Michael Owen criticized Thomas Tuchel for his tactics in England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals last night, saying Tuchel shouldn’t have taken his foot off the gas pedal late in the match.
England went up 1-0 early in the second half after Anthony Gordon scored off Morgan Rogers’ sumptuous cross. However, just like in their comeback win against Egypt in the Round of 16, Argentina manufactured two late goals, courtesy of Lionel Messi, to snatch the victory.
“Watch Spain at 1-0 last night. That’s courage. That’s bravery. And then watch England at 1-0. What’s the difference? We are a better team than Argentina, I’ve no doubt in my mind. But we deserved to get beat in the end. In fact, it could have been 4-1,” Owen posted on X.
“Bringing on 3 defenders at 1-0 up. What message does that send? I wrote it in my Daily Mail column after the Mexico game. Until we understand that courage and bravery is controlling possession under pressure and not booting / heading it up the field 40 yards, then this will always be the end result,” he added.
July 15, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; England’s Harry Kane looks dejected after the match. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Harry Kane explains what went wrong for England against Argentina
During his post-match interview, Harry Kane acknowledged that England lost control after taking the lead near the hour mark. The Bayern Munich striker admitted that the Three Lions stopped pressing and surrendered possession, saying that protecting their narrow lead was instinctual at the time.
“We scored and deserved to be ahead. Then, for one reason or another, we struggled to keep the ball, struggled to press, and simply allowed them to build momentum and create more danger in our defensive third. It’s a normal mentality to try to hold on and protect a one-goal lead,” Kane stated.
“When you’re that close, just over 10 minutes away, and it slips away from you like that… of course it hurts. We’re devastated,” he added. “We know how much reaching the final meant to them. Another semifinal. We always talk about knocking on the door. We’re close. We just need to find that missing piece in the final stages of tournaments.”
England will have one more game before exiting the World Cup, as they’ll take on France in the battle for third place on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Spain supporters display a banner featuring the famous 2007 charity photo of Lionel Messi bathing 5-month-old Lamine Yamal before the UEFA Euro 2024 final against England at Berlin's Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024. The image resurfaced during the tournament and has since become one of football's most iconic photographs, taking on renewed significance ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Getty
The most iconic image ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final wasn’t taken this week.
It was taken nearly 19 years ago.
Long before Lamine Yamal became Spain’s teenage sensation and long before Lionel Messi cemented his place among football’s immortals, the two unknowingly shared a moment that has since become one of the sport’s most remarkable photographs.
The now-viral image of a 20-year-old Messi gently bathing a 5-month-old Yamal during a Barcelona charity photo shoot has resurfaced ahead of Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium, giving football one of its most poetic storylines in recent memory.
What once appeared to be an ordinary charity calendar shoot has transformed into a snapshot of two generations colliding on the sport’s biggest stage.
A Charity Photoshoot Nobody Could Have Predicted
The story dates back to December 2007.
Barcelona’s foundation and Spanish newspaper Diario Sport organized a charity calendar benefiting UNICEF and other Catalan charities, pairing first-team players with local children selected through a raffle.
Yamal’s family, who lived about 25 miles northeast of Barcelona in Mataró, was among the lucky winners.
Their assigned player happened to be Messi.
Photographer Joan Monfort, who captured the now-famous images, recalled how awkward the session initially felt.
“Lionel Messi is still shy now. He was much more shy when he was starting out, and he finds himself there with a tiny baby in a plastic bath full of water,” Monfort told The Athletic. “At the start, there was not much interaction.”
Messi had only recently begun establishing himself in Barcelona’s senior squad alongside stars such as Ronaldinho, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry.
Neither he nor anyone else could have imagined the baby in the bathtub would someday inherit Barcelona’s famous No. 10 shirt.
“It’s something incredible,” Monfort said. “Back then, nobody could imagine that this baby would be who he is now — and you could not have known that Messi would become who he became, either.”
From Viral Photo to World Cup Final
The photographs remained largely forgotten for more than 16 years.
That changed during Euro 2024 when Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared one of the images on social media alongside the caption:
“The beginning of two legends.”
The internet quickly embraced the photo.
Additional images from the shoot surfaced, including Messi cradling baby Yamal in a towel while Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, assisted during the charity session.
When shown the famous photograph after Spain reached Sunday’s World Cup final, Yamal smiled.
Messi arrives in Sunday’s final after once again rescuing Argentina on football’s biggest stage.
The 39-year-old produced the decisive assist in Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semifinal comeback over England, tying Pelé and Antoine Griezmann for the most World Cup knockout-stage assists over the past 60 years.
Yamal, meanwhile, has completed one of football’s fastest rises, following his starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph by emerging as the face of La Roja’s next generation while already becoming Barcelona’s centerpiece.
Monfort believes fate played an extraordinary role.
“It’s a one-in-a-million chance that this could happen,” he told The Athletic. “It’s such good fortune.”
He called it “the most famous photo I’ve taken in my life.”
On Sunday, nearly two decades after one unknowingly held the other in a plastic bathtub, Messi and Yamal will finally stand across from each other—not for a charity calendar, but for the FIFA World Cup.
Football has produced countless unforgettable images.
Before the final between Spain and Argentina, Iker Casillas commented the winner.
After more than a month of competition, the 2026 World Cup final was set with Spain and Argentina reaching the tournament’s biggest stage. Moments after Argentina defeated England, Iker Casillas shared a message about the upcoming final.
Casillas posted: “There won’t be a fourth ⭐️, Argentina! We’re going for our second!! Come on, Spain! This Sunday it’s the Finalissima… and the World Cup! Get both trophies ready, @FIFAWorldCup! You won’t be stitching the fourth ⭐️.”
The legendary goalkeeper was present at several matches alongside fellow members of the team that made history in 2010, including Xavi, Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol.
Casillas on England’s match
Spain’s semifinal was far less dramatic, as they controlled France throughout the match. The other semifinal was very different, with England taking the lead before Argentina completed a late comeback.
No habrá una 4ª ⭐️, 🇦🇷! Vamos a por la 2ª!! Vamos 🇪🇸!
What drew criticism was the approach after Anthony Gordon’s goal, as they focused almost entirely on defending their advantage by sitting deep. That was the main point highlighted by Casillas.
Casillas posted: “England scored and immediately sat back. A cowardly approach. They barely left their own box and allowed Argentina to keep coming forward. The logical outcome followed. England lost the match entirely because of their game plan. They let Argentina dictate play for the final 30 minutes.”
Casillas gives his verdict on the match
The former goalkeeper believed England’s tactical approach was the main reason Argentina were able to complete the comeback. Casillas posted: “That simply can’t happen. Final: Spain vs Argentina. It’s going to be incredible! England committed footballing suicide.”
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - England v Argentina - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 15, 2026
Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi clashes with England's Jude Bellingham at the end of the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
England superstar Jude Bellingham has had a dominant run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but that World Cup run ended in heartbreak on Wednesday with the team falling to Argentina in the semifinals. After the match, Bellingham clearly let his frustration get the best of him.
As Argentina celebrated on the field following their 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday, Bellingham was caught on camera striking an Argentina player in apparent frustration.
Bellingham Strikes Argentina Player
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s 2-1 loss, a video showed Bellingham standing on the field as Argentina players began to celebrate. After Argentinian defender Valentín Barco joined the celebration, Bellingham immediately turned and struck him on the head.
It’s not clear whether or not Barco did or said something to spark Bellingham’s reaction, but Barco responded by shoving Bellingham. The other Argentina players immediately started trying to separate the two before Bellingham’s England teammates approached to do the same.
The incident came after England suffered a frustrating 2-1 loss to Argentina, after Bellingham helped put the team ahead 1-0 in the second half with a perfectly placed cross.
Bellingham Sparks Outrage
While it’s not clear what led to this reaction from Bellingham, he was certainly the first to get physical with Barco, and fans were quick to express their outrage at the incident.
“Wait what? Why on earth has he done that?!” one fan wrote in a post on X.
“The guy literally didn’t do anything???” someone else wrote.
“They must have told him something. Even so, you have to know how to lose,” another fan wrote.
“What outrages me is that this guy went out of nowhere to attack a rival player who was just happily celebrating with his team. Good thing he was exposed for the coward he is,” someone else added.
“Something so nasty about male players getting violent the second they’re losing,” another fan wrote, adding that “the kid didn’t even touch him.”
“One of the most unlikable and insufferable players out there. Bellingham is the sorest loser you can imagine,” someone else wrote, adding a photo of him kicking a cooler in frustration on a previous occasion.
While England has been eliminated from championship contention, they do still have one more match to play as they are set to take on France in the third-place match on Saturday.
After his scrutiny over Argentina's centerbacks, Cristian Romero replied to England leveng Gary Neville: "'I hope I'm not that stupid when I retire."
Gary Neville emerged as one of the most vocal pundits in the buildup to England‘s highly anticipated semifinal clash against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, directing specific scrutiny toward the Argentine defensive line. After successfully securing their ticket to the final, Cristian “Cuti” Romero delivered a stinging response to the former Manchester United defender, stating, “I hope I’m not that stupid when I retire.“
In the days leading up to kickoff, Neville had offered some incredibly harsh criticism of Argentina‘s starting center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez in one of the last editions of The Overlaps podcast, branding them as a major liability: “I do not see any way we won’t score at least 2 goals against Argentina… I call them the best-worst central defensive duo in the world. They go from the sublime to the ridiculous.”
While arguing that the pairing was highly vulnerable defensively, Neville did begrudgingly acknowledge their unique ability to make an impact on the opposite end of the pitch. “You’ve got Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez who seem to give away a goal between them per game! Then you see them again and it turns out they’re scoring goals, winning all the headers and popping up everywhere!”
Romero and Martinez issue joint response to Neville
Following the final whistle, Romero spoke with DSports and immediately addressed the pre-match talk originating from across the Atlantic: “In England they are used to talking a lot before the match, so we send them a big hello; they must be very happy.“
Djed Spence #25 of England is tackled by Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina.
Martinez was equally dismissive of the relentless criticism, reflecting on the media landscape in the British Isles. “We are used to them always talking about us. You can tell they like to talk about us, and we respond on the pitch. Nothing more, always with respect,” he stated.
However, Romero pulled no punches when specifically pressed on Neville’s comments: “The only thing I hope for when I retire is that I won’t be that stupid. Ultimately, it’s up to each person, but when I retire down the line, I hope I don’t find myself criticizing a player or underestimating anyone, because in the end, you go out there to do the best for your club or national team.“
Romero concluded his statement by setting his expectations ahead of the final on Sunday, his fifth one already with the Argentina national team: “After that, it can go right or wrong, but we are happy to be in a World Cup final again. We are making history; for us, it is something huge. We feel the shirt like no one else.“
Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina and England legend Gary Neville.
Argentina beat England with assists from Lionel Messi to surpass Kylian Mbappé.
The World Cup semifinal brought more history for Argentina as Lionel Messi recorded two assists in the 2-1 victory over England, taking his total to 12 goal contributions in the tournament. He surpassed Kylian Mbappé and now trails only Just Fontaine’s legendary record.
With England leading 1-0 late in the match, Argentina played a short corner that found Messi. The forward laid the ball back to Enzo Fernández, who scored with a long-range strike to level the game.
That was not Messi’s final contribution. In the 92nd minute, he reached the byline on the right before delivering a perfect cross with his right foot for Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winning goal.
Messi moves ahead of Mbappé
Before the semifinal, Mbappé led the tournament in goal contributions after an outstanding campaign. Albeit France were eliminated by Spain, the forward finished with eight goals and three assists.
Argentina came back from behind (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Messi is now level with Mbappé on goals. He scored three against Algeria, twice against Austria, once against Jordan in the group stage, once against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, and once against Egypt in the Round of 16.
His two assists against England increased his total to four. Earlier in the tournament, Messi assisted Cristian Romero from a corner against Cape Verde before setting him up again against Egypt.
Fontaine’s record
Some records are there to be broken, while others seem almost untouchable. Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in a single World Cup, set with France in 1958, is one of them and will not be matched. The total number of goal contributions is a different story because Fontaine finished without recording a single assist.
Jude Bellingham seemed to blame England teammate Jordan Pickford for the Enzo Fernandez goal for Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fired in a superb long-range strike for Argentina to make it 1-1, but it seems Bellingham feels the shot was actually quite central.
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Watch below as some fans seem to have been able to lip-read Bellingham’s reaction to the goal, with the Real Madrid ace complaining that it was in the middle of the goal…
Bellingham moaning about Pickford’s little arms. ‘It’s the middle of the goal’ ?? pic.twitter.com/eMqWz2FKg7
Make your own minds up, but that perhaps seems a bit harsh on England goalkeeper Pickford, who mostly had a really good game and another strong tournament overall.
Bellingham has been superb for England at this World Cup, but it’s moments like this that perhaps rub some fans up the wrong way, as he can be a little petulant when things aren’t going for him.
Who’s to blame for England’s World Cup exit?
England will likely need to do some soul-searching after this World Cup semi-final loss, as they were a goal up with just a few minutes left, but perhaps handed momentum back to Argentina by being overly defensive and cautious.
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Still, this was a good tournament for England and there’ll perhaps be some optimism about what they can build for the future, even if it feels painful now to have missed out on a place in the final.
England still haven’t won the World Cup since all the way back in 1966, and to many this felt like the best opportunity to finally do it again.
Argentina are a fantastic team, however, and are now looking to retain the trophy in what should be a mouth-watering encounter against Spain this Sunday.
When asked about his decision, Tuchel insisted he had no regrets and that he did what he felt he had to do against Argentina as they kept finding too much space.
“I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that’s my responsibility,” Tuchel said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
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“In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close. We deserved to be up 1-0.
“We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn’t get over the line but no regrets.
“I think we saw the mentality throughout the match and the strong group. We played the matches how they were, we played against strong teams in the group, travelled a lot of miles, played at altitude, we played with 10 men, we played in the heat and we overcame every obstacle.
“We were very close today. It’s not the moment to analyse the full tournament, we just went our because we lost a crucial match.”
Dan Burn responds to questions about England’s approach
England defender Dan Burn also spoke after the game about how Tuchel set the team up.
It seems the Newcastle man was sympathetic with the Three Lions boss, and admitted that it was also a response from the players to a certain extent, while for some time it also seemed like it was working.
“I thought we had the gameplan pretty well for the majority of it. But obviously, when we scored, we went a bit passive and dropped off and were ultimately punished for it,” Burn said.
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“We probably conceded too many chances and if you do that, they are going to get goals. Disappointing from us. We have defended games better and seen them out. When you get that close to the World Cup final, that hurts.”
He added: “It’s only human nature a little bit as well. You know how well we have defended leads in previous games. That tends to happen to majority of teams.”
Where do you stand on this? Should England have done better to control the game without just taking off attacking players and sitting back? Or was it the right idea and just a bit of bad luck against a quality side? Share your thoughts in the comments!
After reaching another World Cup final, Lionel Messi shared words of appraisal to his Argentina teammates: "This group never stopped believing."
Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, orchestrating Argentina‘s high-stakes semifinal comeback against England with a pair of brilliant assists to punch the Albiceleste’s ticket to the final. Following the emotional victory in Atlanta, the Argentina icon was quick to praise his squad’s relentless drive to turn the match around, stating proudly, “This group never stopped believing.“
Speaking to TyC Sports on the pitch, Messi opened up about the heavy historical gravity and raw emotion of the clash: “Everything we experienced was incredible. From the beginning, even though it was just a football match, when we started walking out, the anthem and everything, we felt it wasn’t just another victory. This group is incredible. Today we went for it again. We never stopped believing, never stopped trying. When we were down on the scoreboard, we pinned them back in their box. So, it brings enormous happiness.“
The legendary playmaker also emphasized his unwavering faith in his teammates, acknowledging that their collective strength goes far beyond any individual brilliance. “It’s crazy how things are playing out. Honestly, before the World Cup started, I had faith in this group. I thought we were going to be among the final four, that we were going to fight for it. I know, and we knew, what we were capable of,” he added.
The grueling extra-time period required to dispatch Switzerland in the previous round clearly took a physical toll on the roster’s fitness, but Argentina showed championship resolve to overcome that fatigue: “Maybe people had doubts because of how we came into it, with players pushed right to the limit. But when this group comes together and is united, we feed off each other and find strength out of nowhere to give even more.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Messi concluded with a heartfelt message to the traveling Argentine supporters back home and in the stands, as the nation prepares to compete in its third World Cup final across the last four tournament editions. “Enjoy this moment just like we are. Today we’ve made it into another World Cup final. We’ve been enjoying being world champions for four years, and now we are playing in a new final. We achieved what we all wanted. Now, it will be whatever God wills,” he stated.
Lionel Scaloni on Argentina’s dramatic qualification
Since Lionel Scaloni took the helm in 2018, Argentina has embarked on an unprecedented run of five consecutive tournament finals across the Copa America (2021, 2024), the Finalissima (2022), and the World Cup (2022, 2026). Yet, despite all the silverware, this resilient squad continues to leave its manager in awe after delivering another legendary comeback.
Following the final whistle, Scaloni reflected on the squad’s intangible qualities and the sheer grit required to pull off the victory: “It’s a combination of many things, about the group, about brotherhood. About fighting until the very end. We are going out there to win a final; we are going to try to win it. These guys have moved me. I don’t have much else to say. I am so grateful to the players. Without them, it is impossible. And above all, to those who don’t play, to those who support from the outside. And the ones who came off the bench have been crucial.”
In the buildup to kickoff, the matchup drew inevitable comparisons to the historic 1986 clash defined by the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century,” and while Wednesday’s drama carved out its own legacy, Scaloni kept his focus on the immediate future. “I can’t compare this match with that one (the one from ’86), I was very little. We thought the game against Egypt was the absolute peak, but I think this surpassed it. Regardless of the opponent, it was a semi-final. I am worried, because now we have to rest. As far as I’m concerned, we need to go rest right now and prepare for the match (against Spain).”
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after the 2-1 win against England.
By punch-packing a ticket to his third career World Cup final, Lionel Messi is poised to establish an unprecedented landmark in the history of international soccer.
Lionel Messi has once again defied Father Time, delivering a masterclass against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. By matching up against Spain next Sunday, the legendary Argentine playmaker is poised to participate in his third career World Cup final, positioning himself to achieve a milestone unmatched in the history of the tournament.
In 2014, then operating at the absolute peak of his athletic prime, Messi single-handedly carried Argentina to the final in Brazil. However, his dreams of hoisting the famous trophy were brutally shattered in extra time by a late, heartbreaking match-winner from Germany’s Mario Gotze.
At 35 years old, in what many assumed would be his last World Cup at Qatar 2022, the maestro rewrote the script by capturing the one major trophy that had eluded him in a spectacular penalty shootout victory over France. Now in 2026, following three stellar seasons with MLS side Inter Miami, Messi has stunned the global soccer landscape yet again, racking up eight goals and four assists over seven matches to guide Argentina back to the grandest stage.
With Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown against Spain, Messi is on track to become the first player in soccer history to start three separate World Cup finals. Across 23 editions of the tournament, while a handful of iconic names have reached three finals, none have done so as a member of the starting eleven each time while remaining the undisputed focal point of their national team.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 2-1 win against England.
Furthermore, Messi will become only the second player in history to step onto the pitch in three different finals. The only other man to achieve this is legendary Brazilian right back Cafu, who entered the 1994 final as a 21st-minute substitute for an injured Jorginho, before starting in both the 1998 final against France and the 2002 triumph over Germany.
The exclusive club of three-time World Cup finalists
Competing in a World Cup is the ultimate dream for any elite player, but stepping onto the pitch in three separate finals represents an almost mythic achievement. While Cafu and Messi stand alone at the pinnacle of this statistical mountain, a select group of legendary figures have historically come agonizingly close to joining them.
