This is my first post-World Cup power rankings. I love power rankings and I especially love counter rankings.Â
FIFA has their own rankings (released on Oct. 7), and I’m sure they spend a lot of time and money and technology on the formula to come up with it. I can’t say I do the same, it’s more of a gut feel. But these are my power rankings, and as I have always said: If you don’t like mine, then get your own.Â
FIFA rank: 11
2026 World Cup Recap: A lot of expectations this summer were put on the Colombians, who were among the trendy dark-horse contenders to win it all. Luis Diaz, who has shined as an attacker for Liverpool and now Bayern Munich, balanced out a tough defense. Nevertheless, a round of 16 loss to an equally stout Switzerland side ended the dream.Â
What’s Happened Since: The Colombians had a relatively uneventful window with a win (over Peru), a loss (to Paraguay), and a draw with Mexico (who is ranked No. 10 by FIFA instead) in friendly competition. But Los Cafeteros could make an argument about now being South America’s toughest side.Â
Next Opponents: TBD
Alexi’s Take: “FIFA has Mexico at this spot, but I just think that’s ridiculous.”
FIFA rank: 6
2026 World Cup Recap: History was made in 2022 as Morocco became the first African nation to reach a men’s World Cup semifinals. Leaning on talent that grew up playing in leagues across Europe, Morocco has become a machine. The Atlas Lions lost to France in the quarterfinals (having lost to them in the 2022 semis), but its young core and success at youth tournament levels will keep them around.Â
What’s Happened Since: Morocco cruised to two wins in  2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying in September. The drama surrounding the team will be off the pitch as a court ruling this month will decide whether Morocco or Senegal will ultimately be named AFCON champions following the controversial final in 2025.Â
Next Opponents: TBD
Alexi’s Take: “After making the 2022 World Cup semifinals, we were interested to see whether they could continue that momentum in 2026. Whether it was just a Golden Generation, or it was a moment in time and would be a Croatia-esque storyarc. I think Morocco and this generation of players have proved they are here to stay.”
FIFA rank: 9
2026 World Cup Recap: The team that has historically been among the world’s elite (three times runner-up at the men’s tournament) provided plenty of entertaining football, backed by one of the best fanbases out there. In the attack, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey shined while the ageless Virgil van Dijk remained the heart-and-soul in defense. A tough loss in the round of 32 against Morocco ended the Oranje’s tournament.Â
What’s Happened Since: Xavi Hernandez, one of the greatest midfielders in Barcelona history and a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain, was surprisingly picked to be the Netherlands’ new manager. Two wins over Serbia and two draws (vs. Germany and Greece) in Nations League action got the Xavi era started on the right foot.Â
Next Opponents: vs. Greece (Nov. 13); vs. Germany (Nov. 16)
Alexi’s Take: “The Dutch have still never ultimately won the World Cup, but they are still a good solid team. I can be convinced otherwise, but I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt.”
FIFA rank: 8Â
2026 World Cup Recap: It initially felt like its Golden Generation players of striker Romelu Lukaku, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wouldn’t be able to compete at this tournament. But the Red Devils proved people wro
