The four highest-ranked teams in world football will battle for places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after France, Spain, England, and Argentina completed the semi-final line-up.
It marked the first time in modern World Cup history that the top four teams in the pre-tournament rankings of FIFA all reached the last four.
France defeated Morocco 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals, with Kylian Mbappé extending his remarkable scoring streak by finding the net in every match of the tournament.
Spain edged Belgium 2-1 courtesy of Mikel Merino’s late winner, extending La Roja’s unbeaten run to 36 matches and setting up a heavyweight clash with France.
England also required extra time to overcome Norway 2-1, as Jude Bellingham struck twice to send the Three Lions into the last four.
Defending champions Argentina completed the semi-final line-up with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, where Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock to keep Lionel Messi’s title defence alive.
The first semi-final will see France face Spain on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Texas.
England will then take on Argentina a day later at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia for the second place in the final.
France head into the last four with Mbappé in outstanding form after scoring in every match at the tournament, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé have also been central to Les Bleus’ impressive campaign.
Spain will once again look to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while Merino has established himself as the team’s super-sub after scoring decisive late winners in successive knockout matches.
England’s hopes will again rest on Bellingham, whose six tournament goals include braces against Mexico and Norway, alongside captain Harry Kane.
Argentina, meanwhile, continue to lean on Lionel Messi, whose eight goals have spearheaded the defending champions’ campaign despite failing to score in the quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
Statistics firm Opta rates France as favourites to win the tournament, giving Les Bleus a 53 per cent chance of reaching the final and a 33 per cent probability of lifting the trophy.
Spain are rated as the second favourites, with Argentina third and England fourth as the battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup crown enters its decisive stage.
2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final fixtures
Tuesday, July 14
France vs Spain
Venue: Dallas Stadium
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. WAT
Wednesday, July 15
England vs Argentina
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. WAT
