Top four FIFA ranked teams reach World Cup semi-finals for first time
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
All of them are previous FIFA World Cup winners.
For the first time, the top four teams in FIFA’s world rankings advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals.
48 teams playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 meant Spain, France, England and Argentina won’t meet each other until the semi-finals, when they finished top of their respective groups.
They were unable to meet before the semi-finals. They were placed in different quadrants of the draw. They each had to win their groups in order for it to occur, and they did just that.
Also read: Argentina become first team to score two or more goals in 12 consecutive World Cup games
Top four ranked teams will face each other in FIFA World Cup semi-final for the first time
Spain would not play Argentina before the final due to their split in the draw. Furthermore, England and France were placed on opposing sides of the knockout stage. If they both advanced, they would face either Argentina or Spain in the semi-finals.
By creating “two separate pathways to the semi-finals,” FIFA said the action ensured “competitive balance.” France will now play Spain on Tuesday. England will play Argentina on Wednesday in the semi-finals.
FIFA authorities were quite transparent when they altered the World Cup draw procedure and expanded the competition to 48 teams.
The governing body of world football stated that it wants to prevent the four top-ranked nations from playing each other earlier in the knockout stages. All to perhaps keep big matches until later in the competition.
Before, it wasn’t really an issue. However, that wasn’t the case in the 32-team FIFA World Cup, as top-ranked nations could meet each other early in the knockout stage.
How many FIFA World Cups have Argentina won?
They have won three.
Where do England rank in FIFA?
They are ranked fourth in the FIFA men’s rankings right now.
Where do Spain rank in FIFA?
They rank third by FIFA.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.