The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its semifinal stage, with the four highest-ranked teams in the world set to compete for a spot in the final. After an expanded field of 48 nations began play on June 11, only France, Argentina, Spain, and England remain, all of whom have maintained undefeated records throughout the tournament. The semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, leading up to Sunday’s final in New York.
All four nations have previously won a World Cup title. Argentina is aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive titles. France, a finalist four years ago and winner in 2018, seeks another championship. Spain is looking for its second title since 2010, while England hopes to end a long wait, having not won the tournament since 1966.
France versus Spain in Dallas
The first semifinal match will see France take on Spain on Tuesday in Dallas. This European clash features France‘s potent attack against Spain‘s formidable defence. France has scored 16 goals in seven matches, with Kylian Mbappé contributing eight goals, tying him with Lionel Messi as the tournament’s joint top scorer. However, France will face a strong Spanish backline, which has recorded five clean sheets and conceded only one goal in their 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium.
Michael Olise has been a key creative force for France, providing five assists, a tournament high. His ability to deliver precise passes has been crucial in unlocking opposing defences. For Spain, midfielder Mikel Merino has proven to be an impactful substitute, scoring decisive goals in both the round of 16 against Portugal and the quarterfinals against Belgium shortly after entering the game.
A significant midfield battle is anticipated between Désiré Doué of Paris Saint-Germain for France and Rodri, Spain‘s defensive midfielder. Doué has been influential in France‘s counterattacking play, making key passes and runs. Rodri will be tasked with disrupting Doué‘s contributions and slowing down France‘s transitions from defence to attack.
England against Argentina in Atlanta
On Wednesday, England and Argentina will renew their rivalry in Atlanta, marking their sixth encounter at the World Cup and their first-ever semifinal meeting. Both teams have navigated challenging knockout rounds to reach this stage. Argentina boasts the tournament’s best attack with 17 goals, closely followed by England, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
Lionel Messi has been a standout player for Argentina, leading the tournament with eight goals and two assists. He has scored in all but one of Argentina‘s six matches. Despite his age, Messi‘s efficiency has been notable, with approximately 64 percent of the distance he has covered in his games being at a walking pace.
For England, Jude Bellingham has been a highly influential player. The Real Madrid star is the first player in World Cup history to achieve a brace in consecutive knockout matches since Diego Maradona in 1986. Harry Kane, also with six goals, has been another crucial contributor for England.
The midfield clash between England‘s Declan Rice and Argentina‘s Alexis Mac Allister could be pivotal. Rice, operating as a defensive anchor alongside Elliot Anderson, will need to manage Argentina‘s quick press and transition play. Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández have demonstrated composure under pressure and the ability to disrupt opposing midfields, which will be vital in controlling the flow of the game.
The winners of these semifinal matches will advance to the final on Sunday in New York, while the losing teams will compete in the third-place match the day before in Miami.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
