Are Argentina on slide after Cape Verde game?: Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 23

With the World Cup last 16 set after dramatic matches on day 23, a new re-ranking assessed how the remaining teams are performing. The Athletic’s preview highlights that Cape Verde nearly stunned the title holders Argentina, while Egypt beat Australia on penalties with Mo Salah involved. In the final group-to-knockout picture, Colombia advanced after Jhon Arias scored the only goal against Ghana, setting up a potential quarter-final path involving Lionel Messi and Argentina if they progress. The article places France at No. 1, noting their 3-0 win over Sweden and top scoring status, and assigns Spain No. 2 after three straight wins without conceding, including a 3-0 victory over Austria. Argentina remains high at No. 3 after a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, with Messi on seven tournament goals.