​The two finalists from Qatar 2022 could well be on course for a rerun as the FIFA World Cup 2026 nears its conclusion. Lionel Messi steered Argentina to glory four years ago, overcoming a France side that were defending the title they won in Russia 2018. Argentina and France both overcame Croatia and Morocco, respectively, in the semifinals, surpassing expectations to reach that stage. This time, however, both teams will face opponents regarded as serious contenders for the crown. Al Jazeera examines whether we are witnessing the strongest ever World Cup last-four lineup and, potentially, the greatest finale in the history of the beautiful game.
France forward Kylian Mbappe stands beside Lionel Messi in a photo from the 2022 World Cup final, highlighting the continued clash of two generations of football excellence. The 2026 semifinals lineup is notable for being the first since FIFA rankings began in 1992 to feature the world’s current top four teams at this stage. France currently hold the number one spot and boast one of the most formidable attacks in the world, led by Mbappe, while also featuring the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele. Argentina are ranked second and are captained by Messi, who helped his side become only the third team to defend a World Cup and who may well be celebrated as the greatest of all time for his achievements.
Spain are ranked third and bring to the squad La Liga talent such as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The Spanish have reached the semifinals with a stingy defense, and Yamal’s opportunity to erase the memory of the calf injury that cut short his late-season form could be pivotal as he tries to replicate the impact he had in helping Spain win Euro 2024. England, the lowest-ranked of the remaining four, are nonetheless viewed as the second favorites to win the title behind France. This belief rests on the extraordinary talents of players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, with some arguing Bellingham could emerge as England’s greatest player if he keeps driving the side toward glory. There is also a sense that England’s wide players could now be unleashed, allowing the team to play with more breadth against opponents inclined to attack.
France previously claimed their second World Cup title by defeating a debutant Croatia in the final, after Croatia had shocked an England side that were surprise semifinalists. Belgium, once the top-ranked team for an extended period, saw their high-caliber squad fail to translate promise into major-tournament success. Germany, meanwhile, secured their fourth title in South America by stunning hosts Brazil with a dramatic 7-1 victory in the semi-final, a result that remains a stark reminder of football’s unpredictable grandeur. As Messi continues to influence the narrative around greatness and as Mbappe and company pursue another triumph, the 2026 run toward a potential Argentina-France rematch promises to captivate fans around the world.