The group stage drama has concluded with 48 teams trimmed to 32, setting up the win-or-go-home round of 32 beginning Sunday in Los Angeles. Only Mexico, France and Argentina navigated the group stage with perfect 3-0 records, while Cinderella stories like Cape Verde and South Africa crashed the knockout party.

France holds the No. 1 spot with 16 of 20 first-place votes from ESPN's panel. Kylian Mbappé leads a star-studded attack that includes Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history against Norway. Michael Olise tops the tournament with three assists, and the squad faces Sweden in New York/New Jersey with a favorable bracket path ahead.

Lionel Messi's Argentina sits second after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games. Spain's struggles continue despite topping Group H, with Rodri underperforming and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal still finding rhythm. England rounds out the top four despite labored performances from Harry Kane's side, which leads all teams in big chances missed.

These rankings reflect expert consensus before the round of 32 begins, with the next update coming after the round of 16 concludes. France's depth and form make them the clear favorite, but knockout football rarely follows regular patterns.