FIFA World Cup 2026. First time in 36 years! Argentina, France, Spain and England set up historic semifinals Football News:

L-R: Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane

The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced a semifinal lineup worthy of the tournament’s biggest stage, with the top four ranked teams in the world – France, Argentina, Spain and England – all reaching the last four for the first time since the 1990 edition.It marks a rare moment in World Cup history where FIFA’s rankings fully mirror the competition’s semifinalists, underscoring the dominance of the elite nations in the game over the past month.The last time the World Cup featured a heavyweight final four was in Italy in 1990, when West Germany, Argentina, Italy and England occupied the semifinals places. Thirty-six years later, another quartet of former champions will compete for football’s biggest prize.Defending champions Argentina headline the lineup alongside reigning European champions Spain, 2018 world champions France and England, who are chasing their first World Cup title since 1966.The road to the final today promises two thrilling battles. Spain take on France in Arlington, Texas, on July 15, while Argentina renew one of football’s tightest rivalries against England in Atlanta a day later. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 20.

The heavyweights survived the thrilling quarterfinals

Argentina booked their place after beating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Alexis McAllister opened the scoring before Julián Álvarez hit the decisive goal in the 112th minute, with Lautaro Martínez adding another in stoppage time to send it over. Lionel Messinor side through.England also needed extra time, with Jude Bellingham producing another encouraging display. His brace took 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 blockbuster semifinal against France, who cemented their status as tournament favorites by beating Morocco 2-0.

Rivalry, revenge and football’s biggest star

The semifinal schedule offers two compelling storylines.Argentina and England renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, shaped by decades of unforgettable World Cup drama. From the hot 1966 quarterfinal and: Diego MaradonaThe iconic “Hand of God” goal in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and redemption in 2002, the fixture has always provided unforgettable moments. Remarkably, this is Lionel Messi’s first World Cup meeting with England.The other semifinal will see France take revenge against Spain after their Euro 2024 semifinal defeat. Kylian Mbappé leads a French side that is arguably the most complete team at the tournament, while Spain continue to improve despite injury concerns, relying on their trademark tenacity 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 at six each. Mbappé and Messi are also locked in a fascinating race to become the top scorer in World Cup history, with Messi on 21 goals in total and Mbappé one behind on 20.If Argentina retain the trophy, they will become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. For Messi, a second World Cup title will further strengthen his claim as the greatest football player.

FIFA World Cup Semifinal schedule (IST).