World Cup 2026 is gathering pace as 48 teams prepare to battle for football’s biggest prize across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Scheduled from June 11 to July 19, the biggest football is set to be played by 48 teams across over 100 match fixtures.

Essentially, Group ‘L’ includes England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Group L features a compelling mix of experience and emerging talent, headlined by England captain Harry Kane, Croatia veteran Luka Modrić and Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus. While England and Croatia are widely tipped to progress from the group, Ghana have the quality to spring a surprise, and Panama is put against a challenging will be eager to upset the odds.

The list below contains the official squad members of all four teams in Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

England

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico Oreilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ivan Toney, Noni Madueke

Croatia

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski

Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Erlic

Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Toni Fruk, Luka Sucic

Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic, Igor Matanovic, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa

Ghana

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare

Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Abdul Mumin, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya

Midfielders: Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye

Forwards: Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Prince Adu

Panama

Goalkeepers: Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio, Orlando Mosquera

Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jose Cordoba, Fidel Escobar, Edgardo Farina, Jiovany Ramos, Carlos Harvey, Eric Davis, Andres Andrade, Amir Murillo, Roderick Miller, Jorge Gutierrez

Midfielders: Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Ismael Diaz, Edgar Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Anibal Godoy, Cesar Yanis

Forwards: Tomas Rodriguez, Jose Fajardo, Cecilio Waterman, Azarias Londoño

Published – June 10, 2026 03:20 pm IST

The countdown is underway for the biggest football event in the globe, FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 48 teams across more than 100 match fixtures. The globetrotting event, jointly hosted by Canada, United States of America, and Mexico, is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Significantly, the standout players in group ‘K’ remains Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandez, and Rafael Leao, among others. Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, and Congo DR are part of group ‘K’. While Portugal and Colombia are favourites to advance from group ‘K’, DR Congo and World Cup debutants Uzbekistan could be the surprise packages.

The below list accounts official players by the respective teams in group ‘K’ for the 2026 FIFA world cup:

Portugal full squad list

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva

Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Samu Costa, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: Matheus Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Franciso Trincao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Franciso Conceicao

Uzbekistan full squad list

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev

Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Avazbek Ulmasaliyev, Jakhongir Urozov

Midfielders: Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Sherzod Esanov

Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Azizbek Amonov, Igor Sergeev

Colombia full squad list

Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero

Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Gustavo, Puerta, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Davinson Sanchez

Midfielders: Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Quinterno

Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Cucho Hernandez, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suarez, Andres Gomez

Congo DR full squad list

Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Steve Kapaudi, Axel Tuanzebe, Dylan Batubinsika, Joris Kayembe, Chancel Mbemba, Gedeon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku

Midfielders: Ngalayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Theo Bongonda, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe ‘

Forwards: Brian Cipenga, Gael Kakuta, Meschack Elia, Cedric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza

Published – June 10, 2026 03:16 pm IST

Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) gets control of the ball as Iceland midfielder Kristian Hlynsson (20) defends during the second half of an international friendly soccer match in Auburn, Ala., on June 9, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Butch Dill

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Panama City, Panama – May 26, 2026
People pose for a picture with a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy on the Cinta Costera REUTERS/Enea Lebrun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
| Photo Credit: Enea Lebrun

FIFA had initially sought about $100 ​million for the ‌India package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before slashing its asking ‌price to $60 million. Representational image of the FIFA World Cup trophy at a museum
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth and likely final World Cup will be the first for the Portugal great since he left Europe to play in Saudi Arabia.

The surprise move in late 2022 shocked many in the football world and prompted widespread doubts about whether his form would be affected by facing lower-level competition.

But Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February, has dismissed any notion of a drop in performance going into next month’s showcase event. And, to help make his case, the goals have kept coming, both for Al Nassr and with Portugal.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said Ronaldo is as hungry as ever and doesn’t see any signs that the star forward has slowed down after moving to Saudi Arabia.

“He keeps performing and he keeps showing his value and he keeps showing that (he) is important for the national team,” Martínez said. “To have that hunger when you’ve won everything in the game is quite remarkable. And that’s without getting away from the fact that to be in the national team you need to be somebody that can help the team now and not with what you’ve done in the past.”

Ronaldo’s records

Ronaldo and his longtime rival Lionel Messi are set to reach the milestone of playing in six World Cups. Ronaldo is the all-time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men’s national team. He is also the only man to have scored in five World Cups.

“Even though he’s the captain, even though probably he’s achieved what no other player in world football has achieved, which is the number of games for the national team, over 225 appearances, just with that number is a uniqueness about what he brings, but I think he has the same demands as any other player in the national team,” Martínez said.

Ronaldo made the move to Saudi Arabia in the middle of the 2022-23 season after his latest stint with Manchester United, rejecting other offers to take up a reported salary of $200 million a year and “give a different vision of this country and football.” Ronaldo said at the time his work in Europe was done and he was ready for a “new challenge.”

Criticism immediately began to pour in, with many fans and pundits not liking what appeared to be his choice of taking the big Saudi money instead of continuing his career in elite football. Some said he was virtually retiring from competitive football.

Ronaldo has constantly praised the Saudi league, though, saying it’s better than both the French and the Portuguese leagues. He said those who criticise him should go there and try to compete in temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) and keep performing like he has.

“I don’t need to speak because they can say whatever they want, but the numbers don’t lie,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Piers Morgan last year. “They’ve never been here, they’ve never played here … For me it’s (easier) to score in Spain than score in Saudi (league).”

Ronaldo’s move away from Europe did not appear to affect his performances on the international stage with Portugal. He has kept playing at a high level since then, scoring 25 goals in his last 30 games with the national team.

Ronaldo went scoreless in five European Championship games in 2024 as Portugal reached the quarterfinals. In 2025, about two and a half years after he started playing in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League title, with one of his eight goals in the competition coming in the final against Spain.

Maintaining fitness

Ronaldo has maintained a top-notch physical condition despite just having turned 41. He was hindered by a hamstring injury sustained in late February but recovered quickly. On May 7, he scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in his 105th league appearance for Al Nassr, which has a chance to win its first league title since 2019.

“All the efforts (Cristiano) makes and what he does on the pitch, which he has experienced more than all of us together, which he puts in every day and every game, is unique,” João Félix, Ronaldo’s teammate with both Al Nassr and Portugal, told the Saudi Pro League earlier this year. “And that we see him, at 40 years old, doing what he does, only gives us more motivation.”

Ronaldo scored 14 goals in 16 matches in his debut season in Saudi Arabia in 2022-23. In his first full season, he netted 35 goals in 31 games, setting a new scoring record in the league. Al Nassr won its first Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 thanks to a pair of goals by Ronaldo in the final.

In the 2024-25 season, Ronaldo scored 25 goals in 30 matches, and so far this season he has found the net 26 times in 29 appearances. He was the league’s top scorer in both of his first two full seasons, and now is five goals shy of Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Ronaldo has said this will definitely be his last attempt at winning the World Cup, but it remains unclear for how long he will continue playing.

His coach with Portugal knows better not to make any guesses.

“It’s difficult for me to say, because obviously I’ve learned very quickly not to predict the future with Cristiano, just because he’s got this elite brain about being the best that he can be today,” Martínez said. “And I’m thinking if you ask him, he’ll tell you the same. He doesn’t make plans.”

Published – May 13, 2026 04:06 pm IST