The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most exciting stage, with only four teams remaining in the race for football’s biggest prize. France, Spain, England, and defending champions Argentina are now just one victory away from reaching the World Cup Final, setting the stage for two thrilling semi-final encounters featuring some of the biggest stars in world football.
The first semi-final will see France take on Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, while England face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday in what promises to be another memorable chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries.
France vs Spain: Mbappé and Yamal Lead European Heavyweights
The clash between France and Spain brings together two of Europe’s strongest football nations in a match many expect to become an instant World Cup classic.
France arrive in the semi-finals after a convincing 2-0 victory over Morocco, with captain Kylian Mbappé once again leading the charge. The French superstar has scored eight goals in the tournament and trails only Lionel Messi in the race to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
France’s strength, however, extends far beyond Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé has contributed five goals, while Michael Olise leads the tournament with five assists, giving coach Didier Deschamps one of the most balanced squads in the competition.
Spain, meanwhile, have shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. After dramatic victories over Portugal and Belgium, coach Luis de la Fuente will be hoping teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivers his best performance when it matters most.
Despite enormous expectations, the Barcelona winger has scored only once so far, while striker Mikel Oyarzabal has four tournament goals but has been held scoreless in Spain’s last two matches.
Spain will also draw confidence from their recent record against France, having defeated Les Bleus 2-1 in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024.
The Spaniards enter the match on an extraordinary 36-match unbeaten run, winning 27 and drawing nine since March 2024.
France will be making their eighth World Cup semi-final appearance, equalling Brazil, with only Germany having reached more semi-finals in World Cup history.
England vs Argentina: A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The second semi-final features one of football’s most famous rivalries as England meet Argentina in Atlanta.
The fixture inevitably brings memories of the dramatic 1986 World Cup quarter-final, when the legendary Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory over England.
Four decades later, another Argentine icon takes centre stage.
Lionel Messi, who became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer during this tournament, has scored eight goals and continues to chase another world title with the defending champions. Remarkably, this will be Messi’s first-ever international match against England.
England, however, possess plenty of star power of their own.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham has scored twice in each of England’s last two knockout matches, becoming the first player to achieve that feat since Maradona in 1986. Captain Harry Kane has also been in impressive form with six tournament goals.
Although neither England nor Argentina have consistently produced their most fluent football, both teams have demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome difficult knockout matches.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has challenged his players to raise their performance levels after their quarter-final victory over Norway, knowing a place in the World Cup Final is now within touching distance.
England have now reached the semi-finals of four major international tournaments since 2018, matching the total number they had achieved in all previous years combined. They have also won four consecutive matches at this World Cup—their best winning streak in a single tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in the last four tournaments, underlining their consistency as one of international football’s dominant forces.
With world-class talent, historic rivalries, and a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at stake, football fans around the globe can expect two unforgettable semi-finals that promise drama, passion, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.