The World Cup semi-finals begin on Tuesday, with two mouthwatering clashes set to decide who will contest the 2026 final in New York/New Jersey on Sunday.
A repeat of the remarkable 2022 final between Argentina and France is still a distinct possibility, with England and Spain the two teams standing between the last two winners of the World Cup and a rematch of their Qatar epic.
Ahead of the meeting between neighbours France and Spain in Texas, 101GreatGoals predicts each of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
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France v Spain
Tournament favourites France have scarcely been tested en route to the last four. They haven’t conceded a goal in the knockout rounds, with their defence given an easy ride in wins over Paraguay and Morocco in which largely passive opposition offered precious little threat.
Spain will be expected to provide a considerably more stern examination of Les Blues’ backline despite being unconvincing in reaching this stage.
The European champions beat France in the Nations League last June in a 5-4 classic that marked their second successive victory over Didier Deschamps’ side. Spain also overcame France 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
A repeat of the Nations League thriller is unlikely, but both sides have the attacking talent to make this a semi-final that will live long in the memory.
The big question for Spain is whether Lamine Yamal will rise to the occasion. He scored a stunning opener against France at this stage in the Euros and was on target twice in the Nations League meeting, but has found the net just once in this tournament.
History suggests Yamal will find his best but, with France talisman Kylian Mbappe in scintillating form and Spain displaying defensive vulnerabilities against Belgium, Deschamps can be confident of his side getting revenge and reaching a third straight World Cup final.
Prediction: France 3-2 Spain
England v Argentina
Defending world champions Argentina have come through an unexpected gauntlet to get to the semi-finals. La Albiceleste were pushed to extra time by both Cape Verde and Switzerland, with those 120-minute clashes coming either side of a last-16 tie with Egypt in which Lionel Scaloni’s men came from 2-0 down late on to prevail 3-2.
Their reward is Lionel Messi’s first-ever meeting with England, with Argentina taking on their most fierce non-South American rival for the first time since the Three Lions won a memorable friendly 3-2 in 2005.
England were far from their best against Norway and continue to deal with issues at the right-back position alongside concern about the fitness of midfielder Declan Rice.
Yet in Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel’s side have a player who is rivalling Messi and Mbappe in the Golden Ball stakes. A critical contribution against Argentina would cement his place as an England legend.
After playing in energy-sapping heat in Miami, England will be delighted to returned to air-conditioned confines in Atlanta. England have slightly fewer miles in their legs and, with Bellingham and Harry Kane each in superb form, they have enough to make sure Argentina’s good fortune runs out, albeit only just.
Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina (England win on penalties)
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