Last week, the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals took place, deciding which teams would advance to the semifinals, the final round before the tournament’s title match. The four teams that advanced to the semifinals are France, Spain, England and Argentina. As four of the most talented teams in the world, the semifinals matchups are set to be two exciting battles and provide some of the biggest moments of these players’ careers.
France vs. Spain
The first semifinals match will be taking place on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 p.m., as France and Spain face off. Entering the tournament as two of the most favored teams to win, it comes as little surprise that the two nations have made it this far in the tournament. For France, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has consisted of nothing but pure domination, as the team has won all six of their matches in the tournament so far. Spain’s campaign started off a bit rockier, drawing to Cape Verde in their opening match of the tournament in a shocking upset, though the team has won all five of their games since.
France defeated Morocco by a score of 2-0 to reach the semifinals, which is ironically the same score and result that took place when the two teams faced off at the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals. France has appeared in two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, winning the 2018 rendition of the tournament and finishing as the runners-up in 2022. Only two nations have ever reached the final match of a FIFA World Cup three times in a row, with Germany and Brazil both accomplishing the feat, though France is one win away from cementing their name in the history books.
France will look to Kylian Mbappé for help, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament and the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history, alongside Lionel Messi. However, France’s roster goes much deeper than Mbappé, boasting Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and many others. France’s depth of talent has made them the favorite to win the entire tournament, though Spain is their toughest opponent yet.
Spain entered the tournament as one of the most-heavily favored teams to win the entire tournament. After winning the 2024 Euros, Spain once again established themselves as one of the most dangerous teams competing in the FIFA World Cup. Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the nation’s first title, though the team has gone quiet since, not making it past the round of 16 until this year. Boasting one of the game’s brightest young stars, Lamine Yamal, with a squad of some of the world’s top players, Spain is positioned well to make a run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina vs. England
The semifinals matchup between Argentina and England shows two teams with drastically different histories, as Argentina just recently won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while England has been in a lengthy drought, last winning the tournament in 1966. With Argentina having recently won the tournament, the team is eager to replicate the emotions of 2022, though for England, the feeling of winning the tournament has become a distant memory for many.
For Argentina, this tournament serves as more than a shot to become the third nation ever to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles, but as a farewell to one of the nation’s most iconic players. Lionel Messi is one of the most notable names in the sport’s history and has become Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances, goals and assists. At 39 years old, Messi has not confirmed that this is definitively his last time playing in the tournament, but it is uncommon for players at his age to continue for another four years. The tournament serves as a way for Messi to go out on top and even further solidify his reputation as a national hero.
On the other hand, England has had a few close calls since winning the tournament in 1966, but has been unable to hoist the trophy. Most recently, England finished in fourth place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, though the team is setting their sights higher this year. Argentina and England will be facing off on Wednesday, July 15, with the winner of the match facing the winner of France and Spain’s matchup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The final match will be taking place in the Meadowlands, where France and England have already played, while Spain and Argentina look to play there for the first time this tournament.