2026 FIFA World Cup: First time in 36 years! Argentina, France, Spain and England prepared a historic semi-final

ByTech Word News

L-R: Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a semi-final line-up worthy of the tournament’s biggest stage, with the world’s top four teams – France, Argentina, Spain and England – reaching the last four for the first time since 1990.It is a rare moment in World Cup history when the FIFA rankings perfectly reflect the competition’s semi-finalists, underscoring the dominance of the game’s elite nations over the past month.The last time such a heavyweight final four appeared at the World Cup was in Italy in 1990, when the semi-final positions were occupied by West Germany, Argentina, Italy and England. 36 years later, another quartet of former champions will fight for football’s biggest prize.Defending champions Argentina headline alongside reigning European champions Spain, 2018 world champions France and England as they bid for their first World Cup title since 1966.The road to the final now promises two exciting clashes. Spain will face France in Arlington, Texas on July 15, while Argentina will renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries against England a day later in Atlanta. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 20.

Heavyweights survive thrilling quarterfinals

Argentina booked their place after beating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Julián Álvarez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez added another in stoppage time to send Lionel Messi’s side through.England also needed extra time, with Jude Bellingham producing another inspiring display. His brace led Thomas Tuchel’s side to a 2-1 win over Norway after Andreas Schjelderup threatened an upset in Miami.Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to continue their impressive run and set up a sensational semi-final against France, who strengthened their position as tournament favorites by beating Morocco 2-0.

Rivalry, revenge and football’s biggest stars

The semi-final program offers two compelling storylines.Argentina and England are rekindling one of football’s fiercest international rivalries, shaped by decades of unforgettable World Cup drama. From a heated quarter-final in 1966 and Diego Maradona’s iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and redemption in 2002, the game has consistently produced memorable moments. Notably, this will be Lionel Messi’s first World Cup meeting with England.In the second semi-final, France seeks revenge against Spain after the semi-final defeat at Euro 2024. Kylian Mbappé leads a France side that was arguably the most complete team of the tournament, while Spain continue to thrive despite injury concerns, relying on their trademark resilience and timely goals.Individual honors are also at stake. Messi and Mbappé lead the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals each, while England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane remain firmly in contention with six. Mbappé and Messi are also locked in a fascinating race to become the top goalscorer in World Cup history, with Messi on 21 goals overall and Mbappé one behind on 20.Should Argentina retain the trophy, they would become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. For Messi, a second World Cup title would further strengthen his claim as the greatest football player of all time.

FIFA World Cup (IST) Semi-Final Schedule:

  • July 15: Spain vs. France – 12:30 p.m. (Arlington, Texas)
  • July 16: Argentina vs. England – 12.30pm (Atlanta)

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals: July 20 – 12:30 p.m. (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)

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