World Cup semi-finals set as France, Spain, England and Argentina chase final spots

ARLINGTON: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four after 101 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada, leaving only three games to decide the tournament.

According to the reported tournament overview, Wednesday’s semi-finals will feature France against Spain and England against defending champions Argentina, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s final. The last four also mark the first time in World Cup history that the world’s top four-ranked teams have all reached the semi-finals. It is also only the third time that all four semi-finalists are former world champions.

France face Spain in tactical test

France have progressed through the tournament unbeaten and are seeking a third straight appearance in the World Cup final. Didier Deschamps’ side have combined a strong defence with a productive attack, with captain Kylian Mbappe leading the scoring drive. Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise have also played key roles going forward, while William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde have anchored the back line in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki have provided options from the bench.

Before the tournament, Deschamps had played down expectations despite the strength of his squad.

I have a lot of top-quality players, but for many of them this will be their first World Cup. I’m not going to say that France is stronger than everyone else, but Spain is the clear favourite,

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, have again shown the control and structure associated with their possession-based game, while also defending effectively and moving quickly in transition. They reached the semi-finals after a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. Lamine Yamal has stood out, Rodri has controlled midfield, and Mikel Oyarzabal has been Spain’s top scorer. Pedri, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams have contributed creatively, while Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Unai Simon have also impressed.

De la Fuente said he expected another close contest after Spain booked their place in the semi-finals.

We are both teams that would be considered a candidate for the final,

France has exceptional potential, and so do we. We have very high expectations for the next game. We are aware of the great potential the opponent in front of us has, but are also aware that the only team that has beaten them in the last two semi-finals they’ve played has been us.

The match is being framed as a contest between France’s speed, power and individual quality and Spain’s measured build-up and positional discipline. Their meetings have gained added importance in recent years through Nations League and European Championship encounters.

England meet Argentina in second semi-final

England have advanced under Thomas Tuchel with a campaign built on attacking play and resilience. Their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway secured a place in the last four, though Tuchel said his side could still improve.

We found the way to get through to the last four, which is of course the most important thing,

The analysing head of me still thinks we have to play better. It’s not a problem, but no disconnect for me and my team. Not 1 per cent. I’m full with my heart and fully in love with my players.

Harry Kane has continued to add to his international goal tally, while Jude Bellingham has delivered influential displays in midfield and scored important goals. Bukayo Saka has remained a threat on the flank, with Declan Rice and John Stones providing balance.

Argentina, the defending champions, reached the semi-finals by beating Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Lionel Scaloni’s side have paired defensive organisation with rapid counter-attacking football. Lionel Messi, now 39, has continued to shape games with goals and assists, while Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez have shared the scoring load. Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez have added energy and control in midfield.

Forward Jose Lopez acknowledged the history tied to an Argentina-England meeting but said his side would approach it as they do any other match.

Obviously inside and outside the four lines of the pitch it’s a match that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it,

I think we are professionals and we’re going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field.

The fixture carries longstanding World Cup history, including Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal and his solo strike in the 1986 quarter-final. With all four semi-finalists ranked among the world’s top teams and all of them former champions, the tournament has set up a high-profile finish.