Pele, famously the only player to win three World Cups, missed out on playing in the 1962 final due to a severe muscle injury sustained in the group stage. Similarly, Ronaldo Nazario was an unused squad member for Brazil in 1994, German legend Lothar Matthaus remained on the bench as an inexperienced 21-year-old in 1982, and his countryman Pierre Littbarski went unused during Germany’s 1986 final appearance against Argentina.
It was a dramatic semifinal of the 2026 World Cup for England, with Harry Kane feeling gutted for how they lost to Argentina.
It seemed like the 2026 World Cup final was going to feature England after they held the lead late in the second half, but Argentina completed another comeback to earn a 2-1 victory. After the loss, Harry Kane described his emotions.
Kane said: “We played a good game the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough. So, just gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears. To fall short is just gutting.”
The forward was not a major factor in the semifinal even if he was were the leader of a team that missed out on reaching its second World Cup final after a 60-year wait. For Kane, it was a fantastic tournament individually, but he was unable to lift the trophy despite being so close.
Kane on England’s World Cup performance
What should not be overlooked is that England are getting closer. Kane said: “We had a lot of good moments at this tournament, a lot of good games and another semi-final. We talk about knocking on the door, we’re close, we just need to find that missing piece late in the tournament.”
England had very good performances (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
In the post-match interview, the forward praised how the team worked together during the more than one month they spent together, a period in which England were expected to at least reach the later stages of the competition.
Kane said: “These tournaments take it out of you with so much effort, pressure and mentality. We’ve shown that throughout the six or seven weeks we’ve been together but we’re just missing that final piece.”
Kane on what did not work
During the match, England had a solid performance and even took the lead through Anthony Gordon early in the second half. The advantage seemed important until the team struggled to keep possession.
Kane said: “After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave. Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn’t enough.”
The knives are really out for England manager Thomas Tuchel this evening as a host of journalists have taken to social media to slam his tactics against Argentina.
Tuchel has long been regarded as one of the top coaches in the game, but he went defensive far too early in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat on Wednesday night.
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While teams sometimes have to be a bit more cautious towards the end of close games, Tuchel just overdid it a bit tonight and also started that negative approach quite early.
Take a look at the screen grab below
Thomas Tuchel criticism on social media
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Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutes for England against Argentina
See below for the subs Tuchel made for England, and what minute they came in, and it certainly paints a picture…
Player subs
Minute
Gordon off, Konsa on
72′
Rice off, O’Reilly on
82′
James off, Burn on
82′
Stones off, Toney on
96′
Spence off, Rashford on
96′
This will be an important lesson for England and for Tuchel, who surely had enough quality in the team to continue to take the game to Argentina.
No one is arguing that England should have continued to go all-out-attack, but it’s rare that a team can just defend their way to a win.
All this did was hand the momentum to Argentina, and when you allow the likes of Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez more and more opportunities to get into dangerous positions, you’re always going to get punished eventually.
Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.
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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…
Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Reece James – 7
Djed Spence – 7
Marc Guehi – 6
John Stones – 6
Declan Rice – 7.5
Elliot Anderson – 6
Jude Bellingham – 6.5
Morgan Rogers – 7
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Harry Kane – 6
Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.
Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.
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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal to level things up for Argentina against England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash.
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The Chelsea midfielder scored an absolutely sublime long-range effort after a short corner by Argentina, with Lionel Messi setting him up to hit it from outside the box.
Watch below as Fernandez finally beat Jordan Pickford, who had been superb for England to keep out Alexis Mac Allister on numerous occasions…
"Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!" ?
We all know Fernandez has that in his locker, with the 25-year-old often scoring some real beauties for Chelsea.
Now he’s delivered on the big stage for his country as they look to be heading for a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
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Argentina produce stunning comeback against England
Lautaro Martinez has just scored a second for the South American giants, who now lead 2-1 with just a few minutes of stoppage time remaining.
Watch below as Messi was again the creator with a lovely cross to set up Martinez for the header…
Argentina are ahead! ?
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
Having won the World Cup in 2022, it looks like Argentina are heading back to the final as they look to retain their trophy, with Spain waiting for them this time.
For England, unless something dramatic happens in the next few moments, it’s more heartache at a World Cup, with 60 years of hurt set to continue for even longer.
The dismissal came during his team’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia, with the striker still insisting that the decision was incorrect.
The controversy surrounding the red card has largely centered on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he intervened to have the suspension lifted. His claim has since prompted a complaint from human rights group FairSquare, which alleges that FIFA may have breached its rules on political neutrality.
Folarin Balogun Saw Controversy Coming After Trump’s Claim
Speaking with “CBS Mornings” recently, Folarin Balogun shared his feelings about seeing his Round of 32 red card suspension lifted after Trump allegedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene.
He told host Gayle King that his initial reaction was happiness at being back in the team. However, that changed when he began reflecting on Trump’s claim and its possible implications.
“When I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy,” the soccer star said. “And I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that is so unique.”
Donald Trump Admitted Calling FIFA Over Balogun’s Red Card
Ron Sachs – CNP / MEGA
Balogun received the red card during the match against Bosnia, but his one-match suspension was suspended for one year, allowing him to feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Trump was later questioned about the decision during an interview at the White House, where he launched into a rant that began with criticism of the refereeing decision.
“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports and who was a good athlete. I understand sports really well. And that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction,” Trump said, adding that the on-field incident was merely “two guys running with speed who happened to crash into each other.”
He then admitted that he had called Infantino and shared details of their conversation.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘you have to do this.’ This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino,” Trump continued.
FIFA Former President Sepp Blatter Slammed Trump’s Intervention
The suspension of Balogun’s red card following Trump’s alleged intervention sparked criticism from sporting bodies, fans, and respected officials.
Sepp Blatter, the predecessor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was among those who weighed in, delivering a scathing assessment on his X account.
“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote on July 6. “They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President, and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match, the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?”
“Football must never become a playground for political power,” he further remarked.
UEFA Labeled FIFA’s Folarin Balogun Decision ‘Unjustifiable’
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
UEFA, one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, also released a statement online calling the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option,” UEFA remarked.
The organization also argued that the decision put the integrity of the competition at risk, as similar cases would now be required to receive equal treatment.
“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake, and the credibility of a competition is undermined,” the statement read.
Folarin Balogun Maintains His Red Card Was Undeserved
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Despite the controversy caused by the decision to suspend his punishment, Balogun remains adamant that he was wrongly penalized.
“I was in shock. It wasn’t even a tackle,” the Arsenal academy product said, referencing his challenge on Bosnia player Tarik Muharemovic. “I was totally in shock; I think you could see my reaction, but I just had to accept the decision and just try to be there for my team.”
“When something’s not intentional, it should never be a red card, so it was just an unfortunate situation, and I think it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed,” he added.
For now, scrutiny over the red card continues, as human rights group FairSquare recently submitted a complaint to the International Olympic Committee accusing Infantino of repeatedly breaching the governing body’s rules on political neutrality.
But the moment the final whistle blew, Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into an emotional and politically charged gathering.
Decades before Wednesday’s match, England and Argentina fought in the Falklands War, after Argentina invaded and unsuccessfully tried to take over the Falklands Islands in 1982. In England, arguably the bigger sore spot with Argentina is Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, but the two-month war looms large in Argentine memory. The islands, called “Las Malvinas” in Spanish, are frequent themes in soccer supporters’ songs, and signs littered throughout the country read “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas.”
Even Maradona called his handball goal “symbolic revenge” for the war.
After the win, as Argentine supporters sang and danced in the stands, the Argentina players laid down a banner on the pitch reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands Are Argentine”). Thousands of fans joined the players in jumping and singing “El que no salta, es un Inglés!” (“Whoever doesn’t jump is English!”).
FIFA previously didn’t punish players for singing a popular supporters song that includes lyrics about the Falklands after the win over Egypt. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the post-match demonstration.
Argentina completed an incredible comeback against England, with a late Lautaro Martinez goal securing their place in the final against Spain.
Argentina secured a great 2-1 victory over England in the closing stages and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Lautaro Martinez was the hero off the bench for Argentina, and he didn’t hold back on the emotion of the moment after the final whistle.
“This is huge. I always dreamed of scoring this goal. My mom, from the day I left for Racing, never stopped making my bed. And that means more to me than a goal, than a final. I have my two kids, who have changed my life since they arrived. They made me slow down. Now I’m a man, I enjoy life,” Martinez said.
The Inter Milan forward revealed he’d sensed the moment coming even before stepping onto the pitch against England. “I dreamed it, I swear, I told Alexis I was going to score a goal. I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and win it. This team keeps showing what it’s made of,” he continued.
Martinez also broke down how Argentina managed to turn the match around after going behind. “They got tired, after 60 minutes they had nothing left. They dropped back and we took advantage,” the forward concluded said.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who volleyed home a long cross from Morgan Rogers to put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina responded with Enzo Fernandez, who leveled the score after being teed up by Lionel Messi. The game stayed level deep into the second half before Messi turned provider again, setting up Lautaro Martinez for a stoppage-time winner that completed the comeback and sent Argentina through to defend their title in the final against Spain.
With a great assist from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored a header to complete Argentina's comeback in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England.
Argentina and England battled in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Fueled by a pinpoint, right-footed cross from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal to complete a stunning, stoppage-time comeback for the Albiceleste.
England broke the ice in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers whipped in a precise cross to Anthony Gordon, who shook off his marker, Nahuel Molina, to finish clinically with a first-time strike. Attempting to protect their slim lead, the Three Lions dropped deep into a defensive shell, which successfully frustrated Argentina until Enzo Fernandez leveled the score with a spectacular, long-range blast in the 85th minute.
With the Three Lions struggling to escape their own half under relentless pressure, Alexis Mac Allister found a pocket of space to unleash a blistering strike that rattled off the post. The ball remained active deep in the right corner, and a relentless Lionel Messi sprinted to keep the play alive.
After bringing the ball under control, Messi utilized his weaker right foot to whip a gorgeous, curling service to Lautaro Martinez, who rose above his marker in the 92nd minute to nod home the dramatic game-winner and punch Argentina’s ticket to the final.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
With a thrilling 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina will now travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final next Sunday, July 19th, at MetLife Stadium. This represents only the second time in Argentine history that the nation has reached back-to-back World Cup finals, matching the iconic runs of the 1986 and 1990 squads.
Messi continues to rewrite the record books
Despite a legendary scoring run earlier in the tournament, Messi was kept off the scoresheet for a second consecutive match following tight defensive game plans from Switzerland and England. However, his lack of goals has hardly diminished his impact, as the legendary playmaker found other ways to orchestrate Argentina’s march to yet another final.
His vital assist to Mac Allister in the quarterfinal against Switzerland officially cemented Messi as the all-time assist leader in World Cup history. By adding another pair of brilliant setups against England, the Argentine captain has raised his unparalleled career tournament tally to 12 assists.
Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scores with a header against England.
With the final now waiting against Spain, the legendary forward has added another remarkable achievement to a tournament already filled with records and historic performances.
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the history books on soccer’s biggest stage, producing another unforgettable World Cup moment during Argentina’s dramatic semifinal victory over England. With the final now waiting against Spain, the legendary forward has added another remarkable achievement to a tournament already filled with records and historic performances.
Messi and Argentina survived one of the most intense matches of the 2026 World Cup, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta. The result secured La Albiceleste’s place in a second consecutive World Cup final, but the night also belonged to Messi’s latest piece of individual brilliance.
This majestic clash carried enormous history before the ball was even kicked. The two national teams entered the match with decades of rivalry, unforgettable encounters, and the pressure of a place in the World Cup final on the line.
The match itself quickly became a physical battle, with neither team able to establish control during a chaotic opening period. The first half produced numerous fouls, interruptions, and limited attacking opportunities, with both teams struggling to create clear chances.
England eventually found the breakthrough in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a well-worked move to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead. Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, with Messi once again becoming the central figure in the comeback attempt.
Argentina’s late comeback sends England home
The defending champions refused to surrender, pushing forward repeatedly as the Three Lions attempted to protect their advantage. The pressure finally paid off when Enzo Fernandez scored in the 85th minute, firing Argentina level and sending the supporters inside the stadium into celebration.
Only minutes later, Messi delivered another decisive moment. The Argentina captain created space on the right side before producing a perfectly weighted cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home in stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The victory means the reigning champion will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final as it chases another championship. Messi once again showed his ability to influence matches at the highest level, even as he approaches the final stages of his legendary career.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
Messi breaks World Cup record that has stood untouched since 1966
Beyond the dramatic victory, Messi also achieved a record that had stood beyond the reach of generations of soccer legends. The Argentina captain became the player with the most assists in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 12 assists across his tournament career.
According to Opta Joe, “Messi’s two assists against England took him to 12 World Cup assists, with 10 of those coming during knockout-stage matches. No other player since recorded data began in 1966 has registered more than eight assists at the finals.”
10 – Including two today, Lionel Messi now has 12 assists in FIFA World Cup matches, 10 of which have come in knockout rounds. No other player on record (from 1966) has more than eight in total at the finals.
The milestone places the 39-year-old above some of the greatest names in soccer history. Brazil legend Pele previously held one of the highest totals with 10 assists, while players such as Diego Maradona, Raymond Kopa, and Fritz Walter also sit among the tournament’s elite creators.
Messi’s record is even more impressive considering the stage at which he has produced many of his assists. Ten of his 12 World Cup assists have come in knockout matches, highlighting his influence when the pressure is at its highest.
Rank
Player
National Team
Assists
World Cup Games
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
12
33
2.
Pele
Brazil
10
14
3.
Fritz Walter
West Germany
9
11
4.=
Raymond Kopa
France
8
8
4.=
Diego Maradona
Argentina
8
21
4.=
Uwe Seeler
West Germany
8
21
Messi overtakes Mbappe in Golden Boot race
Messi’s 2026 tournament has continued the extraordinary form he displayed during Argentina’s championship run in Qatar. The 39-year-old has remained directly involved in Argentina’s attacking output throughout the competition, contributing goals and assists in every stage of the tournament.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina applauds fans
Before the semifinal against England, Messi had already recorded an involvement in every Argentina match at the 2026 World Cup. His consistency has placed him among the leading scorers and creators of the competition, while also keeping him in contention for individual awards.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
4
2.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Jude Bellingham
England
6
1
The Argentina captain also moved ahead of Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race after his two assists against England. Both players entered the semifinal stage with eight goals, but Messi’s additional assists gave him the advantage in the tiebreaker standings.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates the team's second goal
Argentina produced a spectacular comeback to defeat England and secure their place in the final against Spain.
Spain and Argentina both booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final, closing out the semifinal round and setting up a heavyweight rematch of sorts on football’s biggest stage. The date, kickoff time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
Spain got the semifinal round underway with a 2-0 win over France at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half, sending Luis de la Fuente’s side into their second World Cup final in history.
Argentina followed a day later with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England at Atlanta Stadium. Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions the lead, but Enzo Fernandez leveled the match before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner, sending Lionel Scaloni’s side through to defend their title in the final.
When and where will Spain and Argentina play in the final?
Spain and Argentina will meet on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM ET, in what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated finals in tournament history. Both sides arrive unbeaten across the knockout rounds, with a World Cup title on the line for each.
Spain will be looking to add a second star to their crest since 2010, while Argentina chase back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1986 and 1990 editions, when Diego Maradona led them to consecutive finals.
Which stadium will host the final?
The venue for the match is New York New Jersey Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 82,500-seat venue is the largest at this year’s tournament and is expected to be at capacity for the closing match of the 2026 World Cup, with the trophy up for grabs between two nations chasing history.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Although all the attention is focused on the 2026 World Cup final, France and England will play in the third-place match. With the tournament nearing its end, the date, kick-off time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
Despite beginning the 2026 World Cup as clear title contenders, France were defeated by Spain, surprising everyone. Although this is a huge blow to their ambitions, they are still competing for a place on the podium. However, Didier Deschamps will not have an easy task, as they face England. The date, kick-off time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
England seemed destined to surprise in the tournament, but they were defeated by Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Unable to establish dominance in midfield, they lost all control of the game. Although the wings performed very well, they were unable to create space, being outplayed by the opposing full-backs. In addition, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham could not find the space needed to impose their goalscoring threat.
France came into the match in excellent form, establishing as one of the highest-scoring teams. However, Spain neutralized their attacking threat, constantly limiting them. In addition, they lacked creativity, as their midfield looked very rigid and Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best game. Moreover, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were unable to find space to launch counterattacks.
When and at what time will France vs England be played?
France will face England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18, at 5:00 PM ET. Unlike previous editions, both sides were expected to reach the final, making this one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. However, all the pressure will be on Didier Deschamps’ team, as they are coming off two consecutive World Cup final appearances. Their biggest challenge will be rediscovering their scoring prowess.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
Despite both teams being among the most outstanding on the offensive side, they continue to have serious problems. On one hand, Didier Deschamps’ team continue to have serious creative problems in midfield, struggling to find collective fluidity. On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel’s team have been unable to be effective on the counterattack, relying exclusively on Kane’s brilliance and on Bellingham having a good goalscoring day.
Which stadium will host France vs. England?
The venue for France vs England 2026 World Cup third-place match will be Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium. Having a total capacity of 64,478 spectators, it is not one of the largest in the tournament. However, this venue has been one of the most frequently used, hosting the 2024 Copa América, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and several more games.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Harry Kane #9 of England.
Despite France arriving as the clear favorites, they were convincingly defeated by Spain. After failing to reach the 2026 World Cup final, French legend Thierry Henry analyzed their defeat, making it clear the tactical reason why their opponents came away with the victory.
France came into the 2026 World Cup semifinal as the clear favorites to reach the final. However, Spain managed to surprise them, limiting their attacking threat and cruising to a comfortable victory. As a result, the criticism has not taken long to arrive, as they looked very flat collectively and their powerful attack was nowhere to be seen. In response, French legend Thierry Henry analyzed the main reason behind their semifinal defeat.
“When Spain national team takes the ball, they do give you the ball back. You have to go and get it. You need to press a bit better. We couldn’t take the ball off them. The second shot on target was Dembele only… I want to give credit to the whole system and what they put in place because Spain never used to win like that and now they win at every level… So well done Spain, sorry for my country,” says Thierry Henry, via Fox Sports.
Although statistically the possession was fairly even, the reality is that Spain were the team that dictated the tempo of the game. They controlled possession throughout the match, creating space and limiting France’s attack. After scoring the two goals, they dropped their pressing line, allowing Didier Deschamps’ team to have the ball but without effectiveness.
Thierry Henry highlighted the quality of Spain’s tactical system, as they clearly know how to dominate possession, but also how to sit back and stop their opponents’ progression. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they were rock-solid in defense, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella also excelling in that aspect. In addition, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz kept Mbappé’s team under control, limiting the spaces they needed to shine.
France shone individually, but failed as a team at the 2026 World Cup
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, France established as one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams. Led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, they shone in the goalscoring department. However, they never became a solid team collectively, relying heavily on individual actions. This was precisely what prevented them from reaching the tournament final for the third consecutive time.
Didier Deschamps trusted Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni completely in midfield. While they were solid defensively, they contributed very little in the creative aspect. Unable to impose a collective style of play, France depended on their wingers to drive the team forward. In addition, Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best collective performance, looking short of ideas, and the head coach decided not to make changes to improve that area.
Looking ahead to UEFA Euro 2028, France have one task: To go from being a team full of stars to becoming a team that shines collectively. They would need to strengthen their midfield with players who are more creative, better organizers, and more effective in possession. By learning from Spain’s collective style of play, they could begin a new sporting project, as Didier Deschamps appears to be close to leaving the national team.
