The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final six teams, and the tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion. With only six games remaining, the remaining contenders are battling it out for the ultimate prize. Here's an in-depth look at the current rankings and what it means for the tournament's final stages.
France: The Undisputed Favorites
France remains the clear favorite to win the World Cup, and for good reason. Their attacking prowess is unmatched, with Kylian Mbappé leading the charge with eight goals and Ousmane Dembélé chipping in with five. The team's ability to create chances is evident, as Michael Olise tops the assists chart with five. But it's not just their attack that's impressive; France's defense is rock solid, having conceded only two goals in the tournament and none in their three knockout-stage matches.
What makes France so formidable is their balance. They haven't allowed a single chance to go unchallenged, and their 34% chance of lifting the trophy, according to The Athletic's live projection tool, seems well-deserved. With their current form and talent, France is a force to be reckoned with.
Spain: Finding a Way to Success
Spain's journey to the semi-finals has been a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. They've kept their opposition's chances to a minimum, allowing only 0.37 expected goals (xG) against Belgium. While Lamine Yamal has yet to make a significant impact with only one goal and no assists, Spain's stubborn defense has been the key to their success. Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal have stepped up in crucial moments, ensuring Spain's continued progression.
The semi-final against France is a fascinating prospect. It pits an unstoppable force (Spain) against an immovable object (France). Spain's ability to find a way to success, even when their star players aren't at their best, makes them a serious contender. Their tactical discipline and defensive solidity could be the difference in a high-stakes match.
Argentina: Back-and-Forth Battles
Argentina's knockout games have been a rollercoaster. After a smooth group stage, they faced Cape Verde and Egypt, showcasing their ability to turn matches around. The 2-0 loss to France and the 2-0 win over Cape Verde demonstrated their susceptibility to giving up leads, as seen in their run to the trophy four years ago. However, their comeback against Egypt, scoring three goals in 13 minutes to turn a 2-0 deficit into a win, showcased their resilience and will to win.
The question now is whether Argentina's back-and-forth battles have taken a toll. They face Switzerland in the next round, who have proven themselves a tough nut to crack. Argentina's ability to maintain their form and avoid fatigue will be crucial in their quest for the title.
England's Slipping Away
England's tournament is a cautionary tale. Their early exit from the tournament is a stark reminder that even the most favored teams can falter. The fact that they avoided one of the more fancied teams in the quarter-finals, Switzerland, keeps them above Iraq in these rankings. However, their performance has been underwhelming, and their inability to find a consistent winning formula has raised questions about their long-term prospects.
Conclusion: The Final Stretch
As the tournament enters its final stretch, the remaining teams are battling for the ultimate glory. France's dominance, Spain's resilience, Argentina's back-and-forth battles, and England's slipping away all add to the drama and intrigue of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With only six games remaining, the tournament is far from over, and the final stages promise to be a thrilling showcase of footballing excellence.
