Somehow, yes, it’s true: for the first time in World Cup history, the four remaining teams are also the top four teams in FIFA’s rankings. The tournament has been around since 1930, and even with an expanded 48-team field designed to create more unpredictability, the final four is as chalk as it gets.
No. 1 France plays No. 3 Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, while No. 2 Argentina faces No. 4 England in Atlanta on Wednesday. No matter who wins, we’ll be rewarded with a dream final.
That got us thinking: while there aren’t perfect like-for-like comparisons in college football, there are enough similarities that these four World Cup semifinalists resemble some recent College Football Playoff teams.
Ohio State always attracts the top recruiting classes and consistently develops top NFL talent. The Buckeyes won the national championship in 2024, and are tied for the most CFP appearances since the inaugural four-team field in 2014. And, like France, they enter nearly every season as a legitimate contender. Expectations aren’t just high – they’re championship or bust.
Argentina is Alabama (during the Nick Saban years): Argentina is the gold standard of international soccer, much like Alabama was during the Nick Saban era. La Albiceleste has been the sport’s most dominant force over the past five years, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles while sandwiching a World Cup trophy in 2022 behind Lionel Messi.
The Argentines refuse to be beaten. They thrive in pressure moments – as has been particularly evident throughout the knockout rounds at this World Cup – and that’s because of the championship mentality that’s deeply ingrained in the program’s culture.
That’s what made Alabama a dynasty under Saban. The Crimson Tide didn’t just stockpile elite talent – they expected to win every game and often did. Like Argentina, they were the measuring stick by which every other team compared themselves.
Nick Saban was in a class of his own while leading Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Georgia won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and Spain is hoping to lift the World Cup trophy after most recently winning the 2024 Euros. The Bulldogs may be more known for their size and physicality, while La Roja overwhelms opponents with technical ability and flair, but both programs have become dominant forces that reload every year.
England is Texas: Both England and Texas enter every season – or every major tournament – thinking this is their time. It’s always “it’s coming home” and “we’re back.”
And yet, the Three Lions haven’t won a World Cup in 60 years, while the Longhorns haven’t claimed a national title since the 2005 season. There’s so much hope – and rightfully so – but also so much heartbreak and disappointment.
These programs are defined by their rich history, tradition and brands. They dominate headlines whether they’re winning or not, and every loss becomes a national conversation. They have long-time, wide-spread and loyal supporters who are anxious for their team to regain their place at the top. And they have mega stars like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for England and Arch Manning at Texas.
Can Arch Manning bring home a title to Austin? (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
