With every team now having played two matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to separate the genuine contenders from the teams fighting just to survive.
Some nations have exceeded every expectation, while others have left fans wondering what has gone wrong.
Here are the four biggest winners and four biggest losers after two rounds of group-stage play.
Winners
United States
The United States has been one of the biggest success stories of the tournament.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad opened with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay before following it up with a composed 2-0 win over Australia. The Americans have already secured first place in Group D, giving themselves a favorable path into the knockout rounds. More importantly, they’ve looked organized defensively, dangerous going forward, and full of confidence.
France
France has reminded everyone why it’s one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
A 3-1 victory over Senegal was followed by another convincing 3-0 win over Iraq. Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise has led a frightening attack, while Les Bleus have looked balanced across the pitch. Through two matches, France has been every bit as dominant as expected and appears poised for another deep World Cup run.
Norway
Norway has quietly become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
After opening with a convincing win over Iraq, Norway followed it up by defeating Senegal 3-2 in one of the best matches of the World Cup so far. Erling Haaland has delivered on the biggest stage, and Norway now controls its own destiny entering the final group match with a real chance to finish near the top of Group I.
Japan
Japan continues to prove it belongs among the tournament’s breakout teams.
A draw against the Netherlands showed they could compete with one of Europe’s elite sides, but their 4-0 dismantling of Tunisia truly announced their arrival. Japan’s pace, organization, and relentless work rate have made them one of the toughest opponents remaining in the competition.
Losers
Turkey
Turkey’s World Cup has been one to forget.
Losses to Australia and Paraguay have officially eliminated them before the final group-stage match. Entering the tournament with hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, Turkey struggled to create chances offensively while defensive mistakes repeatedly cost them points.
England
England has four points, but the optimism surrounding the Three Lions has faded considerably.
After an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, England failed to score against Ghana despite dominating possession. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked predictable in the final third, and questions continue to grow about whether England has enough creativity to break down elite defenses once the knockout rounds begin.
Belgium
Belgium has yet to justify its status as one of Europe’s top teams.
Draws against Egypt and Iran have left the Red Devils in a dangerous position heading into the final group match. With only one goal scored through two games, Belgium’s attack has been disappointing, and the pressure is now squarely on them to avoid a shocking early exit.
Senegal
Few teams have seen their stock fall more than Senegal’s.
After losing to France in the opener, Senegal followed it with a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Norway despite showing flashes of quality. Two losses have left the African side on the brink of elimination, a disappointing outcome for a team many believed could make another deep World Cup run after recent international success.
With one match remaining in the group stage, the World Cup is beginning to reveal its true contenders. The United States, France, Norway, and Japan have all emerged with growing confidence, while Turkey, England, Belgium, and Senegal head into Matchday 3 facing major questions about their futures in the tournament.
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