Mexico on Top? World Cup Power Rankings After Day 1

The first day of the World Cup is over, and we’ve seen our first four teams begin their quests in Mexico to see whether they’ll lift the trophy in a little over one month’s time.

After the final game of the night ends, we will be here to continually update the power rankings. For the initial ranking, it’ll be the quartet that played today based solely off what they’ve shown at the World Cup. After tomorrow, there will be eight teams added, with it ever-evolving through the tournament.

Here’s how the teams stand following an exciting end to night one.

Read More on Sports

More news: FOX Faces Massive Backlash After World Cup Broadcast Leaves Fans Furious

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - JUNE 11: In-Beom Hwang #6 of Korea Republic celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Korea Republic and Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

More news: Predicting Every Single Game of the 2026 World Cup (All 104 Matches)

After a sloppy opener between Mexico and South Africa that had three red cards, South Korea and Czechia had a barnburner of a game at nighttime in Mexico. Although South Korea only scored two goals in their win over Czechia and needed to come from behind, they could have easily scored four or five with how well they executed in the attacking zone. They might be the new favorites in Group A.

2. Mexico (Group A) and 3. Czechia (Group A)

There’s an argument you could say Czechia played a better overall game than Mexico even in a loss, but I’ll keep El Tri on top following the first round. The host nation didn’t play in their peak form, but it was good enough to shutout a directionless South African side. Czechia looked dangerous on set pieces against South Korea, and they should be able to use their height advantage throughout the group against three of the shorter squads at the World Cup.

A South African fan reacts after Mexico's first goal as she gathers to watch the live broadcast of the World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexican embassy in Beijing on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP via Getty Images)

4. South Africa (Group A)

If I could rate them lower, I would. It’s going to be tough for South Africa to break out of the bottom five in round one following this performance. Even their telecast at home was shocked about how poor they performed. Two red cards, no real chances, and no positive memories from a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener that saw South Africa score a memorable goal in the draw against Mexico.

Source link