The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced a historic semi-final line-up that reflects the current balance of power in world football.

For the first time since the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking was introduced in December 1992 and began to be widely used from 1994, the world’s top four ranked national teams have all reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

The last four teams standing in the United States, Canada and Mexico are:

1. Argentina
2. Spain
3. France
4. England

The semi-final fixtures will see Spain take on France, while England face defending champions Argentina in what promises to be two blockbuster encounters.

The achievement is remarkable because the World Cup has traditionally been a tournament where rankings are often disrupted by surprise packages, giant-killers and unexpected eliminations.

Yet, in 2026, the competition has followed the script written by the FIFA Rankings, with the world’s four highest-ranked teams successfully navigating a 48-team tournament to reach the final four.

Argentina, the reigning world champions, booked their place after overcoming a stubborn Switzerland side in extra time. Lionel Messi’s men remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup trophy.

England secured their semi-final ticket with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, inspired by a Jude Bellingham double. The Three Lions continue their pursuit of a first World Cup triumph since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966.

Spain advanced after edging Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, maintaining their impressive campaign under a youthful and dynamic squad that has emerged as one of the tournament’s most complete teams.

France, meanwhile, eliminated Morocco 2-0 in Boston to remain firmly on course for a second World Cup title in three tournaments and a third overall.

The unprecedented semi-final line-up has delighted statisticians and football analysts alike, as it represents perhaps the clearest evidence yet of the growing influence and accuracy of the FIFA Rankings in measuring elite international teams.

With four former world champions still in contention and a combined total of 10 World Cup titles among them, the 2026 tournament is guaranteed to produce a heavyweight conclusion.

Bet9ja Fact File

• First FIFA Rankings published: December 1992
• First World Cup played under FIFA Rankings era: USA 1994
• 2026 Semi-finalists: Argentina, Spain, France, England
• Combined World Cup titles: 10
  • Argentina – 3
  • France – 2
  • England – 1
  • Spain – 1
• Historic first: Never before have the world’s top four ranked nations all reached the World Cup semi-finals in the FIFA Rankings era.
• Semi-final fixtures:
  • France vs Spain
  • England vs Argentina

As the tournament enters its decisive week, the road to the trophy has become a battle among the game’s most highly rated nations, ensuring that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude with a clash of football’s modern superpowers.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

England moved a step closer to ending their 60-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup title after Jude Bellingham inspired the Three Lions to a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in their quarter-final clash at Miami Stadium on Saturday.

The win sends England into the World Cup semi-finals for only the third time since their historic triumph on home soil in 1966 and keeps alive hopes of finally adding a second star to their jersey.

In a contest befitting the occasion, England had to come from behind before Bellingham emerged as the hero with both goals, including the decisive strike in extra time.

Norway, seeking to continue their fairy-tale run led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup. The winger unleashed a fierce effort that crashed in off the far post, leaving the England defence stunned and the Scandinavian supporters in celebration.

England responded when it mattered most.

Deep into first-half added time, Bellingham showcased the composure and quality that have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers. The midfielder glided into the penalty area and fired past two defenders before beating the Norwegian goalkeeper to restore parity at 1-1.

The goal changed the complexion of the match, giving England renewed belief heading into the second half.

Both sides created opportunities after the break, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match moved into extra time.

With penalties looming, Bellingham once again delivered.

In the first half of extra time, the Real Madrid star reacted quickest after a save by the Norwegian goalkeeper, pouncing on the rebound to steer the ball home and complete his match-winning brace.

England then held firm through the remaining minutes to secure a hard-fought victory and book their place among the tournament’s last four.

The two goals took Bellingham’s tally at the tournament to six, drawing him level with captain Harry Kane as England’s joint-leading scorer at the World Cup.

For England manager and supporters alike, the result represents another significant step towards ending decades of World Cup frustration. Since lifting the trophy under Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966, England have reached the semi-finals only twice before, making this latest achievement another landmark moment in their campaign.

Awaiting the Three Lions in the semi-finals will be either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland, who were scheduled to meet later on Saturday.

With Bellingham in inspired form and England continuing to find ways to win, the dream of a first World Cup triumph in six decades remains very much alive.

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes ​the captain will remain the best player in the world for as ‌long as he chooses to keep playing.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals — level with France’s Kylian Mbappe — and inspiring a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round ​of 16.

Against the North Africans, the Argentine talisman — playing in a record sixth ​World Cup — netted once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after ⁠his side trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

The Inter Miami forward, who turned 39 ​last month, arrived in the tournament with questions over his fitness after recently recovering from ​a muscle strain.

“Leo runs more or less the same in every match,” Scaloni said. “Physically, it’s true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach and it has paid off, but in terms ​of numbers I don’t know if he has changed that much.”

“What is clear is ​that he’s giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and senses that he can ‌create ⁠danger, he is a machine,” the coach added.

Scaloni said those expecting age to catch up with Messi did not know the player well enough.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“Maybe people who don’t know him expected that at 39 he wouldn’t be at this level, ​but I don’t know ​how many times ⁠I’ve said it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I’m his ​coach.”

Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni ​praised their ⁠opponents, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.

“There are no easy rivals, we all know that,” Scaloni ⁠said.

“They are ​a very good team. They compete with the best ​national teams and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete. They have World ​Cup tradition, experienced players and are physically strong.”

-Reuters

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