As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its climax, the question on everyone's lips is: can Spain keep their momentum going? With just six games remaining, the tournament has thrown up some surprising results and left us with some intriguing questions. In this article, I'll be taking a deep dive into the remaining contenders, analyzing their performances and offering my own insights and opinions. So, let's get started!
The French Favorites
France remains the clear favorite to lift the trophy, and it's easy to see why. Their attack is simply unstoppable, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembé leading the charge. But what makes them truly fascinating is their defense. They haven't conceded a single goal in their three knockout-stage matches, and their ability to shut down their opponents is a testament to the strength of their squad. In my opinion, France's chances of winning the World Cup are very high, and their 34% chance of lifting the trophy according to The Athletic's projection tool seems well-deserved.
Spain's Unlikely Heroes
Spain's journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of remarkable. Their 2-1 victory over Belgium was a late drama, with Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal. What makes Spain so intriguing is their ability to keep finding a way, even when things seem tough. Their defense is stubborn and effective, and players like Lamine Yamal are showing signs of top form. However, I think Spain's real strength lies in their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Their semi-final against France will be a classic clash of styles, and I can't wait to see how they handle the pressure.
Argentina's Back-and-Forth Journey
Argentina's knockout games have been a rollercoaster. Their 2-0 win over Cape Verde showed the same vulnerability to giving up leads that we saw in their run to the trophy four years ago. But their 3-2 comeback against Egypt was a testament to their strength of character and will to win. The question now is how much these two matches have taken out of them. They face Switzerland next, who have shown they aren't easy to beat. In my view, Argentina's ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial to their chances of winning the World Cup.
The Underdogs
The underdogs of the tournament, like Morocco and Belgium, have shown that anything is possible. Morocco, despite being the best African nation at the tournament, offered little resistance to France. Belgium, on the other hand, succumbed to Spain in a late defeat. These teams have reminded us that in the World Cup, anything can happen, and that's what makes it so exciting. In my opinion, the underdogs have a lot to teach us about the importance of belief and determination.
The Final Thoughts
As we approach the semi-finals, the tournament has thrown up some surprising results and left us with some intriguing questions. France remains the clear favorite, but Spain's ability to keep finding a way is truly fascinating. Argentina's back-and-forth journey has been a reminder of the importance of resilience and determination. And the underdogs have shown us that anything is possible. In my opinion, the World Cup has been a testament to the power of belief and the beauty of the game. As we wait for the semi-finals to unfold, I can't wait to see what surprises and dramas the tournament has in store for us.
