France and Spain lead European dominance at World Cup
France and Spain top the latest World Cup power rankings, underscoring a broader European dominance that protects the commercial value of the continent's domestic leagues as the tournament enters its semi-final stage.
France remains the team to beat heading into the World Cup semi-finals, sitting atop the latest power rankings ahead of Spain. European sides occupy five of the top six spots, a statement of the continent's enduring strength in the sport.
Didier Deschamps’s squad relies on the individual brilliance of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé to break down deep defensive blocks. This approach proved decisive against Morocco, where opponents sat back and managed just one shot on target. Mbappé eventually produced the necessary magic with a goal and an assist after an hour of patient play.
Spain holds second place, having edged Belgium through a late winner from Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder scored just 115 seconds after entering the pitch, capitalising on a fumble by backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Lammens had not played a single minute of competitive football since the Premier League ended in May. Prior to the error, Belgium had matched Spain for long periods, with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne thriving.
Lamine Yamal is rapidly emerging as Spain's primary threat, setting up a highly anticipated semi-final matchup with Mbappé. “If anyone should be afraid it should be [France] – we knocked them out of the Euros,” Yamal said. “We have no fear.”
England sits third after a laboured performance in the unforgiving Miami heat against Norway. Thomas Tuchel was visibly irritated by his side's play, leaving it to Jude Bellingham to drag the team into the next round. Tuchel's decision to rotate roles and move Bellingham away from his best position raised questions, with the No 10 needing to stay close to Harry Kane to maximise England's chances.
The only non-European team in the top four is Argentina in fourth. Lionel Scaloni’s side needed a stunning strike from Julián Alvarez and a man advantage after Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off for diving via a VAR review. “It seems like if there’s no suffering, it doesn’t count,” said Leandro Paredes.
For Europe, this deep collective run reinforces the commercial and cultural power of its domestic leagues. The stars driving these campaigns are the peak assets of European football, a reality that amplifies their market value and the global broadcasting appeal of the continent's competitions. Belgium and Switzerland round out the top six, departing the US knowing the elite punish the smallest errors.
Norway fell to seventh after a lack of a plan B stifled Erling Haaland, who was substituted in the second half of extra time. Morocco dropped to eighth after a pragmatic, tedious display that offered little going forward.
