2026 World Cup: Four Former Champions Vie for the Crown

The 2026 World Cup is nearing its conclusion, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. This year's tournament has been marked by numerous upsets and surprises, but the final four participants represent a return to tradition, featuring four nations that have previously lifted the coveted trophy.

France, England, Spain, and Argentina, all former World Cup champions, are competing in the semifinals. This scenario is a rare occurrence in World Cup history, happening for only the third time that all semifinalist nations are past winners. The final four are battling for supremacy after potential "usurpers" like Morocco, Norway, Belgium, and Switzerland were eliminated, leaving a contest exclusively among footballing royalty.

The article draws parallels to past tournaments, noting that the 1990 World Cup also featured all former champions in the final four. It then delves into a vivid recollection of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, often cited for hosting the "best national team of all time." Brazil, boasting stars like Rivelino, Pelé, Carlos Alberto, and Jairzinho, dominated their group and advanced through the knockout stages with impressive performances.

In the 1970 semifinals, Brazil faced Uruguay, while West Germany and Italy clashed in a match that has since been dubbed the "game of the century." The latter encounter is described as a spectacle of passion and emotion, with Italy eventually prevailing after a dramatic back-and-forth contest that saw West Germany equalize late in the game.

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This will be the third time in the history of the World Cups that all 4 semifinalists have won at least one World Cup.