World Cup semifinals features top-4 teams in FIFA rankings for first time ever

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the top four teams in the world rankings are the four teams in the semifinals. With that, we will see marquee matchups between third-ranked France and second-ranked Spain, and top-ranked reigning World Cup champions Argentina versus fourth-ranked England!

The FIFA World Cup is displayed during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at Nathan Phillips Square.

Kevin Sousa

The top 4 are the last 4 standing at the 2026 World Cup!

This tournament has been one for the record books, and as it nears the tail end, the drama is ramping up for a glorious crescendo. The North American hosts, dark horses, and underdogs of the knockout rounds have all made way for the major favorites. Here's a list of the top four nations in the world.

1. Argentina
2. Spain
3. France
4. England

It's a funny coincidence that the rankings are playing each other in a way consistent with American sports: the top team (Argentina) is playing fourth place (England), while the two-seed (Spain) and three-seed (France) battle it out. These are huge games that deserve the world's attention.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal

Carlos Barria

A glance at the matchups

France takes on Spain in a rivalry with recent history. Last summer, the two played a thrilling 5-4 European Nations League semifinal that Spain won. Lamine Yamal had a brace for Spain and Mbappé scored for France. Will we see similar fireworks in the semifinal of a World Cup?

England squares off against Argentina in the Americas for the first time since the two met in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico. That was the infamous "Hand of God" game, in which Argentina's Diego Maradona scored a goal after using his hand to control the ball above his head. Maradona also dribbled the entire England team to score a second in their 2-1 win over the Three Lions. We'll see if history repeats itself, or if there will be a different outcome in the USA.

Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their first goal

Claudia Greco

Semifinal Schedule

France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their third goal

VINCENT CARCHIETTA

Who will make it to the final?

All of the teams left have star power. Messi, Yamal, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Kane are the headliners. Four of those five players all have a shot at winning the golden boot if they can score and get their team to the final: Mbappé (8), Messi (8), Bellingham (6), and Kane (6). Will any of those players be the reason their nation heads to New Jersey for the final?

These matchups have the makings of games that will be open rather than pragmatic, but that doesn't mean defense isn't cherished. Spain has conceded just one goal, and France just two, at this tournament. As for attacking prowess, Argentina has scored 17 goals in six World Cup games, while England has scored 13. The time for talk is over, now it's time for the semis to kick off!

England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their second goal with England's Harry Kane and John Stones

Mike Segar