FIFA World Cup 2026: Power Rankings Ahead of the Semi-Finals

Four Teams Left in the FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its semi-final stage, with just four teams left standing. England will face Argentina, rekindling an old rivalry after England overcame Norway in a tough quarter-final match. Argentina edged past Switzerland in extra time to secure their spot.

England's last World Cup clash with Argentina was in 2002, which they won, but Argentina holds the edge in the last two knockout meetings. England’s victory against Argentina during their 1966 tournament win might bring some hope to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

The other semi-final will see France take on Spain, repeating their Euro 2024 semi-final encounter where Spain triumphed in Germany. France seeks to avenge that loss this time around.

World Cup Power Rankings:

4. Argentina ⬇️

Argentina’s journey to the semi-finals has been more challenging than expected. Despite facing what many consider the easiest group with Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland, each game tested them heavily. Their squad lacks speed and width, exposing weaknesses, and Lionel Messi appears fatigued after playing two extra-time periods.

The team leans heavily on Messi, especially the Inter Miami star, though others stepped up against Switzerland when necessary. Physically, Argentina may struggle against England’s dominance on Wednesday.

3. England ⬆️

England’s path resembles a familiar story: a skilled side barely scraping through against weaker teams, but showing enough quality and solid defense to advance far. Since their 2018 semi-final run, this pattern persists under Thomas Tuchel, who aims for an even deeper push.

Jude Bellingham has been crucial, rescuing the team multiple times. His importance rivals Messi’s role for Argentina. England’s depth stands out too; although Norway appeared stronger for most of their quarter-final, Tuchel’s substitutions shifted momentum. Bukayo Saka, Djed Spence, and Dan Burn all made key impacts off the bench.

2. Spain ↔️

Before the tournament, Spain was a favorite, having beaten top teams like France and England en route to winning Euro 2024 with stylish football. This summer, however, their playstyle has turned more cautious, largely due to injuries affecting Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

Yamal’s hamstring injury and Williams’ muscular issue have limited their contributions, weakening Spain’s attacking threat. Defensively, Spain remains solid, conceding just one goal in six matches. Williams’ return off the bench late in the quarter-final against Belgium offered fans hope, as he remains a genuine difference-maker.

1. France ↔️

France’s performance diverges from expectations. For over a decade, Didier Deschamps favored safe, risk-averse tactics, often producing dull football despite a star-studded lineup. This tournament marks his last as manager, and the approach has shifted.

Forced by Aurelien Tchouameni’s injury and reluctance to use N’Golo Kante, Deschamps opted for an attack-heavy formation with four forwards. The results have been exciting. Kylian Mbappe’s threat grows when paired with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola.

Michael Olise’s move to central midfield after opening on the right against Senegal has been brilliant; he leads the team’s performances. Any opponent aiming to stop France must at least contain Olise.