Source: SBNation
Summary
The article presents a post-World Cup power ranking by Alexi, focusing on team performances from the 2026 World Cup. Colombia ranked 11th by FIFA, with a round of 16 exit to Switzerland. Morocco, ranked sixth, reached the semifinals in 2022 and has a pending AFCON title dispute. The Netherlands, ranked ninth, saw a new manager, Xavi Hernandez, and had mixed results. Belgium, ranked eighth, had a strong World Cup run but faces transition. Brazil, ranked fifth, exited early despite star power. Argentina, ranked second, lost to Spain in the final but is adjusting without Messi. Portugal, ranked seventh, had a rocky World Cup and lost Ronaldo. England, ranked fourth, reached the semifinals. France, ranked third, won the World Cup but faces a managerial change. Spain, ranked first, won the tournament and remains unbeaten.
Our Reading
Spain followed a familiar script.
They won the World Cup, then kept winning.
Argentina lost Messi, then lost their way.
Portugal played without Ronaldo, then played better.
Every team has a new chapter, but some chapters feel like the same story.
Author: Evan Null
Colombia’s Post-World Cup Journey
Colombia, ranked 11th by FIFA, had high expectations for the 2026 World Cup. The team, led by Luis Diaz, reached the round of 16 before falling to Switzerland. Since then, they have had a mixed performance in friendly matches, including a win over Peru and a draw with Mexico. Despite this, they are considered one of South America’s toughest teams.
Colombia’s performance in the 2026 World Cup was a disappointment, but they still have a strong squad. Their recent results show they are capable of competing at a high level. However, they need to improve their consistency to challenge for major titles.
The team’s manager will need to find a way to get the most out of their players. With a mix of experienced and young players, Colombia has the potential to be a force in international football. However, they need to maintain their form and avoid early exits in future tournaments.
Colombia’s journey since the 2026 World Cup has been a mix of progress and setbacks. They have shown flashes of brilliance but have also struggled to maintain their performance. With the right management and strategy, they could be a strong contender in the future.
Overall, Colombia’s post-World Cup performance has been a rollercoaster. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Morocco’s Rise and Uncertainty
Morocco, ranked sixth by FIFA, made history in the 2022 World Cup by reaching the semifinals. They continued their success in the 2026 World Cup, but their journey has been marked by uncertainty. A court ruling will determine whether they or Senegal will be named AFCON champions following the 2025 final.
Morocco’s performance in the 2026 World Cup was solid, but they faced challenges in the later stages. Their young core and success at youth tournaments have kept them competitive. However, the uncertainty surrounding the AFCON title could affect their confidence and performance.
The team has shown resilience and determination, but they need to address the issues that have plagued them in recent matches. With a strong squad and a promising future, Morocco has the potential to be a dominant force in African and international football.
Morocco’s journey since the 2026 World Cup has been a mix of success and uncertainty. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Overall, Morocco’s post-World Cup performance has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
The Netherlands’ New Era
The Netherlands, ranked ninth by FIFA, had a mixed performance in the 2026 World Cup. They were eliminated in the round of 32 by Morocco, but they have shown signs of improvement under their new manager, Xavi Hernandez. Xavi, a former Barcelona legend, has brought a new approach to the team.
The Netherlands’ performance in the 2026 World Cup was disappointing, but they have shown promise in recent matches. Xavi’s appointment has brought a sense of optimism to the team. With two wins over Serbia and two draws against Germany and Greece, the Netherlands have started their new era on a positive note.
The team’s new manager has the potential to bring stability and success to the Netherlands. With a mix of experienced and young players, the team has the talent to compete at the highest level. However, they need to maintain their form and avoid early exits in future tournaments.
The Netherlands’ journey since the 2026 World Cup has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Overall, the Netherlands’ post-World Cup performance has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Belgium’s Transition
Belgium, ranked eighth by FIFA, had a strong performance in the 2026 World Cup. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain, but they showed flashes of brilliance. The team, led by Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois, has a rich history of success.
Belgium’s performance in the 2026 World Cup was a mix of high points and low points. They had a strong start, but they struggled in the later stages. The team has a strong squad, but they need to address the issues that have plagued them in recent matches.
The team’s transition from the Golden Generation to a new era is underway. With players like Jérémy Doku emerging, Belgium has the potential to remain a top team. However, they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential.
Belgium’s journey since the 2026 World Cup has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Overall, Belgium’s post-World Cup performance has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
France’s Dominance and Transition
France, ranked third by FIFA, had a strong performance in the 2026 World Cup. They won the tournament, with Kylian Mbappé leading the way. However, they faced challenges in the later stages, including a loss to Spain in the semifinals. The team has a strong squad, but they need to address the issues that have plagued them in recent matches.
France’s performance in the 2026 World Cup was a mix of high points and low points. They had a strong start, but they struggled in the later stages. The team has a strong squad, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential.
The team’s transition from Didier Deschamps to Zinedine Zidane is a significant change. With Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise still in the mix, France has the potential to remain a dominant force. However, they need to maintain their form and avoid early exits in future tournaments.
France’s journey since the 2026 World Cup has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
Overall, France’s post-World Cup performance has been a mix of progress and challenges. They have the talent and potential, but they need to find consistency and clarity to reach their full potential. The next few years will be crucial for the team as they look to build on their recent performances.
