The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a semi-final worthy of the tournament’s biggest stage, with the world’s top four teams – France, Argentina, Spain and England – all reaching the last four for the first time since the 1990 edition.It marks a rare moment in World Cup history where the FIFA rankings perfectly reflect the competition’s semi-finalists, underscoring the dominance of the game’s elite nations over the past month.The last time the World Cup featured such a heavy final was in Italy in 1990, when West Germany, Argentina, Italy and England occupied the semi-final spots. Thirty-six years later, another quartet of former champions will battle for football’s biggest prize.Defending champions Argentina top the list alongside reigning European champions Spain, 2018 world champions France and England, who are chasing a first World Cup title since 1966.The road to the end now promises two encounters in the mouth. Spain will meet France in Arlington, Texas on July 15, while Argentina renew one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries against England in Atlanta a day later. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 20.
Heavyweights survive thrilling quarterfinals
Argentina booked their place after beating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Julián Álvarez hit the decisive goal in the 112th minute, with Lautaro Martínez adding another in stoppage time to send them through. Lionel Messithe transverse side.England also needed extra time, with Jude Bellingham producing another inspired display. His brace lifted Thomas Tuchel’s side to a 2-1 win over Norway after Andreas Schjelderup had threatened a comeback in Miami.Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to continue their impressive run and set up a successful semi-final against France, who reinforced their status as tournament favorites by beating Morocco 2-0.
Rivalry, revenge and the biggest stars of football
The semifinal schedule offers two compelling storylines.Argentina and England renew one of the fiercest rivalries in international football, shaped by decades of unforgettable World Cup drama. From the heated quarter-final of 1966 and Diego MaradonaFrom the iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and redemption in 2002, the match has always provided unforgettable moments. Remarkably, this will be Lionel Messi’s first World Cup meeting with England.The other semi-final sees France seek revenge against Spain after their Euro 2024 semi-final defeat. Kylian Mbappé leads a France side that has arguably been the most complete team at the tournament, while Spain continue to thrive despite injury problems, relying on their trademark resilience and on-time goals.Individual honors are also up for grabs. Messi and Mbappé lead the Golden Boot race with eight goals each, while England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane remains firmly in lite with six apiece. Mbappé and Messi are also locked in a fascinating race to become the top goalscorer in World Cup history, with Messi on 21 goals overall and Mbappé one behind on 20.If Argentina retain the trophy, they will become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. For Messi, a second World Cup title would further strengthen his claim as the greatest football player of all time.
FIFA World Cup Schedule of the semi-finals (IST):
- July 15:
Spain vs. France – 12:30 am (Arlington, Texas) - July 16:
Argentina vs England – 12:30 am (Atlanta)
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: July 20 – 12:30 am (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)