​Who is still in the World Cup? This year has produced history, with the 2026 tournament marking the first time FIFA’s top four teams all advanced to the semifinals. These four programs are widely regarded as the strongest in the sport, which should make the upcoming final rounds especially compelling. Here is a concise guide to what you need to know about the four remaining teams, with the ordering arranged by who they will face in the semis.
France, ranked by FIFA as the best men’s team entering the 2026 World Cup, have lived up to that lofty status so far. They have produced a near-flawless run in both the UEFA Nations League (6-1-2 with a +9 goal difference) and the World Cup (15-1-1 with a +32 goal difference) heading into their semifinal against Spain. Led by 27-year-old forward Kylian Mbappé, who has eight goals and three assists, and Ousmane Dembélé, who has five goals and two assists, France are chasing their third World Cup title, after triumphs in 1998 and 2018, and their first since 2018. A win would also keep them from suffering a semifinal exit for the first time since 1986.
Spain entered the tournament ranked as FIFA’s third-best team and now stand on the verge of an enormous upset over France. Their journey began with a strong run in the UEFA Nations League (6-3-0 with a +10 goal differential), a momentum that carried over to the World Cup (8-4-0 with a +19 goal differential). Spain captured its first World Cup title in 2010, but they hadn’t reached the semifinals since then. Under the leadership of captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored four goals and added one assist, Spain have reminded the world of their potential and are back in the penultimate round after a standout performance.
England, guided by captain Harry Kane, are pursuing a second World Cup trophy after lifting the trophy in 1966. Reaching the semifinals already marks progress, given that England had fallen in the quarterfinals in 2022. Ranked FIFA’s fourth-best team globally, England sit a notable distance behind the top two, but they will lean on Kane (six goals, one assist) and Jude Bellingham (six goals, one assist) as they prepare for a difficult clash against Argentina. A victory would propel England to the World Cup Final for just the second time in their history.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, a player who could be playing in what might be his final World Cup, would surely love to end his illustrious career with more hardware. Messi, now 39, continues to defy age and remains a central force for Argentina, tied for the lead in goals in the 2026 edition with eight and a strong candidate for the Golden Boot. Argentina, who won their third World Cup in 2022 by defeating France, are aiming to add a new title to their storied legacy, and Messi’s presence gives them a legitimate chance to push for the championship again.
These four teams have delivered an extraordinary year of football, and their semifinals figures to be a showcase of elite talent and high-stakes drama. Whether you root for tactical masterclass, star power, or a historic moment, the 2026 World Cup semifinals promise memorable football as these heavyweights vies for a place in the final.