The stage is set for one of the most anticipated World Cup semifinals in history, with four former champions and the world’s top ranked teams preparing for a decisive battle for a place in the final.
Argentina, Spain, France and England .the top four nations in FIFA’s rankings heading into the tournament have reached the final four and are now just two victories away from lifting the biggest trophy in international football.
The semifinal fixtures promise historic drama as France face Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, while England take on Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
For the first time since the 1990 World Cup, all four semifinalists are previous world champions. The last time such a lineup occurred, Argentina were the defending champions after winning the 1986 tournament before eventually losing the 1990 final to West Germany.
This year’s tournament could also produce a repeat of the 2022 final if France and Argentina both survive their semifinal challenges.
Argentina vs England: A rivalry renewed
Argentina’s clash with England represents one of football’s most intense rivalries, with decades of history and controversy behind it.
The rivalry extends beyond football, including political tensions linked to the 1982 Falklands Islands conflict, but the World Cup meetings between the two nations have produced unforgettable moments.
In 1966, Argentina captain Antonio Rattín was sent off during a heated quarterfinal against England, who went on to win the tournament.
Twenty years later, Diego Maradona produced one of football’s most famous moments when his controversial “Hand of God” goal helped Argentina defeat England 2-1 in the 1986 quarterfinals before going on to win the World Cup.
The teams met again in 1998, when England midfielder David Beckham was sent off against Argentina, which led to criticism from English media. Argentina won that match on penalties.
However, England gained revenge in 2002 when Beckham scored the winning penalty in a 1-0 victory that contributed to Argentina’s early elimination from the tournament.
Wednesday’s semifinal will also mark Lionel Messi’s first-ever World Cup match against England.
France vs Spain: A chance for French revenge
France and Spain will meet again on the biggest stage after their recent encounter at the European Championship.
Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal, with a young Lamine Yamal scoring a memorable goal before Spain went on to win the tournament.
This time, France arrive with renewed confidence and a powerful attacking squad led by Kylian Mbappé, who has been among the tournament’s top performers.
France have been considered one of the strongest teams at the 2026 World Cup, with Mbappé among the leading scorers and supported by emerging talents such as Michael Olise and Désiré Doué.
Spain, meanwhile, have shown resilience despite injuries to key players including Yamal and Nico Williams. They have relied on late goals from substitutes, including Mikel Merino, to overcome Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds.
Golden Boot race heats up
The race for the World Cup Golden Boot has become another major storyline, with several of football’s biggest stars still competing.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé currently lead the scoring charts with eight goals each.
Erling Haaland, who scored seven goals, cannot add to his tally after Norway were eliminated by England in the quarterfinals.
England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have six goals each, while France forward Ousmane Dembélé has scored five.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, with four goals, remains another possible contender if Spain reach the final.
The tournament has also intensified the battle for the all-time World Cup scoring record. Messi currently leads with 21 goals, while Mbappé follows closely with 20.
Messi chasing another piece of history
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to strengthen his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.
Already considered by many as the greatest of all time, Messi has been outstanding in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
A victory in 2026 would give Argentina a second consecutive World Cup title and allow Messi to match Diego Maradona’s achievement of leading Argentina to multiple World Cup triumphs.
Argentina would also become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil won consecutive tournaments in 1958 and 1962.
With history, rivalries and individual records on the line, the 2026 World Cup semifinals promise two unforgettable matches as four football giants fight for a place in the final.
