Argentina tops Opta's probability rankings for World Cup final

Argentina holds the highest chance of reaching the World Cup final at just under 30%, according to football data analysts Opta. France follows closely with a probability of 28.61%. Argentina, the defending champions, face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday. The team's favorable path could lead to a potential meeting with heavyweights Brazil or England in the semi-finals after expected matchups against Australia or Egypt and then Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana in earlier rounds. Argentina forward Lionel Messi has also made an impact by becoming the all-time top scorer in men's World Cups with six goals at the tournament.

• 5:39 PMYahoo Sports — Argentina have best chance of reaching final, says Opta