World Cup 2026 Semifinals Feature Four Former Champions

Four Former Champions Reach World Cup 2026 Semifinals

After 100 matches, the 2026 World Cup has narrowed down to four familiar giants of soccer: France, Spain, Argentina, and England. Each team has a rich history, making this semifinal round a true showcase of soccer's established powerhouses.

The tournament has been full of surprises and memorable moments. Teams like Cape Verde brought excitement and hope, while Mexico reminded fans of Azteca's magic. The United States impressed with energy and skill until their sudden exit. Legendary players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić made their final appearances. Brazil, Germany, and Uruguay faced unexpected defeats, and Morocco confirmed that their 2022 performance was no accident.

Fans from the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland added their unique spirit to the event, yet all attention now turns to the final four. This stage marks the first time since 1990 that only previous champions remain in the semifinals, and for the first time, the four teams occupy the top spots in FIFA's rankings.

Upcoming Semifinal Matches

France and Spain will meet Tuesday at the climate-controlled AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This will be France’s third straight semifinal appearance and their fifth in 28 years. Spain, the 2010 winner, will face off with Les Bleus after a recent history of close contests, including a thrilling 5-4 match last summer in the Nations League semifinals and a Euro 2024 semifinal win for Spain.

Twenty-four hours later, reigning champion Argentina takes on England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England is eager to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance. The winners of these matches will face each other Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente said, "Everyone is a heavyweight. If we are talking about the gap between teams, we are evenly matched. It's all very tight."

Favorites and Star Players

France and Spain entered the tournament as favorites. After their loss to Spain last year, France has bounced back impressively, boasting a record of 15 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, with a goal difference of 16-2 in six World Cup games. Spain remains unbeaten in 36 matches over the past 28 months, conceding just one goal in the knockout stages.

French coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years in charge, recognizes Spain as the favorite but expects a spectacular game. "Yes. If you've seen what they've done, they have confirmed they're the favorite," he said. Both teams feature young stars: France's Kylian Mbappé and Spain's 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.

Yamal’s performances have been promising but not yet definitive. Spanish coach de la Fuente hopes the young winger will have his breakthrough in this semifinal. Deschamps acknowledged Mbappé is fully fit after an injury scare and highlighted Mbappé’s record of 12 knockout-stage goals across three World Cups.

Argentina and England Battle for Final Spot

Argentina aims to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Pelé's Brazil in 1962. Their journey included tough tests against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. Lionel Messi commented on the challenge, saying, "It's not easy coming from being world champions... staying at the top level, being among the four best, playing in another semifinal. It isn't normal."

England showed resilience by overcoming deficits and tough opponents like DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway. Their star striker, Harry Kane, expressed the team's desire to finally break their long streak of World Cup disappointments. "We want to get over the line," Kane said.

Looking Ahead

The clash between France and Spain is not just a battle of nations but a duel between two of soccer's brightest talents, Mbappé and Yamal. Yamal, who spent part of his birthday with his young half-brother, hopes his best performance is still to come. He said, "My gift would be a victory tomorrow and a chance to go to New York for the final."