France are the first team to reach the semi-finals of this World Cup Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images Forty-eight teams started these World Cup finals a month ago — now only seven remain. In the next two days, that will be whittled down to a final four. Morocco became the first quarter-finalists to be knocked out, losing 2-0 to the seemingly unstoppable France on Thursday. So how do the remaining contenders stack up? Here’s a look at our latest rankings. Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app Six matches, six wins, 16 goals scored, only two conceded… who can prevent the French winning this World Cup? If Kylian Mbappe (eight goals) doesn’t get you, then Ousmane Dembele (five goals) will instead. As it transpired, both of them got Morocco who, despite being the best African nation at the tournament, offered little resistance to Didier Deschamps’ team.
Published: July 10, 2026 8:58 am
Source: The New York Times — Read original