All Top‑Four FIFA‑Ranked Nations Still Competing in World Cup Knock‑Outs

In the men's FIFA World Cup knockout stage, the four nations occupying the top spots in the FIFA rankings—France, Argentina, Spain and England—are all still in contention. Opta data notes this is the first instance since the ranking system began in 1992 that at least three of the top‑four ranked teams are present at this stage, making it an unprecedented configuration in World Cup history.

Opta’s projections give France the highest chance of winning the tournament at 34 % and view Argentina as the least likely among the four, with a 20 % chance. The most probable final matchup, according to the analysis, would be France versus England.