France top World Cup standings and chase a third title
France sit atop the latest World Cup standings after six straight wins, 16 goals scored and only two conceded. Didier Deschamps' side became the first nation into the 2026 semi-finals with a 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco, and are now favourites to eclipse their 1998 and 2018 triumphs with two wins still to play.
Key Takeaways
- France lead The Athletic's latest World Cup rankings with six wins from six and a projected 34% title chance.
- Kylian Mbappé scored his eighth goal of the tournament and Ousmane Dembélé added a second in a 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco.
- Former midfielder Patrick Vieira called this generation's attacking depth "unbelievable" and backed France to reach a third straight final.
- Spain rank second in the standings and await a semi-final clash with France in Dallas on 14 July.
- Deschamps, in his final tournament as manager, has France two wins from a third World Cup crown on 19 July.
Why is France called 'unbelievable' at this World Cup?
Two-time winners France have built what many analysts call the team to beat in 2026. After beating Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco without a defeat, Les Bleus became the first side into the semi-finals.
Patrick Vieira, who played in France's 3-0 final win over Brazil in 1998, told ITV Sport that when you look at the squad and its attacking players, "it is so unbelievable." He expects Didier Deschamps, manager since 2012 and in his last tournament in charge, to guide France to a third successive final.
The Guardian's Football Daily noted that Paraguay's "spectacular heel turn" in the last 16 had briefly ruffled Deschamps' side, but France were back in cruise control for their quarter-final near Boston. One reader even wondered whether this team could go down in history as "Les Inévitables" — a label that fits the Bizarre News & Florida Man vibe of a side that simply will not bend.
Who can stop France in the World Cup standings race?
The Athletic's July 11 re-ranking leaves France clear at number one. Mbappé leads the scoring charts with eight goals, Dembélé has five, and Michael Olise tops the assists chart with five. France have not conceded in three knockout matches and have barely allowed a chance.
Spain sit second after Mikel Merino's late winner sealed a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium. Luis de la Fuente's side have kept finding a way, though Lamine Yamal has managed only one goal and no assists so far. Vieira argued France are a better team today than four years ago, adding: "I don't see anybody stopping the French team going to the final."
Argentina, England, Norway and Switzerland round out the six remaining teams, but France's combination of firepower and defensive solidity keeps them ahead in every major power ranking.
What does France vs Spain mean for the trophy?
France can now watch the remaining quarter-finals before facing Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July. The Athletic calls it a classic clash of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object — France's 16 goals against Spain's stubborn defence and habit of late winners.
Mbappé, who missed a first-half penalty against Morocco before curling in the opener on 60 minutes, has tied Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later. Morocco, the first African nation to reach successive World Cup quarter-finals, offered little resistance despite missing injured attacker Ismael Saibari.
If France lift the trophy in New York on 19 July, they will become world champions for a third time. For full context on Vieira's assessment and Deschamps' final campaign, see the BBC Sport report. The world cup standings may tighten in Dallas, but right now France look built to eclipse every previous glory.