The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its semi-final stage, with only four teams remaining in the race for football’s biggest prize. Two blockbuster encounters await fans as Spain take on France, while England prepare for another historic showdown against defending champions Argentina.
Spain may not have looked dominant in every match throughout the tournament, but La Furia Roja head into the semi-finals full of confidence. Luis de la Fuente’s side will also take encouragement from their recent record against France, having won both their UEFA EURO 2024 and UEFA Nations League meetings.
However, Didier Deschamps’ men are a different proposition at this World Cup. France have produced another impressive campaign and continue to demonstrate the experience and consistency that have made them one of the tournament favourites.
Although Spain edged both of their recent encounters by a single-goal margin, France have developed into an even stronger side since then. Having already reached the semi-finals for the third consecutive World Cup, Les Bleus will be determined to book another place in the final.
As a result, Tuesday’s clash promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament between two European football powerhouses.
The second semi-final will rekindle one of international football’s most iconic rivalries as England face defending champions Argentina.
The two nations have shared several unforgettable World Cup meetings over the years, most famously the 1986 quarter-final featuring Diego Maradona’s legendary “Hand of God” goal.
Neither side has been at its fluent best during the knockout stage. Nevertheless, tournament football is ultimately about finding ways to win, and both teams have consistently done exactly that.
Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s biggest threat after scoring eight goals during the tournament, while Jude Bellingham has emerged as England’s driving force with a series of influential performances and important goals.
With a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at stake, another memorable chapter in this famous rivalry could be about to unfold.
France 2-0 Morocco
⚽ Kylian Mbappé (60'), Ousmane Dembélé (66')
Spain 2-1 Belgium
⚽ Spain: Mikel Merino (90+1'), Nico Williams (ET)
⚽ Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere
England 2-1 Norway (AET)
⚽ England: Jude Bellingham (45+2', 97')
⚽ Norway: Andreas Schjelderup
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
⚽ Argentina: Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez
⚽ Switzerland: Dan NdoyeTuesday, July 14, 2026