French legend Thierry Henry as TV pundit and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and teammates.
England have taken the lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon!
The former Newcastle United winger, who recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona, has his first goal of this summer’s World Cup, and he’s picked a hell of a moment to get it.
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Watch below as Gordon tapped in from close range after great play down England’s right-hand side from Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers…
Gordon has often been quite prolific from out wide, so it’s no surprise to see him making that run from the left into the penalty area and finding the back of the net.
Still, he can’t have scored many bigger goals than this one, with England now closing in on a place in their first World Cup final in 60 years!
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Thomas Tuchel’s gamble on Morgan Rogers pays off
It was superb play by Morgan Rogers on the right flank, not normally his best position, to set Gordon up for the simple finish.
Rogers has often played out on the left or in a central attacking midfield role for Aston Villa and England, but he has had to adjust to a new position tonight.
Still, Thomas Tuchel’s gamble looks to have paid off, with Rogers performing well so far and doing brilliantly with his cross to pick out Gordon.
The right-hand side has been an issue for England so far at this tournament, with Bukayo Saka’s fitness issues meaning that Noni Madueke has played a lot of games.
While Madueke has his qualities, he hasn’t had enough of an impact so far, which led to Tuchel trying Rogers on the right this evening, and it looks like a tactical masterstroke.
Can England hold on or even add a second? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
The referee in tonight’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has come in for strong criticism for a lack of yellow cards.
More specifically, a number of high-profile media figures cheering on England are not happy at what they perceive as favourable treatment towards Argentina in this game.
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They may have a point, but these discussions often feel a little tedious in what has generally just been quite a close game without much else to talk about so far.
See below as former footballer Stan Collymore claims Argentina could easily have had two players sent off as both Enzo Fernandez and Giuliano Simeone have made the equivalent of three yellow card offences…
Argentina have certainly been quite aggressive, and that’s always frustrating when you’re on the receiving end of it.
Still, it seems a tad over-the-top to be suggesting there’s any serious favouritism going on.
England looking to make first World Cup final since 1966
England have done well at this World Cup, and they’re taking the fight to current holders Argentina so far.
They can do better, though, and will likely have to in the second half if they are to have a serious chance of making it to the World Cup final for the first time since they won the competition all the way back in 1966.
Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to retain the trophy they won back in Qatar in 2022, and they’ll hope for more Lionel Messi magic tonight to continue the remarkable form he’s showed at this year’s tournament so far.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised the “incredible” Morgan Rogers as they play together for England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final vs Argentina.
Rogers starts on the right-hand side for England, with Thomas Tuchel trying something a bit different in this big game after mostly using Noni Madueke in that position throughout this World Cup.
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With Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka not fully fit, another Gunners star Madueke has come in for the Three Lions, but he’s not been that convincing.
Rogers, meanwhile, has been linked with Arsenal very strongly this summer, and it seems Rice is clearly a big fan of the Aston Villa man as they prepare to link up this evening…
Declan Rice looking forward to playing with Morgan Rogers
On Rogers starting, Rice said: “Yeah I think the manager’s obviously made a decision there. Morgan’s an incredible player, obviously he’s going to be playing off the right.
“He’s direct, he’s fast, he’s strong, can come inside, so whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench as seen throughout this tournament has made a massive impact, so I don’t think it’s going to affect much, but it’s a player we’re all looking forward to playing with today.”
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Morgan Rogers on Arsenal’s agenda
Rogers has shown outstanding quality with Villa and England, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon get himself a big move.
As has been widely reported, our understanding is that Arsenal are making Rogers a priority this summer, and the 23-year-old is also keen on the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners would do well to bring Rogers in, though he doesn’t normally play on the right, so would likely be signed with the view of replacing the departing Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, or to provide an alternative to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the centre.
Either way, Arsenal fans will no doubt be excited that Rice is such a big fan of Rogers, and perhaps take it as a hint that there’s strong interest from everyone at the club in signing him this summer.
When the Three Lions are leading a World Cup match late, Burn is a trusted substitute. They can bring him in, and he can clear the ball, again and again.
There's no one in their side who is a better winner of the ball in the air than Burn.
He also uses his lanky frame to smash the ball away whenever he gets the chance.
So if England has a lead late against Argentina, or later in the tournament, Burn could sub into the game.
Why is Dan Burn a sub for England?
Burn, from Newcastle United, simply is a remarkable clearance master.
Against Mexico as a sub, he had six clearances in less than half of the second half. It was a World Cup record for clearances in that little bit of time.
The second finalist at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be determined this evening as defending champions Argentina take on a hungry England side looking to make history.
In order to be the best, you have to beat the best, and the Three Lions will get a chance to do just that, having to go through the reigning title-winners while seeking their first World Cup crown since 1966.
38-year-old Lionel Messi now stands in England's way, as the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history is in the path of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and the rest of the English squad.
The winner will take on Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, NJ, after La Roja shut down France 2-0 in a preview of the stingy test that awaits England or Argentina.
The Sporting News brings you a full list of live player ratings for the match, analyzing both team's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
4-2-3-1, right to left: 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 24. R. James, 5. J. Stones, 6. M. Guehi, 25. D. Spence — 4. D. Rice, 8. E. Anderson — 17. M. Rogers, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon — 9. H. Kane.
Argentina starting lineup:
4-4-2, right to left: 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. N. Molina, 13. C. Romero, 6. L. Martinez, 3. N. Tagliafico — 17. G. Simeone, 20. A. Mac Allister, 5. L. Paredes (N. Gonzalez, 64'), 24. E. Fernandez — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez.
England player ratings vs. Argentina
All ratings are on a 10-point scale.
Starters
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford — 8
Didn't have a single save to make in the first half, as Argentina had no interest in testing the goalkeeper. His distribution was solid, keeping his side out of danger amidst a slight press.
Started the second half with a great save on Julian Alvarez at his near post. Made an outlandish save in the 69th minute as he prevented a header by Nico Gonzalez from finding the back of the net.
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Messi sends it into the box but the header is SAVED by Jordan Pickford 🏴
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right-back: Reece James — 6
Did well getting forward, knowing he didn't have lots of width to deal with from Argentina. It was difficult, though, with Morgan Rogers contributing very little. Completed 17 of his 18 first-half passes, even while spending most of his time on the ball in the attacking half.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right center-back: John Stones — 6
Didn't have lots of defending to do, as Argentina didn't look to get anyone other than Lionel Messi into the penalty area. Had one of the few chances in the first half for either side, as he put his header slightly wide at the back post on a set-piece.
Made two big clearances in the 66th minute to help England get out of jail as they were being squeezed.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left center-back: Marc Guehi — 7
Was a machine in the first half, maintaining a high line while hitting on all 40 of his passes and contributing three defensive actions.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left-back: Djed Spence — 9
Djed Spence was rewarded with a start at his natural left-back position for his excellent deputy work on the right throughout this tournament. He was bright early on, dribbling through defenders down the left. He nutmegged Nahuel Molina in the fifth minute down near the corner flag. Then a minute later he managed to stay on the ball amidst a heavy contest from Giuliano Simeone. 'Megged another Argentina defender 10 minutes later as he continued to cook.
Did well to begin the second half by pushing Julian Alvarez wide enough for Pickford to make a save. Made an absolutely electrictackle in the 57th minute on Giuliano Simeone to prevent a huge Argentina opportunity.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Central midfielder: Declan Rice — 6
Was completely invisible in the first half. Managed just 25 touches to Elliot Anderson's 51, leaving his midfield partner to do all the heavy lifting.
In the second half, it seemed to be going the way way, but he cropped up with a crucial contribution on the opening goal, latching onto the ball in the attacking third and feeding it to Morgan Rogers for a cross.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Central midfielder: Elliot Anderson — 8
Was a target of Argentina's early foul strategy, drawing three whistles in the opening 20 minutes and five throughout the opening half. Managed to keep his head about him and carry on, which is impressive. Drew an unfortunate yellow card when he was booked for fouling Lionel Messi, which left England furious.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right winger: Morgan Rogers — 6
With Djed Spence cooking, Rogers played a more off-ball winger role, but he did well when he got on the ball himself, also managing to work a cross on the dribble. Unfortunately, he faded in the first half, appearing in very few England attacks overall. A poor first 45 minutes overall.
He cropped up for a beautiful assist on the opening goal,
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham — 7
Had plenty of needle early in the match, winning fouls and keeping the intensity up. Like Anderson, got kicked repeatedly in the first half-hour, but began to get on his flow after that as he dribbled past Giuliano Simeone to win a free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Past the 30-minute mark, Bellingham started to have a much bigger effect on the match, which caused Argentina to just kick him more.
Began the second half by defending Lionel Messi very well, marshaling the ball out of play by bodying Messi off it near the end line. Started to lose his impact on the goal after England went ahead, as Argentina were able to compress the pitch and squeeze England back into their own half.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left winger: Anthony Gordon — 7
Did well to get down the left early, combining with an excitable Djed Spence, but couldn't get a shot off in the 15th minute as his dribbling allowed five defenders to swarm the England winger and smother the chance.
Faded as the first half went on, but started to get more involved early in the second half, most specifically moving into midfield for more touches on the ball.
Scored England's first goal with an exceptional back-post run by beating Nahuel Molina and latching onto Morgan Rogers' cross.
Watch in USA:
GOOOOAAL! ANTHONY GORDON GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD OVER ARGENTINA IN THE SEMIFINALS 🏴
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Striker: Harry Kane — 5
Only 13 touches in the first half, including none in the penalty area, as Kane was unable to get involved in the match. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for a traditional No. 9, but for someone like Kane who likes to drop into midfield, he was unable to both aid his teammates in ushering possession forward and arrive late in the penalty area for chances on goal.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
England substitutes vs. Argentina
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and players enter the match off the bench.
England coach vs. Argentina
Thomas Tuchel: Grade pending
This section will be updated after the match with analysis and commentary once the coach's tactical approach and in-game handling can be assessed on the whole.
Did well to deal with England's early crosses, and distributed well, only missing with his three long balls in the first half.
Wasn't much Martinez could do on the England goal.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right-back: Nahuel Molina — 6
It wasn't exactly pretty for Nahuel Molina against the combination of Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence, but it was effective, as he prevented either one from making things happen in the penalty area.
Delivered an absolutely vicious cross to the penalty area in the 54th minute that could have found a teammate but eventually was rejected from the 18-yard box. Was beaten by Anthony Gordon on England's opening goal, with his passive stance allowing Gordon to step in front of him for the finish.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right center-back: Cristian Romero — 7
While Lisandro Martinez fumbled around next to him, Cristian Romero was fantastic defensively, playing the role of a brick wall as England tried to advance into the attacking third.
Started the second half by making a delicious play on the ball to see a pressing Anthony Gordon go flying by, but then absorbed a professional booking by bear-hugging Jude Bellingham to stop a transitional play.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left center-back: Lisandro Martinez — 6
Solid in possession, but shaky defending in transition. Was booked in the 42nd minute for dragging Morgan Rogers back by his shirt in midfield to stop a counter.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left-back: Nicolas Tagliafico — 8
Contributed his fair share of physicality to Argentina's approach, but also managed to keep Morgan Rogers and Reece James completely in check, winning all of his four first-half ground duels.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right midfielder: Giuliano Simeone — 4
Was an absolute loose cannon early on, looking like he was playing at mach speed. That's not necessarily a good thing, as he was all over the place in the first quarter of the match, and it continued as he was whistled for four fouls in the opening 32 minutes.
Got free down the right before the hour mark, but was far too slow to make a decision as he charged towards the England goal, allowing Djed Spence to make a 30-yard recovery sprint and dispossess Simeone with a strong tackle.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Central midfielder: Leandro Paredes — 7
Was extremely physical early in the game, making all kinds of hard challenges in midfield to break up play with England on the ball. It was clear he was trying to get under Jude Bellingham's skin, but he was laughed off.
Provided good strength for Argentina at the base of midfield, avoiding a booking and beginning pressure. It began to have a greater effect on the game as he helped the South American side squeeze the game. It was, thusly, surprising that Paredes was hooked on the hour mark for Nico Gonzalez as Lionel Scaloni needed more attacking threat.
Central midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister — 6
Given freedom to roam and break up play, Mac Allister was a bit lost in the middle of the field, without a defined role. Looked a bit slow in the process, but managed to bust up England's build up a bit.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left midfielder: Enzo Fernandez — 5
He has had a scatterbrained World Cup, and that continued in this match as he was all over the pitch, but not in a good way. His best moment was taking a long-distance shot that just barely fizzed wide, but otherwise he kept losing duels all over the pitch, and failed to create much up front, with most of his passing sideways.
Managed to have a greater influence on the game in the second half, helping Argentina to squeeze the game, but his creativity was still lacking.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Right forward: Lionel Messi — 6
Was slow to get going, but exploded to life when he dribbled through three players and was fouled, winning a free-kick and getting Elliot Anderson controversially booked.
Really struggled to have a consistent influence on the game. Delivered a 69th minute cross that met the head of Nico Gonzalez, but he put the effort right at Jordan Pickford.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Left forward: Julian Alvarez — 5
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.
Argentina substitutes vs. England
65th min — Nico Gonzalez: Grade pending
Entered for Leandro Paredes with Argentina down a goal. Had a massive chance to level the score, but put his header right at the goalkeeper.
This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and players enter the match off the bench.
Argentina coach vs. England
Lionel Scaloni: 8
This section will be updated after the match with analysis and commentary once the coach's tactical approach and in-game handling can be assessed on the whole.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides. While Portugal’s journey ended earlier than hoped and Kylian Mbappe’s France fell short against Spain, one remarkable statistic has emerged that shows Ronaldo still managed to leave a historic mark against one of the tournament’s strongest defenses.
Spain’s incredible defensive record has become one of the biggest stories of the competition, but a deeper look into the numbers reveals a unique achievement involving the 41-year-old veteran. As La Roja continues its pursuit of another World Cup glory, one question remains: how did the legendary Portuguese forward accomplish something that even Mbappe, one of the world’s most dangerous attackers, could not?
Spain’s defensive wall becomes one of 2026 World Cup’s stories
Spain entered the 2026 World Cup knockout stages with a reputation for defensive perfection, and that reputation only grew as the tournament progressed. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in seven matches, recorded six clean sheets, and built one of the most impressive defensive campaigns ever seen at a World Cup.
The European champion relied on a combination of possession control, aggressive pressing, and disciplined defensive positioning to limit opponents. With Unai Simon commanding the goal, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi protecting the center, and Rodri controlling the midfield, Spain rarely allowed opponents to create clear opportunities.
Spain players pose for a team photograph
Their defensive approach was based on suffocating opponents immediately after losing possession. The team’s high defensive line, supported by Simón’s ability to act as a sweeper goalkeeper, prevented attackers from finding space behind the backline.
Spain’s numbers reflected their dominance. The team faced the fewest shots in the tournament, allowed the lowest expected goals against figure, and kept opponents away from dangerous areas of the pitch. Their ability to control games through possession also reduced the number of attacking situations their opponents could create.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal exit cannot erase incredible Spain statistic
Despite Spain’s incredible defensive record, one player managed to find a way through their structure. According to OptaAnalyst data, Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for both of the only first-half shots on target Spain faced throughout the entire 2026 World Cup.
The statistic became another reminder of Ronaldo’s longevity and ability to remain dangerous on soccer’s biggest stage. During Portugal’s Round of 16 meeting with Spain, Ronaldo was the only Portuguese player to seriously test Unai Simón before halftime.
Spain have faced just two shots on target in the first half of games at this World Cup.
Although La Roja eventually won the match 1-0, Ronaldo’s effort highlighted his continued importance for the Selecao. The veteran forward repeatedly searched for opportunities against a defense that had neutralized some of the world’s best attackers.
At an age when most players have already retired from international soccer, Ronaldo continued to challenge elite opponents and produce moments that caught global attention. His presence forced Spain’s defenders to remain alert throughout the match.
Spain’s defensive success was especially impressive because of the quality of attackers they faced. The team managed to contain several world-class forwards, including France superstar Kylian Mbappe, in the semifinal.
France entered that match with one of the tournament’s most feared attacking units, but Spain’s defensive organization completely disrupted their rhythm. Mbappe, who was competing for the Golden Boot, failed to register a shot on target as Spain secured a 2-0 victory.
After the match, Mbappe admitted that France struggled to find solutions against Spain’s structure. “There were too many technical errors. We didn’t know how to hurt them when we needed to. It was up to us to shift the balance of power, and that’s where we failed,” Mbappe said.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Kylian Mbappe (right)
Mac Allister plays for Argentina because that's the country of his birth.
There's no confusing citizenship situation here. Mac Allister has always been Argentine.
His family had moved to the country much before the midfielder was born.
In a 2024 interview, Mac Allister explained the name's roots.
“It’s actually Irish,” Mac Allister explained on that podcast interview. “A couple of months ago I received a letter from my family in Ireland, asking me to go there one day. I would love to.”
The Athletic has also written about Mac Allister's origin, and one of his family members, Joseph McAllister (the spelling changed after the move) came to Argentina in 1865.
Two generations before that, The Athletic writes, the family had made the move from Scotland to Ireland.
So there are roots across the globe for Mac Allister.
Before the opening whistle has even blown in England and Argentina's semifinal match, World Cup fans are already complaining that FIFA is rigging the match in Lionel Messi's favor.
The topic of Argentina being the beneficiary of fixed matches has been one of the most talked-about conspiracy theories throughout the soccer world. FIFA hasn't exactly helped quell those theorists after appointing Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath to serve as the semifinal match's lead official.
In the past, Messi has reportedly won every match he has played with Elfath serving as the referee in some capacity, including the 2022 World Cup final against France.
Here's the rundown on Elfath, and why many soccer fans believe he's helped Messi in the past.
American referee Ismail Elfath will serve as the referee for the semifinal match between England and Argentina.
Elfath has been a FIFA referee since 2016 and served as the fourth referee during Argentina's 2022 World Cup final win over France. 2022 served as Elfath's first World Cup, debuting in a match between Portugal and Ghana and serving as the referee for a knockout stage match between Japan and Croatia.
At this year's World Cup, Elfath served as the referee for Japan vs. the Netherlands, Uruguay vs. Spain, and Brazil vs. Norway's clash in the Round of 16.
The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup match 102 have been appointed. 🤝
Elfath was born in Morocco and came over to the United States at age 18. He would eventually become a U.S citizen and has been an MLS referee since 2012.
Many World Cup fans complained about FIFA appointing Elfath to officiate the England vs. Argentina match because Messi has found vast success with Morocco native on the pitch. At the 2022 World Cup final, Elfath was the fourth official when Argentina won in a penalty shootout over France, thanks to two Messi goals.
Elfath was also the referee during Inter Miami's 2023 Leagues Cup win, a match that featured Messi scoring before a penalty shootout win over Nashville SC. Elfath has additionally refereed three other MLS wins for Messi.
Where is Ismail Elfath from?
Elfath is originally from Morocco. He moved to America as an 18-year-old after winning a U.S. government-backed diversity visa lottery, according to the BBC.
Elfath was born on March 3, 1982, in Casablanca, Morocco. The 44-year-old has officiated in the MLS since 2012, a tenure in which he has won Referee of the Year twice.
According to various reports, such as Wales Online and NY Sports Day, Messi has never lost a game that has featured Elfath as an official. In five total matches that have featured Elfath as an official, Messi has accumulated a 5-0 record, with four of those matches coming from competition at Inter Miami.
At the 2022 World Cup final, Elfath was the fourth official when Argentina won in a penalty shootout over France, thanks to two Messi goals.
He was also the referee when Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, a match that also featured Messi scoring before his team won via a penalty shootout over Nashville SC. Additionally, Elfath has refereed three other MLS wins for Messi.
