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"In a World Cup," former England boss Steve McClaren once remarked, "more or less you get a crisis every three days."
Very few teams have been spared any kind of turmoil during a chaotic opening stretch of the 2026 tournament. While the nations already sent home have been overwhelmed by managerial shake-ups, internal conflicts and countless logistical headaches, those still preparing for the knockout rounds have endured their fair share of struggles as well.
As the World Cup readies itself for its first ever round of 32, lending the greatest sporting event on earth a distinct Europa League feel, there's a brief moment to reflect on what has transpired and the mayhem that will almost certainly follow.
Ranking Criteria
32. Cabo Verde
What Cabo Verde has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. As manager Bubista proudly declared: "We have proven that nothing is impossible." Just how the African underdogs pulled it off doesn't exactly inspire confidence for future rounds: Cabo Verde conceded more shots than a woeful Tunisia side, yet still managed two clean sheets.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are unlikely to be anywhere near as wasteful.
31. DR Congo
Don't you just love it when a plan falls perfectly into place? "We told ourselves that in the first match, we had to do everything just to earn a single point and then in the third match, to take all three points to qualify," DR Congo's Fiston Mayele reflected at the end of a group stage that unfolded exactly as intended.
Whether those same blueprints can hold up in the knockout rounds, however, remains to be seen.
30. South Africa
Following a sobering World Cup opener against Mexico, Hugo Broos recalled a conversation he'd had with a friend once qualification for the tournament had been secured. They should build a statue in your honor, Broos was enthusiastically told. "Make it out of wood," he shot back, "so it burns more easily."
South Africa's tournament has swung from drama to historic qualification. What comes next remains unclear, but Broos has a point: it will all end in flames eventually.
29. Algeria
Algeria found themselves trailing in every group stage fixture. There was no way back against Argentina, Jordan eventually faded but Austria delivered a late sting at the conclusion of a frantic opening round finale. A lingering lack of confidence in Vladimir Petković's goalkeeping choices paints a worrying picture heading into the next stage.