World Cup 2026 power rankings: who leads the pack as semi-finals loom?

As the World Cup semi-finals near, France remains a formidable force, leveraging their seasoned coach Didier Deschamps’ experience to navigate tough matches. While teams struggle to contain their star players, particularly Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, the tournament is showcasing a mix of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. The rankings are shifting, highlighting not just the traditional powers but also emerging teams that are making their mark. This stage of the competition will likely set the tone for who will vie for the 2026 World Cup title, as strategies and star performances come to the fore.