Is FIFA favoring Argentina?
While the case for FIFA favoring Messi's Argentina seems to grow through everyday, there has been no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing.
Fans began pointing even more fingers toward La Albiceleste after news broke reporting that the national team was under investigation by the FBI for money laundering and fraud in the U.S. According to CBS Sports, at least $260 million has gone through America's financial system, along with an additional $57 million in transfers that do not have a clear purpose.
Argentina has also been getting carded at a lower frequency compared to other teams in the tournament. Here is a look at where they ranked among teams in the quarterfinals:
🚨 How often do teams playing in World Cup quarterfinals get booked:
🏴 England - Card per every 7 fouls 🇲🇦 Morocco - Card per every 9,8 fouls 🇧🇪 Belgium - Card per every 10 fouls 🇨🇭 Switzerland - Card per every 11,5 fouls 🇫🇷 France - Card per every 12,2 fouls 🇳🇴 Norway - Card… pic.twitter.com/UMhGpm9lcq
Rodrigo De Paul has been left out of the starting lineup for the semifinal against England, raising questions about one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted teammates.
Argentina is one win away from another World Cup final, but one of Lionel Scaloni’s biggest selection calls has already become a major talking point. Rodrigo De Paul has been left out of the starting lineup for the semifinal against England, raising questions about one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted teammates.
Argentina enters the semifinal against England aiming to keep its World Cup title defense alive after overcoming Switzerland in the quarterfinals. While the attacking partnership of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez remains intact, Lionel Scaloni has opted to make significant adjustments in midfield.
Rodrigo De Paul has lost his place in the starting XI, with Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Gonzalez emerging as alternatives as the coaching staff searches for greater balance against England‘s dangerous attack.
The confirmed midfield features Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Giuliano Simeone, emphasizing mobility, defensive discipline, and energy ahead of one of Argentina’s biggest matches of the tournament.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
Why De Paul has been left on the bench
The main reason behind De Paul’s absence is Scaloni’s tactical approach to facing England. Rather than relying on the usual midfield structure, the Argentina coach wants a system capable of limiting England’s pace on the wings while providing additional defensive protection.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 15, 2026
Reports also suggest that De Paul’s performance against Switzerland was viewed as one of his least convincing displays of the tournament, increasing competition for places in midfield as Argentina reaches the decisive stages of the World Cup.
Scaloni has reportedly considered several tactical options, including a more compact midfield or even a switch to a five-man defensive line, with each scenario reducing the need for De Paul’s traditional role alongside Messi.
Lionel Messi looks on prior to the international friendly match between Argentina and Honduras.
Return to familiar World Cup formula
One of the most intriguing tactical experiments came during Argentina’s training sessions ahead of the semifinal. Scaloni tested a back five featuring Nicolas Otamendi alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, a move designed to strengthen the defense against England’s attacking threats. Such a formation naturally reduces the number of midfield positions available, making Rodrigo De Paul the player most likely to sacrifice his starting place.
The idea is far from unfamiliar for the Argentina manager. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Scaloni also switched to a five-man defense against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a tactical adjustment that helped Argentina survive a dramatic encounter before advancing on penalties and ultimately winning the World Cup.
Argentina came back with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to beat England 2-1.
With just one spot left in the 2026 World Cup final to be decided, the match between England and Argentina became a historic moment for both teams, with Argentina completing a 2-1 late comeback with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.
In the first half, not much occurred, with both teams committing many fouls and focusing more on stopping their opponents than creating chances. Long passes were the way they tried, unsuccessfully, to create opportunities.
All the emotions of the match came in the second half. Even after England went ahead with Anthony Gordon’s goal, Thomas Tuchel brought on more defenders to maintain the lead, which did not work. A pass behind the defense found Fernández, who scored with a long-range shot in the 85th minute to tie the game. However, this was not the end, as Argentina kept pushing until a Lionel Messi cross found Martínez, who scored with a header in the 92nd minute to secure the victory.
With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England's most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture.
England is set for a huge 2026 World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but Marcus Rashford will begin the match on the bench, prompting plenty of questions ahead of kick-off. With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England’s most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture.
The Three Lions arrive in Atlanta after overcoming a demanding path through the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then battling past Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane continuing to lead England’s charge toward its first World Cup final since 1966.
Argentina‘s journey has been equally dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s squad recovered from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2, survived extra-time battles against both Cape Verde and Switzerland, and extended its impressive unbeaten World Cup run while chasing a fourth global title.
Wednesday’s meeting also revives one of soccer’s greatest rivalries. The two sides have not met since a 3-2 friendly victory for England in 2005, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since David Beckham’s winning penalty separated the teams in the 2002 Group Stage.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
Why Marcus Rashford is not starting
Rashford’s absence from England’s starting lineup is understood to be a tactical decision rather than the result of injury or suspension. According to the London Evening Standard and BBC Sport, Tuchel believes other attacking options currently offer a better balance for the way England plans to approach Argentina.
The biggest factor is the outstanding form of Anthony Gordon, who has impressed throughout the knockout rounds. Gordon’s work rate, defensive contribution, and ability to stretch opposing defenses have convinced Tuchel to continue trusting him on the left side of England’s attack.
Bukayo Saka’s expected return on the opposite wing further reduces opportunities in the starting eleven. With Saka and Gordon occupying the wide positions behind Harry Kane, Rashford finds himself competing with several in-form attackers for limited places.
Anthony Gordon of England
Tuchel sees Rashford as valuable impact substitute
While Rashford will not start, England still views him as an important weapon later in matches. His pace and ability to attack tiring defenders have made him a useful option from the bench throughout the tournament.
Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw.
It is said that Tuchel believes Rashford can have a greater influence entering the game during the second half rather than beginning from the opening whistle. That approach also allows England to introduce fresh attacking speed if the semifinal becomes stretched during the closing stages.
The strategy is one that the coaching staff has already used successfully earlier in the tournament. Rashford previously made a positive contribution after coming off the bench, reinforcing the belief that he can still play a decisive role even without starting.
Nico O'Reilly has been shockingly dropped from England's starting lineup to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
Nico O’Reilly entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of England‘s most highly anticipated young talents, following a string of stellar, breakout performances under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, for Wednesday’s blockbuster semifinal clash against Argentina, the versatile defender has been surprisingly excluded from the starting eleven.
O’Reilly will begin the match on the bench due to a calculated tactical adjustments implemented by head coach Thomas Tuchel. Believing that the Argentine backline is particularly vulnerable to explosive speed out wide, the German manager has opted for a raw, pace-oriented approach on the left flank rather than relying on O’Reilly’s signature technical possession play.
Instead, Tuchel has made the bold decision to slot Djed Spence into the starting lineup at left back, anchoring the opposite flank with Reece James on the right. The Tottenham Hotspur defender clearly made a lasting impression during his recent shift against Norway, where his dynamic overlapping runs nearly won a penalty, and he is now being deployed as a highly aggressive, attacking fullback to exploit Argentina’s defensive spacing.
Prior to today, O’Reilly had featured in every single World Cup match for England, frequently giving way to Spence in the second half as a tactical substitution to inject an explosive X-factor down the flank. The only other game the Manchester City starlet did not start was the group-stage matchup against Ghana, where Tuchel similarly prioritized Spence’s raw speed to overwhelm the opposition while the Three Lions dominated possession.
Nico O’Reilly #3 of England high fives Djed Spence #25 as he is substituted.
Spence is set for a grueling physical battle on his flank as he goes toe-to-toe with Argentine right back Nahuel Molina and winger Giuliano Simeone. In a mirror-image tactical gamble, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made the shocking decision to drop midfield engine Rodrigo De Paul from the starting lineup for the first time in the tournament, opting instead for the explosive pace of the Atlético Madrid starlet in a matchup that promises to be one of the game’s most critical chess matches.
In a pre-match interview with the BBC, when asked whether he was looking forward to the prospect of sharing the pitch with Messi, the young midfielder’s response was direct: “I can’t wait. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He’s coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch. I can’t wait for the challenge.“
England face Argentina in a match with a great deal of soccer and geopolitical history. As one of the most anticipated games, both teams are expected to field their strongest starting lineup. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly left Noni Madueke on the bench.
After a hard-fought match against Norway, England face Argentina in a clash filled with soccer and geopolitical history. Looking to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup final, both teams seemed destined to make very few changes to the starting lineup. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to make a change in attack: Noni Madueke will start on the bench, despite shining in the previous match.
Noni Madueke is fully fit, remaining free of injuries and suspensions. Despite this, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to leave him on the bench for purely tactical reasons vs Argentina. As a player who excels in dribbling and is decisive in tight spaces, he seemed like the perfect option to launch counterattacks. However, Tuchel has decided to pursue a very different creative approach from previous matches.
Looking to strengthen their control of midfield, head coach has decided to start Morgan Rogers on the right wing. Although he is naturally an attacking midfielder, he is very quick and could give the team greater control in possession. With him on the pitch, England enjoyed much more control against Norway, something they will hope to replicate against Argentina while providing greater support for Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
England have decided to make changes in attack, but they have recovered two stars: Reece James and Declan Rice, who will start. While the right back was absent, the midfielder played only 45 minutes in the previous match. Against Argentina, both will be able to shine, giving Thomas Tuchel more tools to secure the victory. However, Bellingham and Kane are the ones who need to be clinical in front of goal.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates with Harry Kane #9 after scoring a goal.
Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon set to play key roles for England
After failing to shine in the collective aspect of the game, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to make major tactical adjustments. Without a dribble-oriented right winger, they will look to emphasize their play through the middle, giving greater importance to midfielders such as Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Along with this, Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon may have essential roles for the Three Lions.
Both Spence and Gordon will be responsible for stretching the pitch and taking advantage of Argentina’s spaces. As the team’s most dangerous players in terms of dribbling and pace, they will be essential in creating openings in the rival’s defense. While the goalscoring threat will not come from them, they will create the space for Kane and Bellingham to shine. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze could also play important roles, but coming off the bench.
Noni Madueke #20 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Set to face Argentina for the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Bukayo Saka has been dropped from England's starting lineup.
England is set to battle long-time rival Argentina on Wednesday, July 15th, at Atlanta Stadium in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. With a coveted spot in the championship match on the line, Bukayo Saka‘s absence from the starting lineup has quickly emerged as the biggest pre-match storyline.
Saka will begin the match on the bench due to a purely tactical adjustment made by head coach Thomas Tuchel. The German manager has frequently rotated his options on the right wing throughout this tournament in North America, and he has opted for another high-profile gamble by dropping the Arsenal star for today’s clash.
Instead, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers will earn the start on the right flank to match up against Argentina. This represents only the second start of the tournament for Rogers, who previously featured in the lineup against Panama and logged substitute appearances against Croatia, Ghana, Mexico, and Norway without recording a goal or an assist.
Even so, Tuchel is placing his trust in the rising Villa attacker over Saka, who has endured a relatively quiet tournament by his lofty standards. The Arsenal winger has recorded three assists during the campaign, distributing them evenly across group-stage matches against Croatia, Panama, and Mexico.
Bukayo Saka #7 of England competes for the ball against David Moller Wolfe #5 of Norway.
Saka originally entered the World Cup carrying a lingering muscular injury that kept him sidelined for a pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand. He went on to start against Panama, Mexico, and Norway, but while he has featured as a second-half substitute in England’s other matches, he has yet to play a full 90 minutes.
Rogers’ breakthrough campaign
Operating primarily as a central attacking midfielder for Aston Villa, Rogers’ stellar domestic form earned him a consistent place in Tuchel’s international plans. While he has registered just one goal and two assists across his first 20 caps with the Three Lions, his dynamic, energetic performance off the bench against Norway clearly solidified his place in the manager’s tactical blueprint.
Remaining completely healthy throughout the grueling 2025-26 club season, Rogers racked up 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances for Villa. Those impressive numbers helped propel his club forward while securing his individual selection to the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.
Argentina face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, where Lautaro Martinez will begin the match on the bench.
Argentina continue their title defense and now face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium. For this crucial game, coach Lionel Scaloni once again opted to leave Lautaro Martinez on the bench.
For the third straight knockout match, Martinez will watch from the bench as Argentina kick off, with Julian Alvarez set to partner Lionel Messi up front once again.
There’s no injury concern behind the call. Martinez trained normally in the buildup and remains available to come on if Scaloni needs a different look in attack, but the coaching staff has simply found no reason to break up a partnership that keeps delivering results.
Julian Alvarez has earned his spot
The forward spot next to Messi has been an open competition all tournament, and it’s one that’s tilted firmly in Alvarez’s favor since the knockout rounds began. After coming off the bench in the first two group-stage matches, the Atletico Madrid forward started against Jordan alongside a rotated lineup, with Messi among the substitutes that day.
Julian Alvarez celebrates a goal for Argentina vs Switzerland. (Getty Images)
However, his performance wasn’t enough to secure his spot as a starter for the next game. In the Round of 32 win over Cape Verde, Martinez returned to the starting lineup, but it was Alvarez’s performance off the bench that ultimately convinced Scaloni to hand him the start against Egypt in the Round of 16.
By the quarterfinals against Switzerland, Alvarez was back in the starting lineup and was named man of the match after scoring a stunning goal — one that could be in contention for goal of the tournament — at a crucial moment in extra time to put his side ahead.
With the forward in excellent form and riding a strong run over these last few matches, Scaloni has opted to keep him in the starting lineup alongside Messi up front, leaving Martinez as a solid option off the bench.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to start Morgan Rogers on the right against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder usually plays on the left or centrally, so this is a slightly unfamiliar role for him, but he’s also someone who’s surely good enough to contribute in almost any attacking role.
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See below for David Ornstein’s update on England’s team selection for this evening’s big game, with the journalist posting on X that Tuchel is set to reward Rogers for his impact off the bench in the win over Norway in the last round…
“Morgan Rogers set to start on right for England in #FIFAWorldCup semi-final … Opportunity would see 23yo Aston Villa forward rewarded after impact off bench against Norway & form for #AVFC + across Thomas Tuchel reign,” Ornstein said.
In truth, something needed to change on that right-hand side as Noni Madueke hasn’t been particularly convincing at this tournament, though he’s started a lot of games because Bukayo Saka isn’t 100% fit.
Tuchel will need to get his team selection right tonight for this huge game, which some people are calling their biggest since the World Cup final victory in 1966.
England haven’t been in a World Cup final since their only victory 60 years ago, so it would be a huge achievement to do it.
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Argentina are the current holders, so will probably be the favourites tonight, especially with Lionel Messi in such exceptional form at this year’s tournament so far.
For England, the key men will surely be Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have both been superb for the Three Lions, though a top young talent like Rogers could also cause Argentina some problems.
England face the biggest challenge of the 2026 World Cup, as they take on Argentina in the semifinal. Making the situation even more complicated, head coach Thomas Tuchel will not be able to count on Jarell Quansah for the second consecutive game.
Despite having been full of criticism, England have remained one of the hardest teams to beat at the 2026 World Cup. Being solid in defense, they managed to reach the semifinals, where they will faceArgentina. In a match full of history, the Three Lions will look to reach the final for the first time in many years. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel faces the difficult absence of Jarell Quansah, for the second consecutive game.
Jarell Quansah is in full physical condition with England. However, he will be absent after receiving a straight red card in the match against Mexico, being suspended for two matches. Even though they tried to appeal, FIFA rejected it, upholding his suspension. If the Three Lions advance to the tournament final, he could return to the roster, having the chance to start or come off the bench.
While Reece James returns to the roster from his injury, he could be a starter despite that he is reportedly not at full fitness. However, he will look to make an impact and regain his playing continuity. Therefore, Thomas Tuchel could once again be forced to readjust his lineup during the game, giving Ezri Konsa or John Stones a chance to play in the at right back.
England lose a major attacking asset without Reece James in plein form or Jarell Quansah at right back. Therefore, Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke need to take on a bigger role out wide, as they will be on their own to create space. In addition, Elliot Anderson or Jude Bellingham will be key in providing support and creating a possession triangle that allows them to break down Argentina’s defense. Nevertheless, the key remains Harry Kane.
Jarell Quansah #26 of England reacts after receiving a red card by Referee Alireza Faghani.
England’s key to beating Argentina lies in the midfield
Argentina are one of the best national teams at the 2026 World Cup. Led by their midfield, they press high and dominate the attacking phase. With this in mind, England come into the match with a clear objective: To dominate the midfield in order to limit their opponent. If they manage to do so, they would shine with their play down the wings, taking advantage of the space in behind to look for goals.
To secure the victory, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson need to shine again, as they struggled quite a bit against Norway and were very limited. Not only do they need to return to their best form, but so does Harry Kane, who has a more creative role on the pitch. With them performing well, Jude Bellingham could shine again in front of goal, dominating possession and taking advantage of space or mistakes in the build-up play.
England and Argentina clash in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, with Spain waiting to find out their opponent in the final.
The second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Atlanta Stadium, where England and Argentina meet for the tournament’s second and final spot in Sunday’s showpiece, where Spain await for their rival.
Argentina reached this stage by beating Switzerland in the overtime of the quarterfinals, a result that kept the defending champions’ title defense alive and extended their unbeaten run through the knockout rounds.
For this crucial match, Lionel Messi will start and once again captain Argentina, standing as the team’s key figure as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappe.
On England‘s side, the Three Lions advanced to the semifinals after beating Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with a brace from Jude Bellingham. For this match, star man Harry Kane will start and captain the Europeans in their bid to reach the final.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates a goal. (Getty Images)
England’s confirmed lineup
For this match, Thomas Tuchel’s biggest dilemma centers on the right side of defense, where Jarell Quansah won’t be available due to a suspension, with Reece James or Djed Spence in line to fill in for him.
England’s confirmed starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Argentina’s confirmed lineup
Lionel Scaloni has kept his cards close to the chest, having trialed a back-five system in training that would bring Nicolas Otamendi into the defense at the expense of Rodrigo De Paul. Scaloni has suggested he could still spring a surprise, though the more heavily backed option keeps the same shape that got past Switzerland.
England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.
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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.
Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim
Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…
“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”
He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.
“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”
Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?
Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.
However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.
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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.
If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.
After a dominant run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending champion France was denied a third consecutive trip to the final with a 2-0 loss to Spain in Tuesday’s semifinal match. It was a rather stunning end to the team’s run given the way it played throughout the tournament, but none of the players were particularly interested in talking about it.
France entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the betting favorite to lift the trophy, and it certainly looked the part through the group stage and the first three matches of the knockout round, winning every match it played by more than two goals per match on average.
The team was a perfect 6-0 in the tournament entering Tuesday’s match and had not so much as surrendered a goal through the first three matches of the knockout round, all while its high-powered offense, led by the tournament’s leading scorer Kylian Mbappé, made scoring feel inevitable.
But all that changed in Tuesday’s match. Not only did France surrender its first two goals of the knockout round, but Mbappé and company had no answers on the offensive side as they were held scoreless for the first time all tournament.
Needless to say, it was a surprising result, but France did not seem all that willing to answer for it after the match.
According to Michael J. Duarte of The California Post, no French player went through the media mix zone after the match. While not every player is required to speak to the media after matches, teams are required to designate some players to speak in the media mix zone. According to Duarte, that didn’t happen.
All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match.
FIFA will hopefully fine them.
None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup.
“All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match. FIFA will hopefully fine them. None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup,” he wrote in a post on X.
It is worth noting that Mbappé appears to have spoken to at least some members of the media in some capacity, as he is quoted in a Reuters article where he called the team’s performance “sloppy.” He also interviewed with Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft following the match. So it’s probably not fair to say that all of the French players were entirely unwilling to speak on the loss. Whether Duarte and others got the chance to talk to French players, however, is obviously a different story. But based on FIFA’s rules, players are supposed to be made available in the mixed zone, and teams can be fined if that doesn’t happen.
