Ranking every match at the 2026 World Cup
With 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup, experts are ranking every game played so far, with England vs Croatia currently taking the top spot.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Антон Зайцев
The 2026 World Cup has provided plenty of drama in its opening stages. As part of an ongoing editorial project, experts are ranking every single match of the tournament, evaluating the quality of play, entertainment value, and overall narrative impact.
Currently, the highest-ranked game is England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. The match delivered on every front, featuring penalties, set-piece goals, counter-attacking brilliance, and a series of high-stakes attacks. It was a refreshing display of attacking football that stood out from recent tournament history.
Coming in at second place is the 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, a high-intensity clash where both teams pushed for the win until the final whistle. The third spot goes to Australia's hard-fought 2-0 win over Turkey, a match defined by defensive resilience and clinical finishing.
At the other end of the spectrum, games like Haiti versus Scotland and Czech Republic against South Africa have been ranked lower due to a high number of fouls and a lack of creative attacking play.