After two matches each, ESPN’s panel of 20 reporters released a fresh World Cup 2026 Power Ranking. France retains the summit, drawing twelve first‑place votes after 2‑0 wins over Senegal and 3‑0 over Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé netting four goals. France sits atop a field where every team has two results in hand. The ranking will be updated after the final group games on Saturday night officially.

Argentina climbs to second, buoyed by Lionel Messi’s historic run. The Argentine captain has scored all five of his side’s goals, breaking the men’s World Cup scoring record and matching the all‑time tally for men and women. Messi’s form fuels a perfect 2‑0‑0 start and keeps Argentina in the conversation for back‑to‑back titles. Their defensive solidity and midfield balance please voters.

Spain climbs to third after a 4‑0 demolition of Saudi Arabia and a draw with Cape Verde, while England drops to fifth following a goalless Ghana stalemate after beating Croatia. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score in six World Cups, adding two goals against Uzbekistan. Ronaldo’s milestone highlights the tournament’s mix of legacy and surprise.