After the loss, France will now take on the loser of Wednesday’s match between England and Argentina in the third-place match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Declan Rice is one of England's most important players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As a newly minted champion of the English Premier League with Arsenal, Rice does a bit of everything in the midfield for the Three Lions.
He's a set-piece expert in addition to making plays box-to-box, and for England to hoist the trophy for the first time since 1966, Rice will have to be brilliant.
But as Rice plays, there's one thing that's a bit quirky. He has a tattoo on the front of his left leg, which isn't unusual by itself.
This tattoo, though, is just a four-digit number: 1241.
It would be fascinating to hear Rice talk a little more in depth about this. Is he paying tribute to the 1,240 that made the English squad before him by putting that number on his leg?
It likely is a reminder that he's a part of something bigger than himself.
There would certainly be an immense swath of humans filled with joy if Rice can help lead England to the World Cup. Maybe that would require a tattoo, too: 2026, with a trophy.
Argentina managed to defeat Switzerland 3–1, securing their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the strong result, they have dropped positions in the FIFA Men's World Ranking just before facing England.
Amid their defensive problems, Argentina managed to defeat Switzerland 3–1, securing their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has proven to be an expert at adjusting his lineup during matches, relying on different ways to pursue victory. Far from having an easy opponent, they will faceEngland after dropping positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked in the 3rd spot, with 1943.47 points. They have lost two positions, despite their consecutive victories in the tournament. While some criticisms were towards their consistent defensive gaps, they have been shinning in the offense, with Lionel Messi leading again the way. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 1st in June of 2026.
While Lionel Scaloni’s team have dropped positions in the rankings, they have remained above England. Thomas Tuchel’s team are ranked 4th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with 1,889.42 points. They have not excelled in build-up play, but they remain one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides, with multiple offensive options. With their talented wingers, they may look to exploit Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities on the counterattack.
Unlike England, Argentina have shown to have one of the most solid midfields of the 2026 World Cup. Having an ideal combination of solid defending and creativity, they usually press their opponents high and control the tempo of the game. In addition, Lionel Messi is key to creating space, allowing Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez to shine up front, with both needing to be very effective in front of goal.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina chase first-ever back-to-back World Cups
Argentina are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Not only are they coming off winning the 2022 edition, but they also won the 1978 and 1986 editions. Far from relaxing their winning ambition, they arrived at the 2026 edition in top form with a run of consecutive victories. Now, Lionel Messi’s team are chasing their first-ever back-to-back World Cups.
Not only because of the historical importance of this match, but they can also make history at the World Cup. Lionel Messi could lead Argentina to their first back-to-back titles, something that would make his legacy as the most important in his country’s history grow even more. In addition, Scaloni’s team have shown that they know how to adapt to their opponent, dominating or sitting back depending on the match, something that can give them an edge.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
After defeating Norway in heroic fashion, England secured their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. With their strong performances, they have managed to maintain a high position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of today's match against Argentina.
Despite the numerous criticisms before the 2026 World Cup, England managed to become one of the best teams, defeating Norway to reach the semifinals. Hand in hand with their attacking prowess, they have shone game after game. However, they do not have an easy match, as they face Argentina. Reflecting their high level of play, they have managed to maintain a strong position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, England are ranked in the 4th spot, with 1889.42 points. While some criticisms were towards their playing style, they have been solid in the results, keeping the same spot in the last stages of the tournament. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 3rd in November of 2023.
While Thomas Tuchel’s team are among the highest-ranked national teams, they are still behind Argentina. The 2022 World Cup winners are ranked 3rd, with 1,943.47 points. Although they are coming off a major victory over Switzerland, they have dropped two places and need a win today to challenge Spain, the current leaders, for the top spot. With Lionel Messi in peak form, Argentina once again emerge as one of the top contenders.
England have proven to be one of the most efficient teams in attack. Led by Harry Kane, they create space against tough midfields, using the wings as the central focus of their play. In addition, Jude Bellingham has taken advantage of the space up front, arriving from the second line to finish chances. However, they still have not been dominant in midfield, and their main challenge will be to remain consistent.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
England close in on ending their 60-year World Cup drought
England are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Led by legends such as Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst, they won the 1966 title. After that historic triumph, they remained relevant, producing legends such as Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and many others. However, they have gone 60 years without winning the title, with today representing their best chance.
Since their victory in 1966, they have reached the semifinals in 1990 and 2018, where they were eliminated. Therefore, they face another golden opportunity to pursue a place in the final by defeating Argentina in a match full of history. Afterwards, they would face Spain, one of the best collective teams in the world. If they manage to do so, Thomas Tuchel’s team would write their name into history.
Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Dan Burn #15 of England sing to the fans.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has dodged a question about whether he thinks Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time.
The German tactician is preparing to lead the Three Lions against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash, and stopping Messi will probably be the tactic he most needs to get right.
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Messi has never played against England before, so it will be interesting to see what he can do, but he goes into this game in superb form as he’s joint-top of the Golden Boot charts at the World Cup so far.
Tuchel also sent a clear message about not worshipping Messi too much, which seems like the right kind of mentality for England if they are to avoid being overawed by the 39-year-old.
How can England stop Lionel Messi?
Tuchel also spoke in another video clip about how he’s tempted to try an old-school man-marking system to keep Messi quiet.
See below as the England manager admitted to that kind of plan crossing his mind, though he obviously wouldn’t reveal one way or another if he’d definitely choose that particular option, as it might not be something that works on Messi anyway…
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Ultimately, it might just be best not to focus too much on Messi, as throughout his career he’s got the better of pretty much every top defence you can think of.
It might work best for England if they just focus on their own game tonight, and do their best to keep the ball, create chances, and limit what Messi can do by simply being the better team.
That’s easier said than done, of course, but if they retreat and make everything about stopping Messi, chances are he’ll find at least one moment of immense quality to undo all that work anyway.
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament.
Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament.
La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike.
England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive.
The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams.
Date
Argentina’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 11, 2026
Switzerland
Quarter-finals
Win (3-1 AET)
July 7, 2026
Egypt
Round of 16
Win (3-2)
July 3, 2026
Cabo Verde
Round of 32
Win (3-2 AET)
June 27, 2026
Jordan
Group Stage
Win (3-1)
June 22, 2026
Austria
Group Stage
Win (2-0)
June 16, 2026
Algeria
Group Stage
Win (3-0)
Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four.
Date
England’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 11, 2026
Norway
Quarter-finals
Win (2-1 AET)
July 5, 2026
Mexico
Round of 16
Win (3-2)
July 1, 2026
DR Congo
Round of 32
Win (2-1)
June 27, 2026
Panama
Group Stage
Win (2-0)
June 23, 2026
Ghana
Group Stage
Tie (0-0)
June 17, 2026
Croatia
Group Stage
Win (4-2)
What happens if Argentina wins and England loses?
Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title.
England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France.
The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick
This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
What happens if Argentina loses and England loses?
An England victory would send the Three Lions into their first World Cup final since 1966, where they would challenge Spain for the trophy.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
For Argentina, defeat would immediately end hopes of retaining the title. Instead of competing for a fourth World Cup crown, Lionel Scaloni’s squad would face France in the third-place playoff scheduled before the championship match.
Such a result would also halt the team’s remarkable run of knockout success since lifting the trophy in Qatar four years earlier. While finishing third would still represent a strong tournament, it would fall short of the expectations surrounding the reigning champion.
ICC has signed off on sweeping structural changes to its two biggest men's tournaments, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
These changes were finalised by the ICC Board following its annual meetings held in Edinburgh, based on recommendations put forward by the organisation's Chief Executives' Committee.
According to the ICC, the revamp is designed to make matches more meaningful and ensure greater stakes are attached to every stage of these global events.
2027 ODI World Cup format explained
The 50-over World Cup will continue to feature 14 participating nations, but the pathway to the final will now look considerably different. The tournament will open with a newly introduced Super Series round, involving the three lowest-ranked qualifying teams, numbers 12, 13 and 14.
These sides will compete in a round-robin format, with only the top-performing team advancing further. From there, Round 2 will consist of two groups of six teams each, with the top three finishers from each group, plus the next-best team overall across both groups, progressing into a newly created Super 7 stage.
This Super 7 phase will also follow a round-robin format, with the top four teams booking semi-final spots, arranged as 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3, before the tournament concludes with the final.
"The structure has been designed to strengthen the competitive narrative across every stage of the event, with matches from Round 1 and Round 2 carrying higher consequence, with a highly competitive Super 7 stage witnessing 7 qualifying teams going through a round-robin stage to qualify for the semi-finals," the ICC said in a release.
"The increased consequence and enhanced competitive intensity promise to enhance the overall experience for fans while continuing to provide emerging teams with the opportunity to compete on cricket's biggest stage."
Round 1: Teams 12, 13, 14 — Round-robin 'Super Series'; top team progresses to Round 2
Top 3 teams qualify for Super Six
Round 2: Two groups of 6 (30 matches); top 3 teams from each group plus next highest-placed team overall qualify for Super 7
Super Six — Two groups of three (9 matches)
Round 3: Super 7 — Round robin (21 matches); top 4 teams progress to semis
Top two teams from each group progress to semis
—
Semifinals (2 matches)
Semifinals (2 matches): 1 vs 4 & 2 vs 3
Final
Final
New format for 2028 T20 World Cup
While the T20 World Cup will hold steady at 20 teams overall, its middle phase is getting bigger with the old Super Eight setup makes way for a Super 10 stage instead.
As for the group stage, teams will now be split across five groups of four each, with the top two from every group moving through to the next round.
The Super 10 stage will then be split into two groups of five teams apiece, with the top-placed team in each group securing direct qualification into the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the second and third-placed sides from both Super 10 groups will face off in newly introduced eliminator matches to determine the two remaining semi-final spots.
"This promises to expand the representation of cricket’s emerging nations in the Super 10 stage while also delivering higher competitive standards," the ICC said.
"The addition of ‘eliminators’ where the 2nd and 3rd ranked teams from groups in the Super 10 stage compete against each other for spots in the semi-finals also then adds significant consequence to the closing matches of the Super 10 stage."
Previous Format
New Format
Group Stage — 40 matches
Group Stage — 30 matches
4 groups of 5 teams each
5 groups of 4 teams each
Two teams from each group progress
Two teams from each group progress
Super Eights — Two groups of four (12 matches)
Super 10 — Two groups of five (20 matches)
Top two teams from each group progress to semis
Top team in each group confirms semifinal spot; 2nd-placed teams play Eliminator against 3rd-placed teams from the opposite group
—
Eliminators (2 matches)
Semifinals (2 matches)
Semifinals (2 matches)
Final
Final
T20 World Cup 2028 qualification structure
Alongside the ODI World Cup changes, the ICC Board has also approved the qualification structure leading into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028.
Scotland has been granted direct entry into the Europe Regional Final, a decision made in recognition of the unusual circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 edition.
Meanwhile, teams that featured in the 2026 T20 World Cup but failed to secure automatic qualification will move straight into the Global Qualifier stage. The remaining eight spots in the Global Qualifier will be determined through regional qualifying pathways, with Africa, Asia and Europe each receiving two allocated places, while the Americas and East Asia-Pacific regions will each receive one spot.
Once the Global Qualifier concludes, the top-ranked team from each region, combined with the next three highest-placed teams overall, will secure qualification for the 2028 tournament, provided they meet the ICC's minimum performance criteria.
Category
Details
Direct entry to Europe Regional Final
Scotland (due to exceptional circumstances around 2026 participation)
Direct entry to Global Qualifier
Teams that played in the 2026 T20 World Cup but did not secure automatic qualification
Additional Global Qualifier spots via regional pathways
8 teams total
— Africa
2 places
— Asia
2 places
— Europe
2 places
— Americas
1 place
— East Asia-Pacific
1 place
Qualification for 2028 T20 World Cup
Highest-placed team from each region at the Global Qualifier + next 3 highest-placed teams overall (subject to minimum performance criteria)
The world has been introduced to many teams' match traditions at the 2026 World Cup. While Norway's "Ro!" chant has comfortably taken the cake, England has been making their case for singing the Oasis song "Wonderwall" after every victory.
The Manchester, England-based band created one of the Three Lions' songs they sent in to play during the team's matches. After every win, England stands in front of their sea of fans, arm over arm, and belts out the lyrics to the best of their ability.
The reception has been a consistent shout of cheers once finished, and the act seems to be a fan-favorite even outside of England. At the time of writing, "Wonderwall" currently sits at the No. 1 position on Spotify's United Kingdom Top 50 chart.
Here's why The Three Lions sing Wonderwall after each win at the World Cup.
England's 2026 World Cup team sings "Wonderwall" with their fans after every win because it is one of their three songs the team submitted, according to USA TODAY.
Prior to the 2026 tournament, FIFA asked teams to submit potential playlists for warmups, goals, and wins, a U.S. spokesperson told the site. England sent in "Wonderwall," along with "Sweet Caroline" as two of their songs.
It seems like almost everyone on the England side of the pitch seems to be in favor of the recent Oasis song's emergence as a team song. English captain Harry Kane said the moment was one of his all-time favorites in a Three Lions kit.
"One of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt" ❤️
Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford on that powerful post-match emotional moment and their deep connection with the fans.#LionsDen connected by @EE 🦁 pic.twitter.com/2y2NkKPD3z
"That was one of my favorite moments ever in an England shirt," Kane said. "I know it's just the first game and we're not getting carried away but that emotional connection with the fans. We see how much it means to them and they see how much it means to us."
"Wonderwall belongs to the people, and it was a magical moment between the people and the players," said Oasis band member Noel Gallagher to The Sun, per the BBC.
Noel's brother and fellow band member Liam Gallagher came out in full support for England ahead of the team's 2026 quarterfinal match against Norway. Here's what Gallagher said after the win sent The Three Lions to the semifinals:
The band's current five members are Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell.
Here are Oasis' top five most listened-to songs on Spotify, per Kworb:
Rank
Song
Spotify plays (as of July 14, 2026)
1.
Wonderwall - Remastered
2,882,133,702
2.
Don't Look Back in Anger - Remastered
1,402,691,453
3.
Champagne Supernova - Remastered
639,933,226
4.
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
615,293,097
5.
Live Forever
447,623,827
Wonderwall lyrics
Today is gonna be the day That they're gonna throw it back to you By now, you should've somehow Realised what you gotta do I don't believe that anybody Feels the way I do about you now
Backbeat, the word is on the street That the fire in your heart is out I'm sure you've heard it all before But you never really had a doubt I don't believe that anybody Feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding And all the lights that lead us there are blinding There are many things that I would like to say to you But I don't know how
Because maybe You're gonna be the one that saves me And after all You're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day But they'll never throw it back to you By now, you should've somehow Realised what you're not to do I don't believe that anybody Feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads that lead you there were winding And all the lights that light the way are blinding There are many things that I would like to say to you But I don't know how
I said maybe You're gonna be the one that saves me And after all You're my wonderwall I said maybe (I said maybe) You're gonna be the one that saves me And after all You're my wonderwall
I said maybe (I said maybe) You're gonna be the one that saves me (That saves me) You're gonna be the one that saves me (That saves me) You're gonna be the one that saves me (That saves me)
Argentina stands two wins away from history, but they'll face an England team looking to bring the World Cup home for the first time in 60 years.
If Argentina wins in this semifinal match, they and Lionel Messi will be the first repeat World Cup champions since Brazil won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962. England, meanwhile, is chasing something it hasn't touched since they won the World Cup in 1966 — a spot in the final.
Argentina survived a scare against Switzerland, needing extra time before goals from Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez sealed the win. England needed a similarly dramatic finish against Norway, with Jude Bellingham's brace — including a 93rd-minute winner — proving decisive.
Bellingham's heroics put him in the Golden Boot race with six goals, tied with countryman Harry Kane for fourth, but he'll now face the tournament's co-leader in Messi, who sits tied for first with eight goals.
History actually favors England in this matchup, at least on paper: The Three Lions hold a 3-1-1 edge over Argentina in World Cup play and a 6-5-2 advantage in all-time friendlies, though it's been over two decades since England last beat them.
Here's everything you need to know to watch the England vs. Argentina World Cup semifinal match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Many sports teams and players have various superstitions they take part in to mentally have a better chance at finding success. For Argentina facing England at the World Cup, that means wearing their navy blue kit instead of their iconic sky blue and white striped uniform.
In the past, La Albiceleste has played against England twice in the World Cup tournament while wearing their navy blue uniforms. The result, amid chaos on the route, was victory both times at the 1986 and 1998 World Cups.
Argentina appears to be doing everything in its power to ensure they have the best chance at defending its 2022 World Cup title. England will be looking to both end their streak of losing to a navy-colored Argentina and win their first semifinal match since 1966.
Here's the rundown on Argentina's history of wearing navy blue kits against England at the World Cup.
Why Argentina is wearing blue jerseys against England
Argentina opted to wear their navy blue kits for England ahead of their semifinal clash on Wednesday. According to the BBC, many media outlets have reported that Argentina has opted to wear these blue jerseys against England due to past success.
During their World Cup history, Argentina wore their navy blue uniforms against England twice and won both of their matches. La Albiceleste lost their next game against The Three Lions at the 2002 World Cup when wearing their classic sky blue and white striped kit.
Here's a closer look at the history behind Argentina's decision to wear a dark blue kit.
According to the BBC, Argentina is 2-0 against England in World Cup matches when they wear their navy blue kits. Both of La Albiceleste's wins against The Three Lions were significant matches during the tournament.
Date
Result
June 22, 1986
Argentina 2, England 1
June 30, 1998
Argentina 2, England 2 (4-3 PKs)
1986 World Cup Quarterfinal
Argentina first wore their navy uniforms against England ahead of their famous 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match. The game remained scoreless through the first half at Edson Passos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In the second half, however, chaos ensued. In the 52nd minute, Argentinian star Diego Maradona used his hand to punch a goal into the net. Despite numerous protests from the English side, who had seen how the Argentine had scored, Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser allowed the goal for La Albiceleste.
Here is a look at Maradona's "Hand of God" goal to put the Argentinians ahead:
Maradona would score a second goal just three short minutes later, and Argentina looked well on their way to the semifinal. Gary Lineker was able to score for England in the 81st minute, but it was too little too late, and a handball that was luckily never seen pushed Argentina onward to eventually win the 1986 World Cup.
1998 World Cup Round of 16
Argentina vs. England's match at the 1998 World Cup also had its theatrics, but was perhaps even more chaotic. At Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in France, Argentinian Gabriel Bautista converted on a penalty after Diego Simeone was tripped by England goalkeeper David Seaman inside of the box.
Just four minutes later, Michael Owen was tripped inside of Argentina's box, which allowed Alan Shearer to score a penalty goal for England. Shortly after Shearer converted from the spot, Owen again ran through La Albiceleste's defense and scored a top-notch goal to put the English up 2-1 inside of the first 20 minutes. During stoppage time in the first half, Javier Zanetti scored off a free-kick assist that served as the match's final goal in regulation.
The game's main focal point came in the beginning of the second half. England's 23-year-old star David Beckham controversially earned a red card after appearing to trip Simeone around midfield. After an ensuing argument between Shearer, Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen, and multiple players from Team Argentina, Nielsen pulled into his pocket to pull out a red card.
The game extended through extra time and into a penalty shootout. La Albiceleste was able to down England 4-3 in that shootout and advance to the quarterfinal.
Here are the full highlights for the Round of 16 match:
There aren't many things that Lionel Messi has not done in his career, as the 38-year-old gets set to contest the semifinals of his sixth FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
And yet, he will check something new off his list as the Albiceleste square off against England in Atlanta on Wednesday: a new opponent.
