Ranking World Cup semifinalists: How Argentina, France, Spain and England stack up
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The final four teams in the World Cup—France, Spain, Argentina, and England—are also the top four in the FIFA rankings, featuring star players like Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham.
- Argentina, despite an easier knockout path, have relied heavily on Messi but face questions in midfield and defense, especially against England's wingers.
- England's strength lies in the partnership of Kane and Bellingham, though injuries and suspensions pose challenges; they have the weakest expected goals stats among the semifinalists.
- France boasts a potent attack led by Mbappe and Dembele, but their midfield and physicality could be tested against Spain's strong center of the park.
- Spain, favored to win before the tournament, rely on a solid defense and pragmatic midfield led by Pedri and Rodri, with effective contributions from substitutes like Mikel Merino, making them a top contender alongside France.
