The quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup has concluded, with France, Argentina, Spain, and England making up the final four of the tournament and setting a historic record.

For the first time in World Cup history, the top four teams in the live FIFA world rankings have all advanced to the semifinals.

France tops the rankings with 1,948.97 points, having risen to first place following the tournament’s results. Argentina follows with 1,943.47 points, while Spain is third with 1,934.79.

England rounds out the top four, holding onto fourth place with 1,889.42 points. The four strongest national teams according to the FIFA rankings have thus confirmed their status as favorites on the field.

The first semifinal matchup pits France against Spain. This is a clash between the first- and third-ranked teams in the world, with both sides boasting some of the best players in the tournament.

In the second semifinal, England will face Argentina. The “Three Lions” are set to face the world champions in a match steeped in history and intense soccer rivalry.

The presence of the top four teams in the rankings among the “final four” also highlights how this year’s World Cup differs from previous tournaments, which usually featured at least one or two major upsets in the final stretch.

This time, the favorites held their ground in the knockout rounds and made it to the semifinals, despite the difficulties they faced. France, Argentina, Spain, and England are now two wins away from lifting the trophy.

The semifinal schedule:

Tuesday, July 14

10:00 p.m., France vs. Spain, AT&T Stadium (Dallas)

Wednesday, July 15

10:00 p.m., England vs. Argentina, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

*Photo source: AP