The Three Lions are looking for revenge against Argentina for a pair of painful World Cup defeats, as elimination in both 1986 and 1998 left a permanent scar in the country's football history.
The Sporting News details Messi's history against not just England the national team, but also English clubs throughout his time at Barcelona and PSG.
Lionel Messi has never played against England before in his international career.
The only time Argentina faced England in Messi's entire career was on November 10, 2005, in an international friendly. Messi did not play in that game due to a red card suspension that carried over from his international debut, when he was sent off in the 65th minute against Hungary.
While there is no FIFA rule about red cards in friendlies carrying over a suspension into future matches, sometimes federations will honor these in subsequent friendlies as a gesture of good faith. Messi appeared in three World Cup qualifiers after his red card against Hungary, but Argentina then honored a one-match suspension in their next friendly, which came three months later.
Without a 17-year-old Messi, Argentina would have lost the match by a 3-2 score.
What did Lionel Messi say about England?
Lionel Messi has indicated he is anticipating a difficult match against a strong opponent when Argentina take on England in the World Cup semifinals.
"Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive," Messi told ESPN Argentina in the run-up to the match. "But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
"Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
"And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."
Lionel Messi history vs. English clubs
Lionel Messi has played 36 matches in the UEFA Champions League against English clubs. Of those matches, he has won 19 of them, losing nine and drawing eight.
The team Messi had the most success against is Manchester City, whom he defeated six times and drew two in his eight matches against. He also had great success against Arsenal, winning four of the six games they played while scoring a whopping nine goals in those matches.
Conversely, the club Messi struggled against the most was Chelsea, losing six of their 10 meetings while winning just two and drawing the other two.
England and Argentina renew a historic World Cup rivalry on Wednesday as they contest the second semifinal of the 2026 tournament.
The defending champions have not always looked convincing at these finals, but their irrepressible will to win, combined with Lionel Messi's otherworldly talents, has carried them to this stage.
England have also overcome adversity by sheer bloody-mindedness, while their own goal-scoring burden has been shouldered by two star performers: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
Two evenly matched teams enjoying — and, at times, enduring — very similar tournaments make this a difficult game to predict. So, we've gone for some local insight.
Mauro Mariani (Senior Editor): Kane and Bellingham.
Dom Farrell (Senior Content Producer): Bellingham and Kane.
Joe Wright (Senior Editor): It's coming home.
What is England's biggest strength?
AA: They have Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham playing at an incredible level, surrounded by a squad built to create scoring opportunities for both of them. They've also shown courage in big moments against Congo, Mexico and Norway.
RD: Having two players with a knack for scoring goals in Kane and Bellingham. Like Argentina, they've known how to win even when not playing well.
MM: England's biggest strength lies in Kane's clinical finishing and Bellingham's strong performances over the last two matches. The team would not still be in contention without the two of them.
5 - Jude Bellingham has scored more goals than any other midfielder at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (5 - 0 penalties).
Only Gary Lineker (6 in 1986) has ever netted more non-penalty goals in a major tournament for England (WC/Euro).
DF: After the muddle of Euro 2024, where England still showed plenty of fine qualities to scrap their way to the final, Tuchel has brought clarity. Wingers are not playmakers; they pin themselves wide and run beyond Kane. Bellingham is not the new Juan Roman Riquelme, roaming where he pleases; he leaves the grubby stuff to Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson and links with Kane to win games. Simple, but effective.
JW: Creating a system in which both Kane and Bellingham can thrive, not just one or the other. Having one world-class match-winner is important; having two is almost unfair.
What is England's biggest weakness?
AA: At various points in the World Cup, they've looked like a team lacking creativity, one that struggles to do something on the offensive side whenever Kane fails to get involved.
RD: Vulnerability in defense, especially behind the full-backs.
MM: Jordan Pickford. He is not a goalkeeper known for winning matches on his own, and the poor performances of the defence have not helped him, either.
Jordan Pickford has been voted as England's second best goalkeeper ever! 🏴
Pickford will become England's all-time World Cup appearance holder if he starts vs Norway 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zn4C4qHsFQ
DF: The fact that John Stones could still play more minutes at this tournament than he did in the Premier League this season shows that England are hardly blessed with lots of elite options in defence. Tuchel leaving behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Luke Saw and Lewis Hall has hardly helped matters.
JW: England's central midfield is, on paper, the best it's been for some years. And yet, they still struggle to dictate matches from the middle of the park, or use possession to seize control of momentum and alleviate pressure on the defence. Against the very best, it's a big, big problem.
What do fans feels about this England team?
AA: They are an eternal rival with a century-old football history that goes far beyond the 1982 war. There's that intense rivalry hatred that makes this match greater than any semifinal Argentina has played before, but there's also respect for players of the quality of Kane and Bellingham that reflects the difficulty and importance of this game.
RD: That they are not invincible. Not even close. And that any potential rifts within the group could be disastrous.
MM: England have yet to face an opponent of sufficient quality to prove they are genuine contenders to win the trophy. Tuchel has also come under scrutiny, and there have been signs of tension between the manager and parts of the squad.
DF: It's hard to say until we see how this week unfolds. The Southgate era was all about restoring a link between a national team and its fanbase that had been badly severed. The runs to tournament semifinals and finals were great, but there was also a sense at the best of times under Southgate that this was all about the journey. Tuchel, by contrast, was appointed as an elite coach to win a World Cup, he's even said as much. That's made the whole thing feel a little more transactional, but if they win two more games this week, they'll be eternal heroes.
JW: Tuchel's squad choices caused plenty of eyebrows to rocket up foreheads, but to this point, his choices have been vindicated: it's a group of players that are generally likeable and easy to root for, even though some of that star quality left at home would have been nice to have at times.
Argentina: Which England player would you have on your team?
AA: Kane is an incredible striker, the best English footballer I've ever seen, but for this Argentina team, I'd prefer the World Cup 2026 version of Bellingham. He would work brilliantly playing right behind Messi and Alvarez.
RD: Bellingham — a footballer who is the brains of the England midfield, precisely where Argentina are weak. Plus, he can score goals like a centre-forward.
MM: Considering the current state of Argentina's midfield, which features several big names but has produced underwhelming performances, Bellingham's presence would improve the team tremendously. It would be incredible to see him play alongside Messi.
AA: An incredible offensive power, backed by the genius of Lionel Messi, which has made this team the highest-scoring side in the World Cup even without dominating matches as much as other teams. Additionally, their winning mindset and experience in key matches.
RD: Aside from having Messi: the experience of defeat, and never wanting to relive that feeling.
MM: Messi's goal-scoring form. While many expected him to adopt more of a creative role, Messi has instead emerged as the team's main attacking force and is firmly in contention for the Golden Boot.
DF: The way the players and Scaloni have kept everything rolling since Qatar, which should have been the end of a journey, with Messi finally a world champion. But they've kept this sense of ongoing quest, winning another Copa and now going deep at this World Cup. When you see the supporters in an emotional frenzy at matches, it doesn't feel like they got the job done four years ago. Winning here with Messi, for Messi, remains the most important thing in the world. England aren't just playing a fine football team; they're facing down an awesome emotional force.
JW: The way Scaloni has built a team both to bring the best out of an older Messi and mitigate for his weaknesses is one of the great achievements in international football this century.
What is Argentina's biggest weakness?
AA: In defense, they don't seem to be at the same level as other elite teams: they suffer from having to compensate for the presence of a 39-year-old Messi and from midfielders who aren't at 100% physically, on top of being vulnerable down the right flank.
RD: The midfield and fullbacks have posed the biggest questions at this World Cup. The key element in Qatar 2022 — the De Paul-Enzo-Mac Allister trio — has not been able to exert any influence in possession so far.
MM: An overreliance on Messi. Every attacking move seems required to go through him at least once. The midfield has also failed to perform as expected, looking slow and predictable.
DF: There's a giant Angel Di Maria-shaped hole in this team and a hard-working midfield badly misses his craft. During the comeback against Egypt, Messi seemed to drop into Di Maria's old position on the right and fill the void himself, because he's a genius. But he can't do that the whole game. He's got enough on his plate.
JW: Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are fine players, but you always sense there's a mistake waiting to happen there: a rash challenge, or an ill-timed run forward. Egypt punished their positional indiscipline, and a better side could do more damage without allowing the game to slip.
What do fans feel about this Argentina team?
AA: Lot of love and pride. It's already a historic national team that brought Argentina back to its winning ways and gave the country some of its happiest days in modern history, with millions of people celebrating on the streets.
MM: Despite not having an easy path through the World Cup, Argentina have not been particularly impressive. However, the numbers show that they reached the semifinals as the tournament's highest-scoring team, with 17 goals. Their attacking firepower remains intact, and they are an opponent nobody wants to face. Messi's aura makes anything possible.
RD: They'll never let you down. They'll fight to the end, even if the football isn't going their way.
DF: I appreciate I'm probably not speaking as your normal Englishman here, because I love everything about Argentinian football, including all the nonsense and s—housery. Honestly, no one does it better. It's why, at some point after 8 p.m. British Summer Time on Wednesday, most England fans will probably hate them. Not me, though. It's all love.
JW: There are plenty of recognisable names to English fans, not least the five regular starters who play in the Premier League. There is a healthy respect for the team's pedigree, but not, I would say, a huge amount of fear.
England: Which Argentina player would you have on your team?
DF: I've tried to be clever and would definitely consider Leandro Paredes or Enzo Fernandez, given that technically proficient midfielders have tended to be the death of England at this stage of tournaments. But it's obviously Messi, isn't it?
JW: It's too obvious to pick him, so I'm going for Alvarez. He occupies defenders so well in the final third, and if you need someone to find the top corner from 30 yards against a stubborn defence, he's as good as anyone.
Predictions
Who will be player of the match?
AA: Alvarez. His level has improved over the last few games, he looks in better physical shape, and he regained confidence with his spectacular goal against Switzerland. With his speed and talent, he can be decisive playing alongside Messi.
RD: I'll go with the obvious one: Messi. I think he'll be motivated by it being his first time facing England and all the emotional weight of being compared to Diego Maradona.
MM: Messi will be MVP. In his first-ever match against England, he will channel the spirit of Diego Armando Maradona and score twice, recreating the historic feat from Mexico 1986.
DF: Kane and Bellingham are primed to do their thing but, if England are to win this, it might have to be Elliot Anderson. The Manchester City-bound midfielder gives the sort of craft and guile to the engine room that Southgate's teams lacked. He always wants the ball, is always available and looks for the progressive option in possession whenever he can. If Anderson can dictate the play, England won't be in the familiar position of chasing the ball around en route to an exhausting defeat to an elite nation.
JW: I think the Kane-Bellingham tandem will cause real problems to Argentina's centre-backs. My money is on Bellingham to find the space and score the goals, so he'll get the award.
Who will be the most disappointing?
AA: Jordan Pickford. Much like Dibu Martinez, he's having an inconsistent tournament, which is typical of his career. He was good for England in their victory in Mexico, but his performance against Norway exposed the doubts again. Against a team with Argentina’s goal-scoring threat, things could get complicated for him.
RD: Kane. Against all the odds, he'll be well marked by Licha Martinez and Cuti Romero.
MM: Pickford will be the main villain in Atlanta. Not only will he be unable to stop Messi, but he will also display the same uncertainty that has troubled him throughout this World Cup.
DF: I'm worried about Pickford, a superb tournament performer for England and key to all of those memorable runs from 2018 onwards. But, aside from a fine showing against Mexico in the Azteca, the Everton goalkeeper has looked vulnerable and short of his best.
JW: Noni Madueke seems to have played his way out of the team, so I'll go with Bukayo Saka, who just doesn't look fully fit or sharp enough to cause that Argentina left side problems.
Score prediction
AA: England 1-2 Argentina.
RD: England 1-1 Argentina, Argentina win on penalties.
MM: England 1-2 Argentina.
DF: England 3-2 Argentina in an absolute madness of a game.
Before Lionel Messi took the world by storm, another Argentina player of short stature was a global sensation.
Diego Maradona won two World Cups representing Argentina, including the 1986 triumph remembered for his two iconic goals in the quarterfinals against England.
Unfortunately, Maradona's post-playing career was marred by personal struggles and health issues before his untimely death.
Here's what you need to know about Maradona's death.
Maradona died on Nov. 25, 2020 in Argentina. He was only 60 years old.
Maradona battled health issues in the months and years before his death, which came only 23 years after the end of his playing career and 10 years after a stint as Argentina's manager.
Maradona was hospitalized in early November 2020 for what was described as anemia, depression and dehydration, but he also underwent brain surgery after experiencing a subdural hematoma. Maradona was released about a week later but died in his sleep on Nov. 25 after suffering cardiac arrest.
After Maradona's death, he was found to have had fat and blood clots covering his heart, as well as liver and kidney damage. Maradona's death also prompted questions about whether he received improper care. An investigation found enough evidence to charge seven healthcare workers with simple homicide. The first trial resulted in a mistrial.
Maradona's international career ended after FIFA sent him home from the 1994 World Cup due to a failed drug test; Argentina suffered a Round of 16 exit without him.
Maradona continued playing at the club level on occasion through 1997, last playing for Boca Juniors in Argentina, but he had already dabbled in coaching by that point and officially moved on from his playing career in 1997 with the exception of occasional exhibition appearances.
Maradona became a full-time manager in 2008, starting with a two-year stint at the helm of Argentina.
2007: Maradona hospitalized, enters treatment center for alcohol abuse
In 2007, Maradona was hospitalized for the effects of alcoholism and hepatitis. The hospitalization came two years after Maradona was admitted to undergo gastric bypass surgery as he struggled with obesity. Maradona entered psychiatric treatment for alcohol abuse after his hospitalization and said after his release that he had quit both alcohol and drugs.
2014: Maradona accused of assaulting girlfriend
Maradona was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in 2014, after Rocio Oliva filmed the former soccer star shouting at her. Maradona admitted to knocking Oliva's phone out of her hand but denied ever hitting her and did not face criminal charges.
2018: Maradona acts erratically at World Cup
Maradona's appearances at the 2018 World Cup, where he cheered on Argentina, raised a few eyebrows due to his erratic behavior. Cameras spotted Maradona sleeping, dancing erratically and even flashing the middle finger at World Cup games; at one point, he was treated by paramedics.
Despite speculation that a white substance was present near Maradona, he blamed the incidents on drinking too much wine.
2020: Maradona dies at 60
After being hospitalized earlier in the month and undergoing emergency brain surgery, Maradona died in his sleep on Nov. 25, 2020. He was only 60 years old.
After his death, Maradona was found to have had kidney and liver damage, as well as fat and blood clots surrounding his heart.
After a great performance in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Pau Cubarsí commented on the criticism that Spain received before the competition.
The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup is Spain after a 2-0 victory over France. In this competition, they have been a solid team based on a great defensive system that has only conceded one goal, something Pau Cubarsí admitted was doubted.
Cubarsí said: “There may have been some doubts about whether our defense and goalkeeper were good enough, but I think we’ve silenced a lot of critics. We’ve only conceded one goal and we’re in the final. We’re doing an incredible job, and this is everyone’s work, both those who play and those on the bench.”
This was the only part of the team that was criticized before the tournament, with Unai Simón leading the defense of Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, who have all been fantastic and have only conceded against Belgium.
Cubarsí on being a young player
Being a player who represents Barcelona requires a lot of talent. However, it is not just about that because the mental aspect of the sport is crucial. Especially for a player in his position, experience plays a great role.
Cubarsí and Porro make a great pairing on the right for Spain (David Ramos/Getty Images)
All of this may not apply to the center back because he does not look like a 19-year-old player with the composure he displays in every match, something Cubarsí also commented on regarding his teammate.
Cubarsí said: “Maybe I am too young for everything I am experiencing, like Lamine (Yamal), but I want to tell people who perhaps have not taken that step yet and are 19 years old to wait that their opportunity will come. Soccer is something you have to enjoy, and if there is sacrifice, everything will turn out well. I encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams.”
Cubarsí thanked his family after the match
The calmness with which the team played against France was part of the victory that put them in the final. For Cubarsí, much of the credit should go to his family for helping him from the beginning.
Cubarsí said: “It’s a dream come true, and I’m very proud, both for myself and for my family, who have been with me every step of the way. Being in a World Cup final is something unique, and I owe all of this to them because they’ve helped me from the very beginning to get here.”
The game attendance is announced during the second half of a World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
Global superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo took the field inside Dallas Stadium. The venue was visited frequently throughout the last month as it hosted a World Cup-high nine matches. D-FW's turn to host World Cup matches ended Tuesday, when Spain defeated France 2-0 in a semifinal bout.
As the World Cup winds down, let's break down the number of fans who attended matches at Dallas Stadium:
Total number of spectators for World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium
Here's a look at the attendance numbers for each World Cup match at Dallas Stadium:
Group stage
Netherlands-Japan: 69,285
England-Croatia: 70,389
Argentina-Austria: 70,649
Japan-Sweden: 70,137
Jordan-Argentina: 70,649
Round of 32
Ivory Coast-Norway: 69,665
Australia-Egypt: 70,244
Round of 16
Portugal-Spain: 70,649
Semifinal
France-Spain: 70,176
How many times did the stadium reach its seating capacity?
The stadium had three matches where it reached its seating capacity (Argentina-Austria, Jordan-Argentina and Portugal-Spain). FIFA listed the capacity for Dallas Stadium at 70,649. That figure is lower than the listed capacity for Cowboys games. Why?
The other reason for the lower attendance figures than Cowboys games is the lack of "standing room only" tickets. AT&T Stadium's seated capacity is around 80,000, but it's able to exceed 100,000 with standing room only tickets.
Ismail Elfath has been appointed as the head referee for the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, a selection that bodes well for Lionel Messi, who holds a flawless career record under the American official.
Lionel Messi finds himself staring down history once again, standing just one victory away from leading Argentina to yet another World Cup final, with a powerhouse England squad serving as the ultimate hurdle in this 2026 semifinal. While pre-match storylines dominate the airwaves, the official tournament assignment of American referee Ismail Elfath has generated significant buzz given Messi’s immaculate personal track record with the official.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elfath immigrated to the United States and broke into Major League Soccer in 2012, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top referees before earning selection to his second consecutive World Cup. Wednesday’s highly anticipated showdown on July 15th will mark the first time Elfath has officiated a match featuring Messi on the international stage, though the two share plenty of history at the club level.
Since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, Elfath has drawn the whistle for four of the Herons’ fixtures. Remarkably, the Argentine superstar has walked away victorious in every single one of those matches, none more significant than the historic 2023 Leagues Cup final, where the Fort Lauderdale-based club outlasted Nashville SC in a marathon penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw (a match in which Messi scored during regulation and converted his opening spot-kick).
The other three matchups occurred during MLS regular-season play: a 3-1 victory over Nashville in 2024 (where Messi logged a goal and an assist), a 4-1 thrashing of the New England Revolution (where he tallied three assists), and most recently, a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City in the Florida Derby in March 2026, featuring a vintage Messi brace that included a stunning free kick. Across those four matches, the legendary forward racked up a staggering four goals and four assists.
Rodrigo de Paul #7 and Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami talk with referee Ismail Elfath.
While Wednesday’s blockbuster matchup will mark Elfath’s first time refereeing England national team, he is already familiar with Argentina. The American official was the man in the middle for a scoreless friendly between the Albiceleste and Colombia back in September 2018 at MetLife Stadium, though Messi did not feature in that match as he was resting from international duty under a mutual agreement with newly appointed head coach Lionel Scaloni.
