The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on June 11 with 48 nations, has reached its semifinal stage. Four teams remain: France, Argentina, Spain, and England. These four nations are also the top four in the FIFA world rankings and have not lost a game in the tournament. The semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s final in New York. The teams that do not advance will compete in the third-place match in Miami the day before the final.
All four semifinalists have previously won a World Cup title. Argentina is aiming to become the first nation to win consecutive titles since Brazil achieved this in 1958 and 1962. France was a finalist four years ago and won its second World Cup in 2018. Spain is seeking its second title, having first won in 2010. England’s last World Cup victory was in 1966.
France vs. Spain in Dallas
The first semifinal match will feature France against Spain on Tuesday in Dallas. This European clash highlights France’s potent attack against Spain’s strong defense. France has scored 16 goals across seven matches, with Kylian Mbappé contributing eight goals, tying him with Lionel Messi as the tournament’s joint top scorer. Spain’s defense, led by Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, has been particularly effective, recording five clean sheets before conceding its first goal in a 2-1 quarterfinal win against Belgium.
For France, Michael Olise has been a significant creative force, providing five assists, which is the highest in the World Cup. Olise’s precise passing has been instrumental in breaking down opposing defenses, and France’s attack has scored in all six of its games.
Spain’s Mikel Merino has proven to be an impactful substitute. In the round of 16 against Portugal, he scored minutes after coming on in the 85th minute, securing a 1-0 victory. Merino also netted the decisive goal in the quarterfinals against Belgium, entering in the 86th minute and scoring two minutes later in a 2-1 win. His ability to anticipate play has been crucial for Spain, especially with Lamine Yamal having a quieter tournament.
A key midfield battle is anticipated between France’s Désiré Doué and Spain’s Rodri. Doué, despite having one goal and one assist in six appearances, has been influential in France’s counterattacks, facilitating quick transitions from defense to offense. Spain’s strategy often involves dominating possession, which may limit France’s counterattacking opportunities. Rodri, Spain’s defensive midfielder, will be tasked with containing Doué’s influence if France regains possession.
England vs. Argentina in Atlanta
On Wednesday, England will face Argentina in Atlanta, marking their sixth encounter in a World Cup. This will be their first semifinal meeting, following previous matchups in quarterfinals and a round of 16. Argentina has navigated through challenging knockout games, while England also faced difficulties in its three knockout matches. Argentina boasts a strong offense with 17 goals, suggesting a potentially high-scoring game.
Lionel Messi is a central figure for Argentina. At age 39, he has recorded eight goals and two assists, scoring in all but one of Argentina’s six games. Messi’s efficiency is notable; tracking data indicates that approximately 64 percent of the distance he covers in matches is at a walking pace, averaging about five miles per match, which is less than other players in similar positions.
For England, Jude Bellingham has been a highly influential player. He has scored six goals and is the first player in World Cup history to achieve a brace in consecutive knockout matches since Diego Maradona in 1986. Bellingham’s skills have been a significant factor in England’s progress. Harry Kane has also been a top scorer for England with six goals.
The midfield clash between England’s Declan Rice and Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be crucial. Rice, playing alongside Elliot Anderson, is England’s primary defensive midfielder, responsible for protecting the back four and maintaining possession against Argentina’s press. Mac Allister, along with Enzo Fernández, has demonstrated composure under pressure and the ability to disrupt opposing midfields. If Mac Allister can control the midfield, Argentina’s attack, featuring Messi and Lautaro Martínez, could pose a significant threat to England’s defense.
The semifinal winners will compete for the World Cup title on July 19.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
