The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are set: France-Spain and England-Argentina, four giants for two tickets to the final

The 2026 World Cup has entered its decisive week, and it has done so without any late surprises. The four teams left fighting for the final are all heavyweights: France, Spain, England and Argentina hold seven World Cups between them and feature many of the planet's biggest stars. There are no underdogs in these semi-finals; there are champions.

The first tie, on Tuesday 14 July, pits Spain against France. It is a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which La Roja won 2-1 on their way to the title, and a clash between the reigning European champions and the world runners-up. The second semi-final, on Wednesday 15, sees England face Argentina, a fixture loaded with history —from Mexico 86 to France 98— now bringing together the reigning world champions and an England side chasing their first title since 1966. The final will be played on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium, in the New York area.

Spain arrive as the tournament's most impressive side in terms of play. Luis de la Fuente's team have won their three knockout ties —3-0 against Austria, 1-0 against Portugal and 2-1 against Belgium— with overwhelming control of the ball (up to 68% possession against Belgium) and a recognisable idea. Their great strength, and also their warning sign, is that they have had to settle things in stoppage time: Mikel Merino scored the winner on 90+1' against Portugal and on 88' against Belgium. With the generation of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, Spain are contenders, but they need to close games out earlier.

France are the tournament's most balanced machine. Didier Deschamps' men knocked out Sweden (3-0), Paraguay (1-0) and Morocco (2-0) while barely conceding, and have the man of the championship up front: Kylian Mbappé, joint Golden Boot leader with 8 goals, well supported by Ousmane Dembélé (5). Runners-up in Qatar 2022, France keep the solid block and cutting edge that have taken them to three of the last four continental or world finals. They are, along with Argentina, the big favourites.

Argentina defend the crown they won in 2022, doing so with their usual know-how and with Lionel Messi in sublime form. The road has been brutal: they beat Cape Verde (3-2) in extra time, came back from 0-2 down against Egypt in the final eleven minutes (3-2) and saw off Switzerland (3-1) in extra time too. Messi, joint Golden Boot leader with 8 goals and named MVP in several rounds, is once again the beacon of an Albiceleste who suffer but never fall. Their experience at this stage makes them a fearsome opponent.

England are the big unknown: they do not always convince, but they keep advancing. Thomas Tuchel's team got past DR Congo (2-1), Mexico (2-3, playing half an hour with ten men) and Norway (2-1 after extra time), and have in Jude Bellingham their decisive man —a brace against Norway, another against Mexico— and in Harry Kane (6 goals) a reliable finisher. Haunted by so many lost semi-finals, the Three Lions believe this could finally be their year. The battle for the Golden Boot, with Messi and Mbappé tied on 8 and both still alive, promises a memorable finish: they could even meet in the final. First, four giants and only two tickets.