A look at Elfath’s World Cup resume
Elfath famously served as the fourth official during the legendary 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, though he had already built an impressive tournament resume as the lead referee in Qatar. During that tournament, he took charge of high-profile group-stage matches involving Portugal vs. Ghana and Cameroon vs. Brazil, before officiating the tense Round of 16 encounter between Japan and Croatia.
During the current 2026 campaign, he has already officiated three high-stakes matchups, including group-stage fixtures between the Netherlands and Japan, and Uruguay and Spain, alongside the dramatic Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Norway. Tasked with managing what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged and historically fierce rivalries in world soccer, Elfath’s officiating performance will undoubtedly be placed under an intense microscope.
Referee Ismail Elfath and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
The loss to Spain ended the competition for France, with the match being commented by Patrick Vieira.
There was much expectation at the 2026 World Cup for France as they had won every match before the semifinal, but Spain were able to stop them with a 2-0 victory. Patrick Vieira criticized the team for how they played in the match.
Vieira said: “There were big expectations for France to win the World Cup. We are all really disappointed by the result, but mostly by the performance. We needed our top players to perform today and they didn’t do it. It wasn’t one or two, it was all of them collectively. It was really bad.”
The former midfielder played a key role in helping France win the World Cup for the first time in their history on home soil in 1998. While his comments were harsh, they also reflected his experience in the competition.
Vieira on Michael Olise
Even though Vieira was critical of France’s performance, he also acknowledged that Spain were the better team. Vieira said: “I said before that Spain needed to be at their best to beat France, and they did it.”
Olise did not play well (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Spain’s defensive display was one of the biggest reasons they reached the final, as they managed to neutralize France’s dangerous attack, with Michael Olise unable to make his usual impact.
Vieira said: “Olise was the main man. We needed him to get on the ball, but they stopped him playing. He didn’t get on the ball. Spain won the game in every aspect. France didn’t turn up at all.”
Vieira had faith in his team
The defeat was disappointing for France because many believed the team was on course to reach the final. Vieira himself had said on ITV before the match that he expected France to get there.
Vieira said: “I don’t see anybody really stopping the French team going to the final. I think France are not going to have any kind of issues playing against them because I think that France is a better team today than they were four years ago. But I don’t think Spain are a better team today than they were four years ago.”
France's defender #03 Lucas Digne fouls Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images) Getty
Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a dominant 2-0 victory over France at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before Pedro Porro sealed the result with a clinical finish after the break. Spain controlled possession, limited France’s attacking chances, and defended with discipline throughout the semifinal.
The Spain vs France player ratings today reflected Luis de la Fuente’s impressive team display, with several Spanish stars delivering outstanding performances. France, meanwhile, struggled to create clear opportunities despite Kylian Mbappé making his record-breaking 21st World Cup appearance. The latest Spain vs France player ratings update highlights the players who made the difference in a one-sided semifinal.
Spain vs France Player Ratings Today: Rodri and Cubarsí Lead Spain Into the Final
The Spain vs France player ratings today showed Pau Cubarsí and Rodri as Spain’s standout performers, with both earning 9/10 after controlling the match from defense and midfield.
Cubarsí delivered an outstanding defensive display, making key blocks and playing confidently under pressure. Rodri dictated the tempo throughout the game, breaking up France’s attacks and controlling possession from midfield.
Pedro Porro received 8/10 after recovering from a difficult start to score Spain’s second goal. Mikel Oyarzabal also earned 8/10 after calmly converting the first-half penalty and effectively linking Spain’s attacks.
Lamine Yamal received an 8/10 rating after winning a penalty and consistently troubling France’s defense. Dani Olmo matched Rodri and Cubarsí with a 9/10 rating after creating chances and providing the assist for Porro’s goal.
Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, and Fabián Ruiz all produced solid performances, while Álex Baena received 6/10 before making way in the second half. Substitutes Mikel Merino and Pedri helped Spain maintain control, while Ferran Torres missed a late chance.
France Struggles in Dallas
The Spain vs France player ratings reflected a difficult night for Didier Deschamps’ side. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan earned 6/10 after making several saves despite conceding twice.
Dayot Upamecano was France’s strongest defender, earning a 6/10 rating after producing an important block in the first half. Adrien Rabiot also received 6/10 after working hard in midfield before fading after the break.
Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Aurélien Tchouaméni, N’Golo Kanté, and Kylian Mbappé all finished with ratings between 5/10 and 6/10 after struggling to influence the match.
Lucas Digne and Ousmane Dembélé endured the toughest evenings, both receiving 4/10. Digne conceded the penalty after failing to stop Lamine Yamal, while Dembélé failed to create meaningful chances in attack.
Bradley Barcola started brightly but faded as Spain adjusted defensively. Substitutes Marcus Thuram, Antoine Griezmann, and Kingsley Coman were unable to change the outcome after entering the game.
Spain vs France Player Ratings Update After Full-Time
The final Spain vs France player ratings update underlined Spain’s complete performance in Dallas. Rodri, Pau Cubarsí, and Dani Olmo produced the highest-rated displays as Spain controlled the semifinal from start to finish.
Oyarzabal and Porro scored the goals that secured a 2-0 victory, while Spain’s defense limited France to very few clear chances throughout the match. France never found a consistent attacking rhythm despite Mbappé’s historic appearance.
The Spain vs France player ratings today showed the difference between the two teams on the night. Spain combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while France’s campaign ended with a disappointing semifinal defeat.
Liverpool-linked winger Michael Olise has received criticism for a particularly poor game for France against Spain in Tuesday night’s World Cup semi-final.
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The Bayern Munich star was not his usual self at all, and it proved hugely detrimental to France as they lost 2-0 to Spain and exited the competition.
Given the presence of world class attacking players like Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Rayan Cherki, this France side were seen as one of the big favourites for this year’s World Cup.
However, Olise really let them down tonight, with Get French Football News giving him just a 2/10 rating and slamming him for making some sloppy mistakes in possession.
Of course, France still have the third place play-off this weekend to think about, but their tournament is still essentially over, which might mean players switch their focus to potential transfers.
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Olise could be one to watch as TEAMtalk have linked him with Liverpool, while our colleague Christian Falk has written in his CF Bayern Insider column about the 24-year-old being unlikely to sign a new Bayern contract.
This could perhaps open the door for Liverpool, but it’s unlikely to be a deal that would come cheap.
Bayern are a huge club, so won’t want to sell a world class talent like Olise, even if he just had a pretty poor game for France.
An in-form Olise is one of the deadliest attacking players on the planet, and his playing style also makes him an ideal long-term Mohamed Salah replacement at Anfield.
World Cup fans have grown used to seeing Mikel Oyarzabal celebrate a goal for Spain. The forward has done so five times during the 2026 World Cup, and he has been an integral piece of La Roja's success.
The longtime Real Sociedad player has not played a plethora of high-stakes European soccer compared to his peers who play for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, but he has consistently risen to high levels for his country. However, Oyarzabal receives minimal props due to many players on his national team playing for bigger clubs that garner more global attention.
Despite this, Oyarzabal has just put his head down and continued his success for La Roja. Along with playing for Spain during their 2024 Euro-winning campaign, he's also led the country to only their second appearance in a World Cup final and first since they emerged victorious in 2010.
Here's the rundown on Oyarzabal, including his play on the international and club levels.
Oyarzabal is a 29-year-old forward who was born in Eibar, Spain. He first debuted for Spain's national team in 2016 and earned a solidified role for the team in 2019. On the club soccer level, he has been playing for Real Sociedad in club soccer since 2015.
Native to Spain, Oyarzabal has 27 career international goals along with 100 goals for Real Sociedad. He spent time playing for hometown club SD Eibar as a teenager before landing with Real Sociedad, which is also based in northern Spain. Besides his brief loan spell with Eibar to begin his career, he has famously remained at Sociedad throughout his career.
On July 14, against France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Oyarzabal passed Fernando Hierro for sixth on Spain's all-time leading scorers list with 30 goals.
🚨🇪🇸 MIKEL OYARZABAL IS HAVING A SENSATIONAL SEASON! 🤯❤️
Oyarzabal is having himself a phenomenal tournament. The Spanish player is perhaps one of the most underhyped players of the tournament, as he has quietly notched five goals to rank 7th across the World Cup field.
Here are some of Oyarzabal's best highlights from this summer's tournament:
In the 22nd minute of Spain's semifinal match against France, Lamine Yamal was tripped by Lucas Digne inside the French box. Referee Ivan Barton wasted no time before pointing towards the penalty spot. Here is the Spanish forward's flawless effort that went directly into the top right corner:
During Spain's second match of the World Cup, they needed to prove the doubters wrong after being held in a scoreless draw to Cape Verde, who was playing in their first World Cup match. Who else but Oyarzabal rose to the occasion to score not once, but twice against Saudi Arabia en route to a dominant 4-0 victory.
After the 2-0 defeat in the 2026 World Cup semifinal against Spain, Kylian Mbappe made an honest assesment on France's performance: "We didn't know how to hurt Spain."
Kylian Mbappe suffered one of the most painful defeats of his career on Tuesday, failing to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after Spain handed France a sobering 2-0 defeat at Dallas Stadium. Following the final whistle, the Les Bleus captain offered a blunt, honest assessment of the semifinal exit, admitting that “We didn’t know how to hurt Spain.”
Speaking to French outlet M6 in the mixed zone, Mbappe detailed his perspective on the tactical shortcomings that doomed their championship aspirations: “We didn’t play the game we wanted to play, whether tactically, technically, or in terms of the overall level we produced. When you don’t do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don’t win. Spain stuck to their plan, to what they are faithful to: a team that likes to control the ball, control the tempo.“
While acknowledging Spain’s mastery of their gameplan, Mbappe noted that France‘s primary struggles came down to a failure in execution. “The idea was to press them high so as not to let this false rhythm settle in, and we didn’t manage to do that. There were too many technical errors; we didn’t know how to hurt them when we needed to hurt them,” Mbappe added.
Mbappe also highlighted that, with Spain dictating the tempo of the game, France’s defensive pressure was never coordinated enough to disrupt the flow. “We always found ourselves in a three-against-two numerical disadvantage in midfield,” he added, pointing out that Spanish playmakers Fabian Ruiz and Rodri were afforded far too much time and space due to a “lack of communication on the pressing.“
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France competes for the ball against Lamine Yamal #19 and Pedro Porro #12 of Spain.
“We needed to go man-for-man, force them to run with us, because they are a team that doesn’t like to run without the ball. And even when we won the ball back, technically, the first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semifinal. When you put all of that together, it leads to a defeat,” he candidly stated.
Spain’s complete dominance of possession played a massive role in the outcome, effectively neutralizing Mbappe and keeping him far away from the clinical form that saw him enter the semifinals with eight goals in the tournament. In fact, as revealed by WhoScored, the French superstar was limited to just 15 touches in the first half, representing the lowest involvement of any outfield player on the pitch during the opening 45 minutes of the match.
‘It was a dream’ for Mbappe to reach another final
As unfamiliar as it may feel, Mbappe will miss out on the World Cup final for the first time in his international career, following his starring roles in the 2018 and 2022 showcases. While a semifinal run remains a highly commendable achievement on the global stage, returning to the tournament’s grandest fixture “was a dream” for the newly minted Real Madrid superstar.
When asked to describe his emotions, Mbappe opened up about the collective heartbreak felt inside the French locker room: “Like everyone, a lot of disappointment. It was a dream for us to reach the final, to give our country that chance to dream, to make history. There is a tremendous amount of disappointment; I can’t quite find the words for it. We’ll have to lift our heads up, go on holiday, and start again. Football waits for no one. Other things will be at stake at club and international level.“
With the dream of winning the 2026 World Cup with France, Ousmane Dembélé joined an undesired list.
There was another chapter added to the Ballon d’Or curse after the 2026 World Cup semifinals, as Spain beat France to ensure Ousmane Dembélé became the latest player to continue the trend.
The forward joined the list of current Ballon d’Or winners who failed to win the World Cup. Even after France’s strong performances throughout the tournament, they were unable to play at their best in the semifinal defeat.
With his World Cup dream ending earlier than expected, Dembélé has scored five goals in seven matches, including a hat trick against Norway. He will have one more opportunity to improve that tally in the third-place match.
France were handed a sobering 2-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, enduring a difficult night at Dallas Stadium. With the referee's performance emerging as one of the most debated aspects of the match, head coach Didier Deschamps did not shy away from the topic, while carefully choosing his words: "If I […]
France were handed a sobering 2-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, enduring a difficult night at Dallas Stadium. With the referee’s performance emerging as one of the most debated aspects of the match, head coach Didier Deschamps did not shy away from the topic, while carefully choosing his words: “If I say something, I’ll look like a sore loser.“
Speaking to beIN Sports after the game, Deschamps made his position clear while stopping just short of a direct accusation: “If I say something, I’ll look like a sore loser because we lost. But I ask you the question of whether the referee has the level required to officiate a semi-final. There is the penalty, but it’s not just that—that’s just on top of it all. I have nothing against tonight’s referee, but ask yourselves that question.“
The penalty that led to Spain‘s opening goal was Deschamps’ primary point of contention. While he accepted that Lucas Digne made contact with Lamine Yamal, the French camp’s argument centered on whether the 19-year-old had first touched the ball with his arm before the foul, a detail that went unreviewed by VAR.
Beyond the penalty, Deschamps made clear that Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton’s overall performance had left him unconvinced, even as he acknowledged that France had been outplayed on the night and gave Spain full credit for the victory.
Another look at the Lucas Digne challenge on Lamine Yamal that resulted in a Spain penalty pic.twitter.com/cfwNX5QFbo
Earlier in his post-match remarks to M6 and beIN Sports, the France coach offered a broader reflection on the elimination. “The players are devastated, but we have to be logical—we were second best on a technical level. It’s our own fault. But I am going to ask a question: does the referee have the level required to officiate a semi-final? I’m not going to answer that. There were quite a few situations,” he said.
Deschamps closed by directing his final words at Spain’s performance rather than the officiating. “But the primary reason is that we were second best, with several technical errors and passes that could have led to chances. This is the very highest level, even if it hurts. We are going to play the third-place play-off. I don’t want to throw away everything that has been achieved, but in this match, Spain showed something extra,” he concluded.
Deschamps to coach one more World Cup game
Deschamps’ legendary tenure as the head coach of the French national team is rapidly drawing to a close, with the semifinal defeat marking the official end of their 2026 World Cup championship run. While French icon Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be the next man to take the helm of the program, Deschamps will have one final match on the sidelines in the third-place playoff.
Despite being unable to replicate his historic championship run from Russia 2018 where the French were crowned kings of the world, Deschamps has officially become the coach with the most matches managed in World Cup history with 26. With the semifinal matchup against Spain, he officially surpassed the legendary record of German manager Helmut Schön, who held the previous benchmark of 25 games, and will add one more game with the clash for the third place.
Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France, and Luis de la Fuente had nothing but praise for his team.
Luis de la Fuente didn’t hold back after Spain‘s 2-0 win over France sent them into the 2026 World Cup final, delivering a bold assessment of his side’s level in the aftermath of Tuesday’s semifinal at Dallas Stadium.
“It’s hard to describe what you feel right now. The pride of managing a group of professionals like this one. We have one more step to go, and we’re going to try to get there,” de la Fuente said in his on-field interview after the game.
The Spain coach went on to reflect on the weight of the occasion and the philosophy that has carried his side through the tournament unbeaten. “There’s a lot of built-up tension right now, it’s a huge responsibility being in a World Cup final. We’ve stayed true to this idea, and it’s brought us here. I’m proud of that,” he continued.
De la Fuente saved his strongest words for his own players, framing the win over France as proof of just how far this Spain side has come. “We were facing one of the best national teams in the world, but they were up against the best team in the world. These players deserve everything. Their generosity, their talent. It’s a spectacle. Proud, happy,” the Spanish coach concluded.
Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty vs France. (Getty Images)
Pedro Porro’s night to remember
Pedro Porro was one of the standout performers in Spain’s win over France, doubling the lead with a well-taken second goal that put the match out of reach and sent his team to the final.
Porro’s goal came in the 58th minute, the product of a slick give-and-go with Dani Olmo through the middle of France’s defense. The 26-year-old defender played it in, received the return pass in stride, and beat Mike Maignan with a low finish to make it 2-0.
“It’s a dream come true. Very happy with the team’s attitude, from start to finish. We played a great match. This belongs to the team — congratulations to everyone, because we put on a huge performance,” the Tottenham defender said after the game.
Asked about his fitness for the final, Porro admitted the physical toll of the tournament is starting to show. “We’ll see (about being ready for the final). I’d say I’m exhausted right now. Now it’s about recovery,” he added.
Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro has scored for Spain to put them 2-0 up against France in tonight’s World Cup 2026 semi-final clash.
It was a lovely move and a superb finish by Porro, who fired past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan with all the quality and confidence of a centre-forward.
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However, watch the video clip below and you’ll see that Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne completely fell asleep to allow acres of space for Porro on that side…
INCREDIBLE ?
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country's lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
Spain last won this trophy back in 2010, which is also the only time they’ve ever won it in their history, but they’ll perhaps be the clear frontrunners now if they see this game through.
Knocking out this France team is some statement, with the Spain defence doing well to keep elite attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise quiet.
In fairness, one big issue for France was the William Saliba injury in the first half, with the Arsenal defender one of the very best in the world in his position, and one of his country’s most important players.
FS1 has seen one of its most successful months in recent memory on the back of World Cup viewership. The week of June 15 was the cable network’s most-watched in its history by total-day audience, averaging 885,000 viewers across its dayparts. But it appears as if that success did not rub off on the network’s new morning show, Wake Up Barstool.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, Wake Up Barstool averaged just 19,000 viewers on FS1 in the month of June, keeping in line with the show’s soft television ratings that began last September when it debuted. Get Up, the show that airs in the same hours on ESPN, averaged 426,000 viewers, a staggering 2,142% better than Wake Up Barstool, per SBJ.
The underwhelming viewership is particularly notable given FS1’s success throughout the rest of the month. Historically, major live sporting events, like World Cup matches, can have a halo effect on a network’s other programming, even lasting through the overnight hours and into the next day. No such momentum appeared to hold for the 8 a.m. ET episodes of Wake Up Barstool.
The show has failed to capture any sort of loyal audience on linear television since its debut at the beginning of last football season. In its first week on the air, Wake Up Barstoolaveraged 16,500 viewers on FS1. Of course, Wake Up Barstool is unique in the sense that it is also available in full on YouTube, where episodes generally earn between 5,000 and 20,000 additional views.
To be abundantly fair to the show, it did technically earn 2,500 more viewers on average in the month of June than it did in its inaugural week last September. But it’d be quite the stretch to call that improvement a success, especially considering the potential viewership windfall live World Cup matches could’ve provided.
France entered the World Cup semifinals as the favorite to lift the trophy, but hopes of a second title in three tournaments were dashed by Spain on Tuesday.
There is no doubt France is confident it can keep contending on the world stage for years to come, but it will have to do so under new leadership.
Manager Didier Deschamps isn't returning after this World Cup, ending a 14-year tenure that saw France reach three consecutive World Cup semifinals.
Here's what you need to know about Deschamps' exit and France's next manager.
ESPN reported in March that former France star Zinedine Zidane will be the national team's next manager after reaching a verbal agreement.
Zidane hasn't officially been announced as Deschamps' successor, but there is no indication the reported agreement between the two sides has hit any snags.
"The last detail to iron out before he can sign his contract is over his staff and how big his team can be," ESPN's Julien Laurens reported in March, confirming that the deal might not be done quiet yet.
The 53-year-old Zidane has long been considered the likely successor to Deschamps after spending part of his international career playing alongside Deschamps and winning the 1998 World Cup together.
