Now that the World Cup final is set, let us start looking forward to 2030. We will look at a few factors for each team that will contribute to their ability to make a deep run in consecutive World Cups. Here are the rankings from least likely to make it to the semifinals again to the most:
4. Argentina
Argentina has followed up their 2022 win with another trip to the final. A lot of people wondered if we would see Lionel Messi back this year, but it has been an emphatic yes. Messi and company are the oldest team
at this tournament when you look at the minutes played by age. Knowing Messi, we cannot put anything out of the realm of possibility, but he will very likely not be back for another edition. Who knows how Argentina will be able to overcome not having Messi and others from this generation?
Argentina will also have a unique situation of these four teams — they will play one match in South America before flying across the Atlantic to play the rest of the tournament.
3. England
England is not as old as Argentina, but not as young as the other two. Key players like Harry Kane, John Stones, and Jordan Henderson will be 36 or older in four years. While some can play at this level at that age, we could see them start to slow over the next four years. Though it was their second semifinals appearance in three editions, it is just the fourth overall. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Anthony Gordon are likely to lead this team over the next four years. Historically they have not often made it to the last four, but maybe this group has what it takes to run it back in four years again.
2. France
France has made it to the semifinals in three consecutive tournaments, though they are trending backwards. After winning it all in 2018, they were runners up in 2022 and then failed to make it to the Final this year. It is not unheard of, but a four consecutive semifinals berths is rare.
However, of the four teams, France has made it to the last four most often (eight). Kylian Mbappé should have at least one more tournament in him and will be looking to work on his World Cup career goal total, while a lot of their players in attack will still be under 30 in the next edition. Mbappé and crew could be scary for the next four years.
1. Spain
History does not favor Spain’s return to the semifinals. This was only the second appearance — after they won it all in 2010. It took them 16 years to get back to the final four.
However, Spain has perhaps the most exciting youth in all of world soccer. Lamine Yamal is setting up to be one of the game’s next big stars. At just 19-years old as well, Pau Cubarsí has had a great tournament in central defense for Spain. Even their veteran core players are in only their late 20s or early 30s and could be able to go again in four years. Perhaps the biggest factor is that Spain will be the primary hosts of the 2030 World Cup. They will have their home fans rooting them into the semifinals. Look for Spain to match France and Argentina’s return performances from the last two world cups in 2030.
Who do you think are most likely to make it back in 2030? Let us know in the comments.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
