France, Spain, England, Argentina Reach 2026 World Cup Semifinals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final four, with France, Spain, England, and defending champion Argentina vying for the trophy. The semifinals will feature a clash between European giants France and Spain, while South American rivals Argentina and England will battle in the other tie.

France, seeking its third consecutive final appearance after winning in 2018 and finishing as runner-up in 2022, has showcased remarkable dominance. Didier Deschamps' squad has won all six matches, scoring 16 goals while conceding only two, and maintaining clean sheets in all knockout games. The attacking prowess of Kylian Mbappe, with eight goals, and Ousmane Dembele, with five, has been a key factor, marking the first time since 2002 that two teammates have scored at least five goals each in a single World Cup. However, a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay highlighted potential struggles against tightly packed defenses.

Spain returns to the semifinals for the first time since its 2010 triumph. After an opening draw, Luis de la Fuente's team secured five consecutive wins, largely built on a formidable defense that has conceded only one goal. Their squad depth has also proven crucial, with Mikel Merino becoming the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals as a substitute in two different knockout matches in one edition. Despite their defensive solidity, Spain's finishing effectiveness has been noted as an area for improvement.

England enters the semifinals with a reputation for toughness, while Argentina brings its characteristic fighting spirit. The specific paths and performances of these two teams leading up to the final four are detailed, with Argentina aiming to defend its title and England seeking to add to its historical successes. The contrasting styles and strengths of the remaining contenders promise an exciting conclusion to the tournament.