France rated strongest among World Cup quarterfinalists

France enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals as the leading title contender in Al Jazeera’s assessment of the final eight teams. The ranking matters because the tournament is down to its last eight matches, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New York/New Jersey.

Alexander Hoad, writing for Al Jazeera, placed France first, followed by Spain, England and defending champion Argentina. Norway, Belgium, Morocco and Switzerland rounded out the list, in that order.

France set the pace

Al Jazeera cited France’s attacking depth and defensive record as the main reasons for putting Didier Deschamps’s side at No. 1. The outlet noted that France have conceded two goals in five matches and have attacking options including Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.

France face Morocco in the quarterfinals. Al Jazeera said Morocco represent a tougher test than France have faced in recent matches, while noting that Mbappe is chasing both the Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Spain were ranked second after reaching the last eight without conceding a goal. Al Jazeera reported that Spain have kept six straight World Cup clean sheets dating back to 2022 and have allowed only five shots on target in their first five matches of this tournament.

The ranking pointed to Mikel Oyarzabal’s four goals and Spain’s solid midfield and defence, while saying Lamine Yamal has shown his best form only in bursts. Spain’s quarterfinal opponent is Belgium, who improved against the United States after an uneven run earlier in the tournament, according to Al Jazeera.

England and Argentina lead the next group

England were listed third, with Al Jazeera saying Thomas Tuchel’s team should be expected to reach the semifinals after being seeded fourth. England beat Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16 despite playing much of the match with 10 men, according to the outlet.

Al Jazeera said England’s quarterfinal against Norway could turn on how well they limit Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. The outlet also noted fitness concerns involving Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Reece James, and said Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham would miss a possible semifinal if booked in the quarterfinal.

Argentina were placed fourth despite Lionel Messi leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals. Al Jazeera said the defending champions have relied heavily on Messi and looked vulnerable defensively, including in their comeback win over Egypt after trailing 2-0 late in the round of 16.

Norway ranked fifth after reaching unfamiliar territory at the World Cup, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet said Haaland has scored seven goals from 18 shots in four matches, while also noting Norway have kept only one clean sheet in their past 12 games.

Belgium, Morocco and Switzerland face tougher paths

Belgium were ranked sixth after beating the United States, with Al Jazeera saying coach Rudi Garcia’s changes brought a better performance. The outlet said Belgium had earlier struggled against Egypt, Iran and Senegal before reaching the quarterfinals.

Morocco were seventh, with Al Jazeera pointing to their strong last-16 win over Canada but also to the loss of leading scorer Ismael Saibari before the France match. Switzerland were eighth, with the outlet saying their first quarterfinal appearance in 72 years may be their ceiling, especially with Johan Manzambi’s knee injury raising doubts before the Argentina match.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.