Four nations remain in the FIFA World Cup 2026, leaving only four possible championship matchups. Here’s how they stack up based on storylines, form, and overall excitement.
With Argentina, England, France, and Spain left standing, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is guaranteed to deliver a heavyweight final. The only question now is which matchup football fans will get on the sport’s biggest stage.
Every possible final has something to offer, whether it’s a rematch of a recent title clash, a battle between Europe’s best, or a sequel to one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played. But when it comes to storylines and sheer anticipation some simply stand above the rest. Either way, the 4 top nations in the FIFA rankings will give the fans quality football as they battle it out for the sport’s ultimate glory.
4. Spain vs. Argentina
This matchup has plenty going for it. This would have been the Finalissima matchup, but was cancelled.
Nonetheless, if this happens, it will still be an intriguing matchup. Spain have looked steady all tournament long, but clearly not at their best, just like Argentina who have found ways to win without consistently hitting their best form. It’s still a World Cup final. It just happens to be the least compelling of the four as they’re the two squads who have not looked as dominant in the knockouts.
3. Spain vs. England
A rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final would immediately bring an added layer of history.
England have looked sharper and more convincing than they did two years ago, while Spain have continued to establish themselves as one of the world’s best teams. Stylistically, it’s an intriguing clash between Spain’s control of possession and England’s unpredictability.
It’s a matchup worthy of a World Cup final. The only thing holding it back is that we’ve already seen these two meet for a major international trophy not too long ago.
2. England vs. France
If this final happens, expect fireworks.
England and France have arguably been the two most explosive teams among the semifinalists, with world-class talent spread across every area of the pitch. From Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele.
The only reason it narrowly misses out on the top spot is the possibility that France simply overwhelms England if everything clicks. It has all the ingredients of an instant classic, but there’s also a chance it becomes surprisingly one-sided.
1. Argentina vs. France
Some storylines are simply too good to ignore. A rematch of the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup final would instantly become one of the most anticipated matches in football history. Lionel Messi would have another chance to add to an already unmatched international legacy, while Kylian Mbappe could finally get his revenge on the biggest stage and also further cement his place as one of the greatest World Cup performers of all time.
Whether it’s decided in 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties, the narrative is already written. Every moment would be viewed through the lens of what happened four years ago. No other possible final carries this much history, emotion, and legacy.
If football gets Argentina versus France one more time, the world will be watching.
Banner Images from Equipe de France de Football on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina, England, France, and Spain are the four semifinalists remaining in the FIFA World Cup 2026, setting up four possible final matchups depending on how the semifinal results play out.
Argentina vs. France ranks as the most anticipated possible final, a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final that would pit Lionel Messi against Kylian Mbappe on football’s biggest stage once again.
Spain vs. Argentina would have been the Finalissima matchup before it was cancelled, making it a final that carries some history, though it ranks as the least dominant pairing of the four semifinalists in current form.
Yes. Spain defeated England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, so a Spain vs. England FIFA World Cup 2026 final would be a rematch of that same championship game from two years prior.
England vs. France features some of the tournament’s most explosive attackers, including Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele, making it one of the most star-studded possible matchups.
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