Do you have a favourite match of the World Cup? Could you order all of them? Well, that’s what we’re trying to do.The Athletic is ranking every game, from worst to best. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app66. Group C, Haiti 0-1 ScotlandCongratulations to Scotland on a first World Cup win in 36 years but a game with 44 fouls and four shots on target (from 24 attempts) was never going to rank too high here.65. Group A, Czech Republic 1-1 South AfricaDesperation simply did not equate to risks and quality in these teams’ second group game. South Africa dominated possession after the Czech Republic’s early goal but struggled for cohesion at either end, while the Czechs sat deep but did not have much juice on the break.64. Group A, Mexico 2-0 South AfricaThe atmosphere in Mexico City was incredible, Julian Quinones was superb and Raul Jimenez’s goal was a reminder of the emotional weight the World Cup carries. But South Africa conceded through an error, attempted thr ee shots worth 0.07 expected goals (xG) and offered little before and after their two red cards.Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app63. Group L, England 0-0 GhanaA first half of ponderous football that yielded no shots on target, followed by a slightly better 25 minutes after the break, interrupted by four hydration breaks. We at least had an eventful final period where England hit the post and Harry Kane blazed a good chance over, while Jordan Pickford and Ezri Konsa somehow got away with bad tackles. In a tournament of goals, Ghana’s excellent defensive organisation has stood out.62. Group D, Paraguay 0-0 Australia
Why is a 0-0 draw our pick of the tournament? Ranking every match at the 2026 World Cup
There will be 104 games at this World Cup - and The Athletic is ranking them all as we go along...
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