FULL LIST: 10 Ballon d’Or award winners in World Cup semi-finals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals will feature an unprecedented 10 players who have previously won prestigious Ballon d'Or awards or associated trophies. The four remaining national teams – France, Spain, Argentina, and England – boast a remarkable collection of football's highest individual honors, including the Ballon d'Or, Yashin Trophy, Kopa Trophy, and Gerd Müller Trophy.

Among the stars vying for a spot in the final are three former Ballon d'Or winners: Argentina's captain Lionel Messi, a record eight-time recipient; Spain's midfielder Rodri; and France's forward Ousmane Dembélé. Adding to the goalkeeping prestige, Argentina's Emiliano Martínez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, remains in contention as the only goalkeeper in the semi-finals to have received the award for the world's best. The list also includes four Kopa Trophy winners, recognizing the best under-21 players, namely Spain's Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, and England's Jude Bellingham.

Further highlighting the caliber of talent, France captain Kylian Mbappé and England striker Harry Kane, joint recipients of the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy for the top goalscorer, complete the impressive roster. The semi-final matches are set to be Spain versus France on Tuesday, followed by Argentina against England on Wednesday, with the winners advancing to the World Cup final.