MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 24: A fan of Mexico looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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Wednesday brought us the first series of final group stage matches, and we saw 12 teams give their last impressions before either making it into the second round or boarding the nearest plane to go home.

How did it shake up the ever-evolving power rankings?

Group B

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Switzerland proved they were the best team of the quartet by beating Canada, forcing the hosts to now pivot their path to Los Angeles on Sunday instead of getting to play their next game in Vancouver. Bosnia-Herzegovina did what they needed to do by beating Qatar 3-1 and making it to the knockouts for the first time. Qatar, as predicted, ends as one of the worst teams at the World Cup, only saved by the mess going on with Tunisia.

Group C

Brazil smashed Scotland, while Haiti, fighting another monster, put up a heroic effort against Morocco before falling to the stronger team. While Morocco and Brazil will continue on as legitimate contenders for the title, Scotland is now in limbo, needing help to make it to the Round of 32. And even if they do make it through, do they deserve it? You could argue Haiti has looked better.

Group A

Congratulations to Mexico, who won all three of their matches without conceding a single goal. While it wasn't the toughest group or did Mexico pull off their flawless stage in the sexiest of fashions, results matter. Also, Mexico, unlike Canada, now have a path in the knockouts in their home country, where we could be looking at a battle between Mexico and England in Mexico City in the Round of 16. How amazing would that be?

Oh, and South Korea plummeted like a heavy rock in the sea after their performance against South Africa. From one of the most creative teams on the first match day to looking like husks of themselves on the last.

More news: Mexico’s World Cup Group Stage Report Card: A Defensive Masterclass

Mexico's players gather around goalkeeper #13 Guillermo Ochoa after winning the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between the Czech Republic and Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 24, 2026. (Photo by Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP via Getty Images)

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More news: Brazil’s World Cup Group Stage Report Card: It’s Vinicius Jr.’s Time

The World Cup Power Rankings (After Day 14)

  1. France
  2. Argentina
  3. Netherlands
  4. Japan
  5. United States of America
  6. Norway
  7. Brazil
  8. Germany
  9. Spain
  10. Mexico
  11. England
  12. Colombia
  13. Morocco
  14. Ivory Coast
  15. Portugal
  16. Switzerland
  17. Canada
  18. Australia
  19. Sweden
  20. Egypt
  21. Ghana
  22. Austria
  23. Algeria
  24. Croatia
  25. Paraguay
  26. South Africa
  27. Uruguay
  28. Cape Verde
  29. Senegal
  30. Belgium
  31. Iran
  32. Bosnia & Herzegovina
  33. Scotland
  34. New Zealand
  35. Ecuador
  36. Curacao
  37. DR Congo
  38. South Korea
  39. Saudi Arabia
  40. Jordan
  41. Uzbekistan
  42. Iraq
  43. Haiti
  44. Czechia
  45. Panama
  46. Turkey
  47. Qatar
  48. Tunisia

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