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Since the FIFA Rankings started in 1992, no more than two of the top four teams on the list going into a World Cup have made it to the semi-finals. This year all four have made it: 1v4, 2v3

Sound of Football Podcast

@sofpodcast.com

13 July

A lot has been made of the fact that has happened because FIFA added seedings to the draw. But the way the draw came out these sides would have avoided each other until the semis anyway. The only difference is France and Argentina swapped groups. The semis would have been Spa v Arg and Fra v Eng

Sound of Football Podcast

@sofpodcast.com

It's arguable that France were handed the easier draw thanks to the move; placed in the only quarter without potentially a group winning host. As it is, they have yet to face another group winner. So far in the knockout stage two of the three sides they've faced finished third in their group

13/7/26, 2:00 pm0 reposts0 likes

TheRaw_D

@therawd.bsky.social

14 July

Would help if the FIFA rankings weren't absolutely god awful. ELO much better but you're point is also spot on

Sound of Football Podcast

@sofpodcast.com

14 July

This is very true. Though I think on (unofficial) ELO rankings, this top four are still the top four, just a different order