The two finalists from Qatar 2022 could well be on course for a rerun as the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws to a close.Lionel Messi led Argentina to glory four years ago against a France side that were defending the title they won at Russia 2018.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listArgentina and France overcame Croatia and Morocco, respectively, in the semifinals, both surpassing expectations to reach that stage.This time, however, both teams will face sides considered serious contenders for the title.Al Jazeera takes a look at whether we are witnessing the best last-four lineup in World Cup history, and with it, potentially, the beautiful game’s greatest finale. France forward Kylian Mbappe (left) stands next to Argentina forward Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup final [Yukihito Taguchi/Reuters]The class of 2026 – France, Spain, England, ArgentinaThe lineup for the 2026 semifinals marks the first time since FIFA rankings began – in 1992 – that the current top four sides in the world have made it to this stage.France currently hold the number one spot, and are led by one of the most feared strikers in the world, Kylian Mbappe, while also boasting the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele.Argentina are ranked second and led by a player in Lionel Messi who, after having helped his side become only the third to defend a World Cup, may well be acknowledged as the greatest of all time.Spain are ranked third and boast La Liga starlet Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. The Spanish have reached the semis with a miserly defence, but the stage may now be set for Yamal to fully shake off the memory of the calf injury …
