The golden square brings together the top FIFA rankings.

A total of 100 matches have been held so far in the 2026 Men's World Cup, resulting in the qualification of the top four teams in the FIFA world rankings to the semi-finals.

All discussions about the spread of the game and the World Cup reaching new horizons have been dispelled by the clear reality that confirms the continued dominance of European teams, along with one South American team, in the competition.

This is the first time that the ranking of the top four teams in the FIFA rankings matches the participants in the men's World Cup semi-finals, but this is also due to FIFA designing the tournament draw to ensure that these teams do not meet before this stage.

Despite France topping the world rankings, maintaining its position and winning the title for the third time in its history in the final scheduled for next Sunday in New Jersey is not a foregone conclusion.

Most analysts agree that the French team, led by Didier Deschamps, has been the best in the tournament so far, thanks to the incredible speed in the front line represented by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, along with the skill and artistic touch of Michael Olise in the playmaker position behind them.

Olise leads the list of players with the most assists, with five key passes, while Mbappé shares the top spot in the tournament's goal-scoring chart.

The forward said, "We are fighting for France, and we play with passion."

However, the French defense has not faced any real tests so far, which gives Spain, the European champion, a chance to achieve its third consecutive victory over the "Roosters" when the two teams meet in the semi-finals near Dallas next Tuesday.

Spain defeated France 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship, and then overcame them 5-4 in a thrilling match in the UEFA Nations League last year.

The Spanish team, ranked third in the FIFA rankings, has not performed at the same level as in previous tournaments, as it needed late goals from substitute Mikel Merino to get past Portugal and Belgium.

However, the defense and goalkeeper Unai Simón have shown very solid performances, as the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet for 649 consecutive minutes in the World Cup across two editions, a record in the tournament.

The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper said, "I can stay calm and balanced under pressure. Perhaps this is an innate quality."