The most interesting part of this World Cup is that all four teams ranked in the top four of the FIFA rankings have advanced to the semifinals—this is the first time it has happened in history. Usually, there are one or two dark horses that stir things up in the World Cup, but this time there haven’t been any. Reaching this stage in the knockout rounds is still a “stronger teams win” game.

France vs Spain—these two teams have very different styles. Spain is built on a possession-based passing-and-control system. In the quarterfinals, they beat Belgium 2-1, and it wasn’t easy play. France, meanwhile, is “counterattack king.” Mbappé has scored 8 goals and is tied for the top spot on the top scorers list, with extremely high attacking efficiency. But France has a habitual problem: when playing hard-fought matches, their tempo can get pressured and pinned down easily. Spain’s possession system is exactly an effective way to contain France’s counterattacking threats. This likely won’t be a thrilling match—most likely a low-scoring, tense stalemate, and a penalty shootout wouldn’t be surprising.

I lean toward Spain, but the probabilities aren’t that far apart. France’s individual brilliance can swing the game at any moment.

England vs Argentina—this matchup itself carries historical baggage. The grudges from the Beckham–Zidane era are still remembered by people when you bring them into 2026. Bellingham’s form this edition is extremely solid. He can score in both regulation and extra time, and he’s fully carrying the team. Messi has 10 World Cup assists—if the final is his farewell appearance, this kind of script would naturally be what pushes Argentina forward.

Argentina’s overall tactical system is more mature than England’s. Messi’s passing threat is still world-class. England has also had a fair share of luck in this run. Their comeback against Norway relied on Bellingham’s individual performance, and the team’s overall stability is questionable.

My prediction: a Spain vs Argentina final. The Golden Boot—either Messi or Mbappé—both have locked in 8 goals. Whichever one scores one more in the last two matches takes it.

But honestly, I wouldn’t find it surprising if any of these four teams won. The quality of this semifinals lineup is the highest in the past two decades.

DYOR—not a football-related suggestion 😄
#FIFA