World Cup: Power Rankings after the group stage

The greatest group stage in World Cup history is over. It was mostly by the book but some MAJOR surprises occurred in Russia over the last two weeks.

That group stage was awesome. The way the groups ended was so unique and some of the shocks were beyond unexpected (Germany being out). At the end of the 48 games, only one ended scoreless (thanks to France and Denmark), every team scored at least twice, only two teams didn’t get a result, and only three teams had perfect records.

The Round of 16 is filled and we are ready for four days of more goals, some extra time, maybe even some penalty shootouts. But before that, here is how I rank all 32 teams right now. Teams 32 thru 17 are out so this will be my final time ranking the eliminated countries.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Tunisia

Group Placement: 4th place (0 pts, 2 goals, 11 conceded)

The worst team in the tournament is Panama. At least they had a lead and made their nation proud. It’s unlikely we will see them in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. 2026 is a real possibility considering the expansion and that the US and Mexico aren’t gonna be qualifying.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Saudi Arabia

Group Placement: 4th place (0 pts, 2 goals, 6 conceded)

Egypt was very disappointing this tournament. To be one of only two teams to not earn a result was pretty shocking. Especially when you have Mo Salah on your team. A very sad Egyptian World Cup. At least they had a moment to remember when 45-year old Essam El-Hadary saved a penalty.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. Egypt

Group Placement: 3rd place (3 pts, 2 goals, 7 conceded)

Saudi Arabia got their first World Cup win since 1994 with a last-second winner against Egypt. Still, they suffered the worst loss in the tournament by losing to Russia 5-0 in the opening game. A pleasant surprise for Green Eagles fans to see their side get points.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. Panama

Group Placement: 3rd place (3 pts, 5 goals, 8 conceded)

The Eagles of Carthage got a win and scored in every game. Five goals for Tunisia is very surprising and almost drawing England were both great achievements. They did get smoked by Belgium and had no chance of advancing past this stage.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Croatia

Group Placement: 4th place (1 pt, 2 goals, 5 conceded)

Iceland was a disappointment. They played the way we felt they would in Euro 2016 without winning a game. They were able to grab a point against Argentina because of a missed penalty. The Vikings will still go home with their heads held high. Hopefully, their next World Cup can be a little better than their first.

Last Result: L 0-2 vs. Peru

Group Placement: 4th place (1 pt, 2 goals, 5 conceded)

The Socceroos performed very well against France and Denmark in Group C. No goals in open play for Australia and a loss against Peru doesn’t give this team a great looking World Cup. I expected them to get no points and have trouble against the European teams. They did not. Not bad but not great from Australia.

Last Result: W 2-0 vs. Germany

Group Placement: 4th place (3 pts, 3 goals, 3 conceded)

South Korea was on the verge of being one of the three worst teams at this tournament. That was until they beat Germany 2-0. South Korea didn’t play incredible in this match and scored their two goals because Germany was LITERALLY playing 11 players forward. The win left the nation with pride and made Koreans and Mexicans best friends forever.

Last Result: T 2-2 vs. Spain

Group Placement: 4th place (1 pt, 2 goals, 4 conceded)

Morocco would have beaten Spain if it wasn’t for V.A.R. They were so close to the greatest moment in their footballing history but a tie is still pretty good. They made their nation proud and move up three spots because of the monumental achievement of not getting romped once this tournament.