The World Cup 2026 has delivered drama at every turn, and now only four teams remain. France, Spain, England, and Argentina are each two wins away from lifting the trophy. Here is what to expect from both semi-final ties.

France vs Spain — Tuesday, Dallas Stadium

This is a clash between two European heavyweights packed with world-class talent. France have been one of the most convincing teams in the tournament, while Spain have found ways to win even when not at their best.

Why France look dangerous

Kylian Mbappe has been the standout player of the tournament. He scored again as France beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, taking his tally to eight goals — just one behind Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring race. But France are far more than a one-man team.

Ousmane Dembele has chipped in with five goals, and Michael Olise leads the entire competition with five assists. That depth across the pitch makes Didier Deschamps’ side extremely difficult to contain.

Spain’s unsung resilience

Spain are on the longest unbeaten run in their history — 36 matches without defeat since a loss to Colombia in March 2024. Yet their star man Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the match, has scored only once this tournament.

Instead, Spain have relied on late heroics from substitute Mikel Merino, who scored decisive goals against both Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds. Mikel Oyarzabal has four goals but has blanked in the past two matches. Spain will hope Yamal picks this moment to deliver a performance worthy of his talent.

Key stat

This is only the second World Cup meeting between France and Spain. France won 3-1 in the last 16 in 2006.

England vs Argentina — Wednesday, Atlanta Stadium

This is the fixture that captures the imagination more than any other. A rivalry stretching back decades, now renewed on the biggest stage.

The Messi factor

Lionel Messi has never faced England in his career. What bigger occasion could there be than a World Cup semi-final? Messi became the tournament’s all-time top goalscorer this summer and leads the Golden Boot race alongside Mbappe on eight goals.

Argentina needed extra time to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning strike to put them ahead, and the defending champions showed the kind of grit that won them the title in Qatar.

Bellingham’s brilliance

England have their own talisman. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the quarter-final win over Norway, including an extra-time winner. He has now scored twice in consecutive knockout matches — the first player to do so since Diego Maradona in 1986.

Captain Harry Kane is level with Bellingham on six goals for the tournament. Between them, England carry serious attacking threat.

Tuchel demands more

Neither side has been at their free-flowing best. England needed a comeback to beat Norway 2-1, and Tuchel was openly critical of the performance. He will demand more quality against Argentina, even if this match is likely to be another passionate, hard-fought battle.

Key stat

England have reached the semi-finals in four major tournaments since 2018 — as many as they managed in their entire history before that.

What to watch

  • Mbappe vs Yamal on Tuesday is a generational clash between the two best attackers in world football right now.
  • Messi vs Bellingham on Wednesday pits the greatest of all time against the man who may inherit that title.
  • Both matches could easily go to extra time. The margins are razor-thin.
  • The final is on the line. Expect tension, drama, and moments that will be remembered for decades.

The World Cup semi-finals rarely disappoint. With these four teams and these players, the 2026 edition should be no different.