​The 2026 World Cup opened with a record-setting field of 48 teams, the largest in the 96-year history of the competition. As action kicked off on Saturday, July 11, just six teams remain in contention for the title, with the field rapidly narrowing toward the final stages. The top four teams in the world, per the FIFA World Rankings, have all advanced in this tournament, including the two most recent champions, France (2018) and Argentina (2022). France, known as Les Bleus, has already punched their ticket to the semifinals after a 2-0 victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday, July 9. Argentina, meanwhile, still awaits their quarterfinal opponent and will need to defeat Switzerland on Saturday to book a spot in the “final four.”
The tournament has featured a standout performance from the players and teams that were expected to compete at the highest level, with expected powerhouses continuing to push toward the trophy. Among those still alive, the biggest surprise in the FIFA World Ranking terms is Norway, ranked 19th. The Norwegians have leaned on star forward Erling Haaland, who has tallied seven goals across four World Cup matches, to reach the quarterfinals. They will face a stern test, however, as they must defeat England to move into the semifinals.
Here is a snapshot of the remaining contenders as the final two quarterfinal matchups approach. The six teams left in the running are: Argentina, England, France, Norway, and Switzerland. The 2026 World Cup field will be further reduced on Saturday when two additional quarterfinals take place. The victors of the Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland clashes will advance to the semifinals, while the losers will be eliminated from the tournament.
This overview follows the latest results and standings as teams vie for a place in the semifinals. The competition has featured a blend of established powerhouses and emerging threats, all aiming to seize the title in a tournament that has already demonstrated its propensity for dramatic upsets and memorable moments. The remaining schedule promises high-stakes clashes as teams chase glory on the road to the final.