The semi-final matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been decided. Four football giants – Argentina, England, France, and Spain – have qualified for the final four. This is the first time since 1990 that only former champion teams have reached the World Cup semi-finals.
Another special thing is that all four teams are included in the top 4 of the FIFA rankings. This is the first time that the top-4 ranked teams have reached the semi-finals and are just two wins away from the title. On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe’s France and Lamine Yamal’s Spain will face each other, while on Wednesday, Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Harry Kane’s England will battle it out in the second semifinal.
Argentina vs England
Old rivalry, Hand of God, David Beckham’s red card
The clash between Argentina and England has not been limited to football. From the 1982 Falklands War to several controversial World Cup matches, the rivalry between the two countries is quite old.
In the 1986 World Cup, Argentina defeated England thanks to Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal. In 1998, David Beckham received a red card, and Argentina won in a penalty shootout.
In 2002, Beckham scored a penalty goal to give England the victory. Now, the reigning World Champion Argentina will take to the field with the aim of winning a second consecutive title.
France vs Spain
France will seek revenge for Euros defeat
In the second semi-final, France and Spain will clash. The two teams had also met in the semi-finals of the European Championship 2 years ago, where Spain registered a 2-1 victory. France has star players like Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue, while Spain’s hopes will rest on young star Lamine Yamal and midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino has secured victory for Spain by scoring decisive goals in two consecutive knockout matches.
Messi has a chance to make history
39-year-old Lionel Messi is playing the last World Cup of his career. He holds the record for the most goals (21) in World Cup history.
If Messi succeeds in leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup, he will not just equal Diego Maradona, but surpass him.
If Argentina wins the title, they will become the first team to win two consecutive World Cups since 1962. Previously, Brazil and Italy have achieved this feat.
