The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to four teams, with reigning champions Argentina joined by England, France and Spain in the semifinals as the countdown continues to the final in New Jersey on July 19. The last-four matchups are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, with France vs. Spain in Arlington, Texas, followed by England vs. Argentina in Atlanta.
With 44 teams already eliminated, the focus now shifts to which contenders can take the final step. France arrive unbeaten and free-scoring, Spain have leaned on late decisive moments and a stingy defense, England have repeatedly found ways to survive tight knockout tests, and Argentina have ridden a series of dramatic comebacks led by Lionel Messi.
France vs. Spain: Unbeaten firepower meets tournament’s best defense
France vs. Spain is scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas. France’s route to the semifinals has been described as “relatively trouble-free,” with six wins from six matches and 16 goals scored. In the group stage, France beat Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1, then defeated Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32.
The knockout rounds have still offered different tests. Paraguay’s physical approach pushed France in the round of 16, but Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty was enough to advance. In the quarterfinal against Morocco, France won 2-0 despite Mbappé having a first-half penalty saved; he responded with a second-half individual goal and then assisted Ousmane Dembélé.
Mbappé has been France’s standout, with eight goals and three assists in the tournament, ahead of Dembélé (five goals, two assists) and Michael Olise (five assists). ESPN’s preview also notes Mbappé’s broader World Cup output: 20 goals in 20 appearances, a figure bettered only by Lionel Messi.
Spain’s path has been steadier than spectacular, but consistently controlled. They opened with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to move through Group H. Spain followed with a 3-0 win over Austria before edging Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Mikel Merino. Merino then struck again in the quarterfinal, scoring in the 88th minute as Spain beat Belgium 2-1.
Merino has become Spain’s defining figure in key moments despite limited minutes (136 at the tournament), while Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four times overall. The preview also highlights that Spain have conceded just one goal so far, but will need to be more ruthless in attack against France.
ESPN’s tactical framing for the tie centers on Spain’s ability to control tempo through possession, using the ball as a defensive tool to limit France’s time and opportunities. The counterpoint is France’s threat on transitions, with Mbappé’s pace and Olise’s passing highlighted as the danger if Spain are caught high up the pitch.
Predictions in the preview lean toward France overall, though several writers pick Spain. The listed betting odds (via DraftKings, correct at time of publication) have France at -155 and Spain at +125.
France vs. Spain predictions and odds
Among ESPN’s writers, multiple scoreline calls favor France, including 3-1, 2-1 and 1-0, while several pick Spain 2-1. DraftKings odds listed France as -155 and Spain as +125 at the time of publication.
England vs. Argentina: Bellingham’s surge vs. Messi’s brilliance
England vs. Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta. England’s tournament has mixed strong starts with moments of real jeopardy. They opened with a 4-2 win over Croatia, then drew 0-0 with Ghana. A 2-0 win over Panama followed, before England were pushed hard by Congo DR in the round of 32, going behind early and needing a late two-goal burst from Harry Kane to win 2-1.
England then beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in Mexico City in a match that included a Jarell Quansah red card and a late onslaught, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Kane converting a penalty. In the quarterfinal, England again came from behind and beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami, with Bellingham scoring twice.
Bellingham is England’s star so far, scoring six goals at the tournament. The preview points to his performances against Mexico and Norway as elevating him into Golden Ball contention, while also noting Kane’s late winner against Congo DR as a major release moment for England’s run.
Argentina’s route has been described as a “roller coaster,” especially in the knockout rounds. They cruised through the group with wins over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1), but have since been dragged into three “entertaining and draining” ties. Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, then produced a remarkable comeback against Egypt: down 2-0 with a little more than 10 minutes left, they scored twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi before Enzo Fernández netted a 93rd-minute winner for another 3-2 victory. In the quarterfinal, Julián Álvarez scored a 112th-minute goal against 10-man Switzerland before Lautaro Martínez sealed a 3-1 win.
Messi has been Argentina’s standout, scoring eight of their 17 goals and adding an assist. The preview also notes he has become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 21 goals.
ESPN’s look at where the semifinal could be decided focuses on Argentina’s central-heavy approach and Messi’s influence, while noting defensive vulnerability and a shift to a 4-4-2 diamond. England’s midfield physicality and energy—highlighting Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice and Bellingham—are framed as a potential advantage, with the key challenge being how England handle Messi and Argentina’s numbers in central areas.