Rabat – The 2026 FIFA World Cup has now reached its decisive stage. After a month of thrilling football, only four teams remain in the race for the biggest prize in international football: France, Spain, England, and Argentina.

The semi-finals promise two heavyweight matches. France will take on Spain on Tuesday, July 14, while England will face defending champions Argentina on Wednesday, July 15. Both matches kick off at 9:00 p.m. (Morocco time). France and Spain will meet at Dallas Stadium, while England and Argentina will play at Atlanta Stadium. The winners will advance to the World Cup final on July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

France vs Spain: a final before the final

Many consider France against Spain to be the strongest match of the tournament.

France has looked like one of the most complete teams in the competition. Didier Deschamps’ side won every knockout match without needing extra time, defeating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco while combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing. The French have conceded very few chances and continue to rely on their experience in major tournaments. Deschamps, who will leave after the World Cup, is hoping to finish his remarkable career with another World Cup title.

Spain has arguably been the tournament’s most entertaining side. Luis de la Fuente’s team eliminated Austria, Portugal, and Belgium with an aggressive pressing system and quick attacking football. Their unbeaten run has stretched to 36 matches, making them one of the most in-form national teams in world football.

England vs Argentina: a historic rivalry renewed

The second semi-final revives one of football’s greatest rivalries.

England reached the last four after victories over DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway. Jude Bellingham has been the standout player of the tournament, scoring twice against Norway in the quarter-finals and helping England reach their first World Cup semi-final since 2018. Thomas Tuchel’s team has shown resilience, coming back from difficult situations while remaining dangerous on set pieces and counter-attacks.

Argentina continue their title defense, even as they push themselves to the limit in several knockout matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side survived dramatic encounters against Egypt and Switzerland before booking another World Cup semi-final. Lionel Messi remains one of the tournament’s top scorers, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez continue to provide crucial goals.

World Cup Semi-Final History

France

France are appearing in their eighth World Cup semi-final, extending their status as one of the tournament’s modern powerhouses. They have reached the final in 1998, 2006, 2018, and 2022, winning the trophy twice (1998 and 2018). Another victory would send Les Bleus to a fifth final in seven tournaments.

Spain

Spain are playing in only their third World Cup semi-final. Their greatest achievement remains winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they defeated Germany in the semi-finals and then beat the Netherlands in the final. This generation is aiming to return Spain to football’s biggest stage after 16 years.

England

England has reached the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time. They won the tournament on home soil in 1966 but have fallen short in every semi-final appearance since, including defeats in 1990 and 2018. Reaching another final would end a 60-year wait.

Argentina

Argentina has become one of the most successful nations in World Cup history. The Albiceleste are appearing in their seventh World Cup semifinal and have won the trophy three times (1978, 1986, and 2022). Another victory would put them into their seventh World Cup final.

Tactical breakdown

France vs Spain

This match is likely to become a battle of styles.

France prefers a balanced approach. They defend in a compact shape before launching rapid attacks that exploit the pace of their forwards. Their physical strength and efficiency in transition have made them one of the hardest teams to break down.

Spain dominate possession and press aggressively after losing the ball. They create overloads in midfield and rely on constant movement between the lines. Their technical quality allows them to control the tempo for long periods.

The key battle could be whether Spain can maintain possession under France’s intense counter-attacking threat.

England vs Argentina

England has become more flexible under Tuchel. They can switch between a back three and a back four while using Jude Bellingham to connect midfield and attack. Their aerial strength and physical presence remain major weapons.

Argentina relies on intelligent movement, midfield control, and the creativity of Messi. Even when they are not at their best, they have repeatedly found ways to win close knockout matches thanks to their experience and attacking depth.

The midfield duel between Bellingham and Argentina’s experienced midfield could decide the outcome.

Who will reach the final?

Based on current form, tactical balance, and tournament performances, France appears to have a slight advantage over Spain. While Spain has produced some of the best football of the tournament, France’s defensive organization and clinical finishing make them better equipped for knockout football.

The second semi-final looks even closer. Argentina possess unmatched experience and the leadership of Messi, but England arrive with momentum and one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking partnerships in Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Predicted finalists: France and Argentina

France’s defensive stability could prove decisive against Spain’s possession game, while Argentina’s experience in high-pressure knockout matches may give them a narrow edge over England.

Semi-Final schedule

Tuesday, July 14

• France vs Spain
• Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. (Morocco time)
• Venue: Dallas Stadium

Wednesday, July 15

• England vs Argentina
• Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. (Morocco time)
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium

The winners will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium, while the losing teams will compete for third place on July 18.