World Cup 2026 power rankings: who leads the pack as semi-finals loom?

1) France (no change from previous rankings)

Didier Deschamps has seen it all before and certainly does not fear even the lowest of blocks. It is clear everyone is afraid of Les Bleus, which is understandable, and they are using it to their advantage. It is admirable how teams keep France quiet for lengthy periods but the game is too long to completely silence Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Against Morocco an hour of patience was required but these forwards are used to it and Mbappé produced the magic that has powered this run, following it up with an assist. In a tournament defined by individuals, France has the best of a talented bunch.

2) Spain (no change)

Football is a simple game – you play for almost 90 minutes and then Mikel Merino pops up with a late winner. The Arsenal midfielder had only been on the pitch for 115 seconds against Belgium when he put himself in the right position at the right time. While the substitutes did their bit once again, Lamine Yamal is moving through the gears, priming himself for a matchup with Mbappé. It was hard work, harder than it had been before for La Roja but they are getting used to the quality improving each round, allowing their confidence to grow as they progress. “If anyone should be afraid it should be [France] – we knocked them out of the Euros,” Lamine Yamal said. “We have no fear.”

3) England (+1)

The unforgiving heat of Miami subdued England for much of their contest with Norway, leaving Thomas Tuchel irritated by his side’s performance. It was left to Jude Bellingham to do the business, shifting the dynamic at times when his teammates were often second best. He has forced himself into the role of England’s main man, dragging his country into the semi-finals. Tuchel’s substitutions intrigued as roles rotated, especially when they moved Bellingham out of his best position. It is clear that the No 10 needs to be as close to Harry Kane as possible if England are to stand a chance of reaching the final.

4) Argentina (-1)

The usual pattern played out as Lionel Messi used his full array of tools to chisel a way through a stubborn defence, but it was others who eventually made the difference. A first goal of the tournament for Julián Alvarez will bring confidence to the striker, especially considering the stunning nature of the strike. Every knockout game has been a battle for Lionel Scaloni’s side, the world champions unable to find consistent rhythm over 90 minutes. They tried to ease their way through against Switzerland after an early goal but that was a dangerous game they cannot afford to repeat in the semi-finals. As midfielder Leandro Paredes put it: “It seems like if there’s no suffering, it doesn’t count.”

5) Belgium (+2)

Left to rue an injury to Thibaut Courtois against Spain as Senne Lammens made the mistake that resulted in defeat. Lammens was rusty, without a minute of competitive football since the end of the Premier League season in May. Maybe that is why he fumbled a shot from distance before watching the rebound fired home by Merino. It was a misfortune as Belgium had matched Spain for long periods, with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne thriving. But the elite will punish opponents for even the smallest errors.

6) Switzerland (+2)

The turning point against Argentina was Breel Embolo’s sending-off after a second yellow for diving via a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The score was level at the time and suddenly the Swiss were on the retreat. In extra-time, they were unable to hold on with 10 men. Prior to that, Murat Yakin’s side were precise with their tactics and pressing and will depart the US ruing what could have been.

7) Norway (-1)

Unable to find Erling Haaland for almost the entirety of the match against England limited their threat, with a fluke goal by Andreas Schjelderup required to get them into the game. Things were so bad for Haaland that he was taken off by Ståle Solbakken for the second half of extra-time. The lack of a plan B was evident and it is hard to be one of the best four teams in the world without some variety.

8) Morocco (-3)

Seemingly accepted defeat before kick-off against France. They played in a pragmatic, yet tedious, fashion and lacked interest in venturing into the opposition half. One shot on target told the tale of Morocco’s ambition, and it was inevitable the defence would be more important than attack for the African champions. The tactics were drilled into the side but it was only ever likely to delay Mbappé settling the match, and so it proved.

Click here to read article