2026 World Cup Semifinals: Schedule and Team Profiles

The 2026 World Cup is down to its final four, a quartet of former world champions: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. This stage of the tournament highlights a clash of titans, with each team bringing a unique pedigree and set of strengths.

France, the champions of 1998 and 2018, has navigated the tournament flawlessly, winning all six matches without requiring extra time. Under Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus have showcased an formidable offense, scoring 16 goals while conceding only two. Their defense has been particularly impenetrable in the knockout stages, keeping clean sheets in all three matches. Kylian Mbappe has been a standout performer with eight goals and three assists, forming a potent duo with Ousmane Dembele. France is now on the cusp of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat previously achieved only by West Germany and Brazil.

Spain, champions in 2010, has made a strong return to the semifinals. Despite an opening draw, Luis de la Fuente's team has secured five consecutive victories. Their primary strength lies in their defense, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. Their possession-based style of play often stifles opponents' attacking opportunities. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the team with four goals, and Mikel Merino has provided crucial impact off the bench. However, Spain's finishing effectiveness has been a concern, with several wins coming by narrow margins despite dominating games.

England is also vying for a spot in the final, aiming to reach this stage for the third time. The team's journey through the tournament has been marked by strong performances, though specific details of their path to the semifinals were not fully elaborated in the provided text. Their presence among the final four signifies their status as a major contender in this year's competition.