Four teams chase glory at FIFA World Cup semifinals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the semifinal stage, with four powerhouses, France, Spain, England, and Argentina, remaining.

France faces Spain on Tuesday, July 14. France enters as the favorite, boasting the tournament’s strongest attack. Kylian Mbappe leads with eight goals, supported by Ousmane Dembele with five goals and Michael Olise, who leads the assists tally with five.

France advanced with a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco, having scored 16 goals and conceded just two across the competition.

Spain aims to upset the favorites. They defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with Mikel Merino scoring the 88th-minute winner. The Arsenal star has been Spain's super-sub in the knockout stage, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in back-to-back matches. La Roja will hope Merino continues his scoring streak, as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has only one goal so far.

In the other semifinal, England meets Argentina on Wednesday, July 15. England overcame Norway 2-1 in extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals to take his tally to six in the tournament. They will rely on Bellingham’s form and captain Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer.

Argentina, the defending champions, beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martínez. Lionel Messi has been instrumental with assists and is tied atop the scoring charts alongside Mbappe.

The winners advance to the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19.