Zidane is considered royalty in French soccer, having won three FIFA Player of the Year honors and the Ballon d'Or in 1998. Zidane scored 31 international goals for France over a 12-year run with the national team, including two goals in the 1998 World Cup final.
As a club player, Zidane spent time with Juventus and Real Madrid after starting his senior career with Cannes and Bordeaux. He scored 37 goals across 155 appearances with Real Madrid.
After his playing days, Zidane jumped into the world of managing. Here's a closer look at Zidane's coaching career.
Zidane became the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid's B team, in 2014, before taking over Real Madrid in the early days of 2016. Real Madrid won La Liga in 2017 and captured three consecutive Champions League titles under Zidane, but he resigned days after the 2018 Champions League final.
His time away didn't last long, as Real Madrid re-hired Zidane early in 2019 for another stint that lasted more than two years. Real Madrid won another La Liga title under Zidane but left the club in May of 2021.
Deschamps confirmed in early 2025 that he would step down from his post after the 2026 World Cup.
"In 2026 it will be over. In my head it's very clear. I've done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level but 2026 is very good," Deschamps told French network TF1.
"One has to be able to say stop, there's a life after this," Deschamps added. "The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years."
While he is only 57, Deschamps lasted longer than most European national team managers, spending 14 years as the French manager and reaching the World Cup semifinals three times with one title.
Didier Deschamps record as France manager
Record: 120-28-35
Deschamps finishes 120-29 with 35 draws across 183 matches as France's manager. He took the reins of Les Bleus in 2012 and coached France in four different World Cups.
Deschamps already made history as one of three men to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, as he captained France during its 1998 World Cup victory. His dream of becoming only the second manager to win the World Cup multiple times couldn't be realized, however.
Spain defeated France and secured a place in the 2026 World Cup final, where they'll look to claim the second title in their history.
The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup was decided at Dallas Stadium, after Spain claimed a strong 2-0 win over France to book their place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.
Spain broke the deadlock through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, taking his tournament tally to five goals, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half to put the result out of reach.
The win sends Luis de la Fuente’s men into their second World Cup final in history, with the chance to lift a second title of their own, following their triumph back in the 2010 edition in South Africa.
With that, Spain arrive at the final unbeaten, having conceded just one goal across the entire tournament, winning six matches and drawing only their group-stage opener against Cape Verde.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 14, 2026
Spain’s final opponent and venue
Spain will now wait on the winner of England and Argentina, who meet in the tournament’s second semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium.
The 2026 World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where Spain will look to add a second star to their crest.
For France, the loss brings an end to their bid for an unprecedented third straight World Cup final, a run that included the 2018 title and the heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Argentina in 2022.
Pedro Porro celebrates a goal for Spain vs France.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has gone off injured in the first half of tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain.
The Frenchman was unable to continue as he seemed to have a sudden problem with his back, and he’s been replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
It is not yet clear how serious this injury for Saliba will prove to be, but it’s perhaps not a great sign that he was taken off immediately despite suffering this problem when there wasn’t anyone around him.
Watch below for the moment Saliba simply had to stop playing as he fell to the ground…
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Saliba was a star performer for Arsenal as they won the Premier League title in 2025/26, and he’s been key for France at this World Cup as well.
It remains to be seen if this will now be his final moment at this tournament, with France 1-0 down to Spain at the time of writing, while one imagines there could be doubts over his fitness for the start of the new club season as well.
William Saliba’s injury concerns going into this World Cup
This is not the first time we’ve heard about Saliba having a back problem, as it was reported as being an issue for him ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old was reported as looking likely to miss the World Cup, as per ESPN, though in the end he was able to take part, at least until this evening’s flare-up.
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Meanwhile, L’Equipe also reported that Saliba may require surgery after the tournament, which could mean a delay to the start of the 2026/27 campaign with Arsenal.
After playing so much football for Arsenal as they won the title and reached two cup finals in the season just gone, it’s not too surprising that it’s all caught up with Saliba a little bit.
AFC supporters will just be hoping this doesn’t mean he’ll be out for a really lengthy period, or they’re surely going to find it very hard to replace him.
Having reached the final at each of the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments, France fell just short of the mark in 2026 as they were beaten in the semifinal by nemesis Spain by a 2-0 score.
It was complete and utter dominance from La Roja, as they used a midfield advantage to smother France out of the game and mitigate its talented four-headed attack. France were completely cut off at the head as a result, leading to a struggle for Kylian Mbappe and his teammates from the opening whistle to the final kick.
Spain went ahead early on a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal after Lamine Yamal was kicked in the leg by Lucas Digne, forcing the referee to point to the spot. The second goal came early in the second half as Pedro Porro continued his exceptional World Cup by finishing off a one-two with Dani Olmo.
Mbappe came into the match as the joint leader for the World Cup Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi, but his effect was minimized as he was locked down throughout the 90 minutes. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele did their best to fill the void but struggled in their own right, as France mustered just two total shots on target the whole game.
The Sporting News brings you a full list of live player ratings for the match, analyzing both teams' individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) Referee: Ivan Barton (HON)
France starting lineup:
4-2-3-1, right to left: 16. M. Maignan (GK) — 5. J. Kounda, 4. D. Upamecano, 17. W. Saliba (Lacroix, 30'), 3. L. Digne (T. Hernandez, 72') — 8. A. Tchouameni, 14. A. Rabiot (M. Kone, 46') — 7. O. Dembele, 11. M. Olise (R. Cherki, 72'), 12. B. Barcola (D. Doue, 57') — 10. K. Mbappe
Spain starting lineup:
4-2-3-1, right to left: 23. U. Simon (GK) — 12. P. Porro (M. Llorente, 83'), 22. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz (M. Merino, 77') — 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. D. Olmo (Pedri, 77'), 15. A. Baena (N. Williams, 83') — 21. M. Oyarzabal (F. Torres, 74')
France player ratings vs. Spain
All ratings are on a 10-point scale.
Starters
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignon — 6
Dove to the correct side on Mikel Oyarzabal's early penalty, but still couldn't reach it. His distribution for the most part was good, and he commanded his penalty area well.
Hard to blame Maignan for Pedro Porro's goal, but also could have been saved. Overall Maignan
Right-back: Jules Kounde — 7
Despite the lack of possessional dominance for France, Kounde was heavily involved in many of their movements, getting high up the pitch to help move the ball forward. Also did well keeping Marc Cucurella in check, forcing Spain to attack down the right for the most part.
Right center-back: Dayot Upamecano — 7
Excellent defending Spain's attacking possession through the first half, especially with a key block on a shot by Fabian Ruiz in the 38th minute which deflected the ball just wide at the last possible moment. Finished with six defensive contributions and 50-of-54 passing including 5-of-7 long balls. A strong performance overall from Upamecano, the defensive frailties were down to other players.
Left center-back: William Saliba — N/A
With only 10 touches through the first 30 minutes, Saliba's back completely gave out on the half-hour mark, and he was forced to come off.
Left-back: Lucas Digne — 4
Conceded a complete disaster of a penalty, as he let the ball bounce over his head on a switch to Lamine Yamal, and completely whiffed on his clearance, kicking the young Spain winger right in the quad instead. Struggled to deal with Lamine all first half.
It didn't get much better in the second half, and he was replaced with 18 minutes left.
Central midfielder: Aurelien Tchouameni — 7
A possessional machine for France to help them keep the ball as much as they could. Unable to control the midfield all on his own, as he was numerically overwhelmed, but managed to help France maintain possession as well as he could.
Tchouameni cropped up all over the field, making seven defensive contributions while also trying to usher the ball forward. For the difficult situation he was placed in, the Real Madrid star made the most of what he could.
Central midfielder: Adrien Rabiot — 5
Got his match started with a wayward forward pass out of play just a minute into the game, reminiscent of his spotty distribution this tournament. His defending was on point minutes later, however, when he bodied Lamine Yamal off the ball while riding the line of a foul well, not drawing the referee's whistle.
Gave away a foul just on top of the penalty area eight minutes in with a foul on Dani Olmo, booked for the challenge as he won the ball but followed through and stamped on Olmo's foot. Hooked at halftime to protect him from getting sent off.
Right winger: Ousmane Dembele — 4
For a former Ballon d'Or winner, this was an extremely poor performance. Fed on scraps early on with France playing on the counter. Wasted a free kick in the 31st minute as he fed it right to the goalkeeper. Struggled to make an impact in the first half overall, as he was caught offside a few times.
In the second half, his struggles continued as he wasted a 54th-minute move that had seemed to get Spain off-balance but came to an end when Dembele's vertical ball down the right was way too long for Jules Kounde. It should have been Dembele coming off late for Rayan Cherki instead of Olise.
Attacking midfielder: Michael Olise — 6
Worked very hard in transition trying to get Kylian Mbappe involved, but his early efforts in that regard were rebuffed by Spain. A lot of what Olise did in the first half didn't work, but you could see the wheels turning, and given more time you could see it being effective.
Against greater numbers in midfield, Olise did his best to haul France back into the game, but he was shockingly taken off with 18 minutes to go for Rayan Cherki, as Dechamps went for the like-for-like change instead of bring Cherki on for Ousmane Dembele who had an extremely poor game.
Left winger: Bradley Barcola — 6
A good start to the match as he won the game's first corner five minutes in as he gets on the end of a good France counter-attack. Only had 15 touches in the first half but they all came in dangerous areas as he was heavily involved in transitions. Didn't do much in the second half before being swapped out for Desire Doue.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe — 5
Ran a brilliant counter-attack one-on-three in the 16th minute to keep France involved when it appeared their transitional opportunity had evaporated before it began.
From there, however, it faded for Mbappe as he struggled to link up with teammates. Was stonewalled twice by Pau Cubarsi in dribbles at the top corner of the penalty area. Did not have a single shot in the first half.
Kylian Mbappé’s take-ons in the first half vs. Spain:
After halftime, the struggles continued. Despite the most touches in the penalty area of any player in the game, Mbappe had just two shots, one which was blocked at the top of the penalty area and one from a free-kick which he sailed over. When France needed magic from their superstar the most, he just didn't have it.
France substitutes vs. Spain
30th min — Maxence Lacroix: 5
Came on after a half-hour for an injured William Saliba. Had heavy involvement in possession once he entered, with 22 touches in just 15 minutes of play at the end of the first half.
After the break, it didn't end up mattering due to the eventual offside flag, but Lacroix defended Lamine Yamal brilliantly in transition as the young teenager seemed to be clear on goal, but was caught by the France substitute and marshaled to the end line where Mike Maignan could cover it.
Completely fell asleep on Spain's second goal, as Lacroix was caught ball watching instead of tracking Porro's run through the line into the penalty area. He could have been tracked by a midfielder, but Lacroix should have been more aware that the full-back was sprinting through his area.
46th min — Manu Kone: 5
Came on for the booked Adrien Rabiot at halftime. Should have tracked Pedro Porro's run through the France back line on Spain's second goal, but completely turned his back on the full-back and had no idea he was continuing his sprint.
Did his best in midfield to help shore things up for France, but the numerical disadvantage made it difficult.
56th min — Desire Doue: 7
Entered early in the second half for Bradley Barcola. Provided more danger than Barcola did, creating two chances and getting one of France's two shots on target himself. He probably should have started instead of Barcola — another error from Deschamps.
72nd min — Rayan Cherki: 6
Came on for Michael Olise hoping to will the team back into the game. Had the same uphill battle that Olise had trying to get through a crowded midfield. He should have come on alongside Olise, not in place of him.
72nd min — Theo Hernandez: 6
Entered for a struggling Lucas Digne hoping to keep Lamine Yamal from running amok. Did well to get up the pitch and chip in, but it was too little too late.
France coach vs. Spain
Didier Deschamps: 3
For such a decorated and brilliant manager, it's almost hard to believe how wrong Didier Deschamps got it today. Before the game, we speculated in our tactical preview that Deschamps may add an extra midfielder, sacrificing one of his four attackers up front, helping to mitigate Spain's midfield dominance.
Instead, Deschamps did nothing, and Spain took complete control of the match in the middle of the pitch. France were outnumbered 4v2 in midfield, as Spain dominated the match with three midfielders plus false nine Mikel Oyarzabal, who repeatedly tracked back into midfield to assist.
As the game went on, it became increasingly obvious that France needed help in midfield, but Deschamps repeatedly stuck with his failing tactics. At halftime, Deschamps replaced Adrien Rabiot, who was on a yellow card, instead of risking him in a situation that needed risks to be taken. Then, with 18 minutes to go, Deschamps again made a like-for-like change, taking off the bright Michael Olise to bring on Rayan Cherki instead of sacrificing a winger to give them more midfield help.
For all his success and silverware in charge of France, Deschamps' final match in charge was a complete and utter tactical disaster.
His distribution in the quarterfinal was poor, and he was wayward early in this one too, feeding his first long delivery right to a French player on the edge of the attacking third. Finished the first half 1-of-7 on long balls as he continued to give possession away every time he was forced to kick it deep.
He completely flubbed a set-piece situation in the Spain penalty area, not communicating with Mikel Oyarzabal on a clearance as he tried to catch it and had the ball headed out of his grasp by his teammate.
Made a truly stunning double intervention in the 81st minute as he came miles off his line to prevent Kylian Mbappe from getting clean through on the counter, and then tracked back to make a block as Desire Doue tried to put the ball into the open net.
Simon finished the match with three saves made, but none of them were particularly difficult. He also finished 6-of-23 with long balls, which is just not great.
Right-back: Pedro Porro — 9
Pedro Porro has had a fantastic World Cup, and that continued today. Didn't get nearly as high up the field as he did against Belgium, but still had a quality first half with good possessional control on the wing and three defensive contributions too, and winning both his aerial duels.
On the hour mark, Porro played a beautiful one-two with Dani Olmo, having the foresight to continue his run and receive the pass before finishing past Mike Maignan.
Was eventually brought off for fresh legs to see the game out defensively.
Right center-back: Pau Cubarsi — 8
Had a great start to the game getting back in transition to cover while France counter-attacked. Defending while tracking back in space is Cubarsi's biggest strength, which is why he has been such a consistent presence in Hansi Flick's high line at Barcelona, and it showed here as he was the perfect defender to keep Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe in check.
He only had half as many touches as his defensive partner Aymeric Laporte, but managed seven defensive contributions and cut off passing lanes all game, starring in the Spain high line.
Left center-back: Aymeric Laporte — 8
Made a fantastic early block in the eighth minute to prevent Michael Olise playing Kylian Mbappe in behind. Had the most touches of any player in the first half, and he was a monster defensively as well, logging a very strong first 45 minutes.
Finished the game with 86 touches, a game high, completing 70 passes while logging six defensive contributions. A fantastic performance on and off the ball.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella — 6
Was very active on the left, but didn't receive the ball as often as he would like as Spain were conservative in possession. Found himself harshly booked on the half-hour mark for shoving Michael Olise off the ball.
Cucurella wasn't as bright and impressive as he usually is, but against a very high-quality full-back like Jules Kounde, it's no surprise that Spain focused most attacking moves down the opposite wing.
Central midfielder: Rodri — 9
With Fabian Ruiz distributing possession forward, Rodri was free to focus on static possession and stopping French counter-attacks. It was an effective strategy, and held France in check.
By the end of the match, Rodri was everywhere. He logged 82 touches, made six defensive contributions including four tackles, and won 7-of-11 ground duels plus all four of his aerial duels. A masterful performance that helped mitigate Michael Olise's effect.
Central midfielder: Fabian Ruiz — 8
Ruiz was poor overall in the quarterfinal against Belgium, but started over Pedri again here and was better. He was central to Spain's midfield dominance, distributing the ball all over the field. This allowed Rodri to focus more on stopping France counter-attacks, which he did effectively as well.
By the time he was hauled off with 13 minutes to go, he had logged a very positive performance.
Right winger: Lamine Yamal — 7
Lamine had great foresight to make a challenge on the ball and win the early penalty on the kick from Lucas Digne. He collected just 18 touches in the first half, doing so without attempting a single take-on, but still caused lots of problems with his movement and combination.
He had the ball in the back of the net in the second half, but had the goal negated correctly by the offside flag.
Only won 2-of-9 ground duels which limited his effect on the match, but helped open up spaces for others like Pedro Porro to have a bigger effect in the penalty area.
Attacking midfielder: Dani Olmo — 8
A wonderful showing for Olmo who was the focal point of the Spain attack and provided danger all game. Combined beautifully with teammates in the attacking third over and over again, often receiving the ball with his back to goal as Mikel Oyarzabal dropped deep to help usher possession forward.
Olmo lost four of his first six ground duels in the game, but continued to test the France back line repeatedly. Nearly unlocked the French when he played in Lamine Yamal in the 38th minute that resulted in Fabian Ruiz's miss.
Great vision to see Pedro Porro continuing his run on the second Spain goal, standing tall amongst pressure from behind to complete the flick and pick up the assist
Center forward: Mikel Oyarzabal — 7
Took a fabulous penalty to open the scoring in the match. Kylian Mbappe pointed in the direction he was going, and Mike Maignan still couldn't get there. Dropped deep to receive the ball a ton, and barely had a sniff of any attacking possession but added to Spain's midfield superiority, a masterclass from Luis de la Fuente in using a false nine.
Not only are France 2v3 in midfield numerically, it's actually 2v4 because Oyarzabal is playing as a false nine and dropping deep to receive possession.
Look at his heat map from the first 45 minutes...he's basically an extra midfielder. pic.twitter.com/clXqWwZwrz
Wasn't very involved in the match, as most of the Spain attack went down the right side and Marc Cucurella was the attacking focal point on the left wing, but did enough to provide possessional strength out wide and took two blocked shots.
Spain substitutes vs. France
74th min — Ferran Torres: 5
Came on for the final 16 minutes for goal scorer Mikel Oyarzabal. Had his trademark glaring miss as he put a header from eight yards wide four minutes after coming on.
77th min — Mikel Merino: 7
Entered off the bench for the third straight game. Didn't make any runs forward with Spain needing to defend late, but had 15 touches while completing 9-of-10 passes and logging two defensive contributions.
77th min — Pedri: 7
Came on to replace Fabian Ruiz for the final 13 minutes of the game. Had a good impact in the middle of the pitch as the game became somewhat disjointed with France in panic mode.
83rd min — Marcos Llorente: 7
Entered for goal scorer Pedro Porro to help see out the end of the match defensively. Safe in possession and helpful defensively.
83rd min — Nico Williams: N/A
Came on for seven minutes plus added time to try and regain fitness ahead of the final.
Spain coach vs. France
Luis de la Fuente: 8
Luis de la Fuente may not have expected France to play into his hand this much, but he still had a brilliant game plan even if Didier Deschamps had added an extra midfielder like he should have.
Mikel Oyarzabal has been playing as a false nine all tournament long, but he did even more midfield work today than usual, dropping deep to help maintain Spain's possessional advantage. Of course, this sacrifices the head of the attack, but de la Fuente encouraged other role players to make runs forward and play off Dani Olmo, with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro, Lamine Yamal, and Fabian Ruiz all making dedicated advances into the penalty area at various times.
There's a reason de la Fuente has never lost a match as Spain manager, and it's because of games like this.
FS1 earned a rare month-long victory over ESPN in primetime viewership during the month of June thanks to the strength of this year’s World Cup audience.
Fox Sports 1 averaged 1.31 million viewers in primetime throughout the month of June, good for the second most-watched cable network of the month behind only sister channel Fox News which averaged 2.26 million viewers in primetime. ESPN finished in third place, averaging 1.08 million viewers for the month in primetime.
Top Cable Channels for the month of June. Live+SD, Primetime. Viewers P2+.
1. FOX News Channel: 2.26M
2. Fox Sports 1: 1.31M
3. ESPN: 1.078M
4. MSNOW: 1.015M
5. Home and Garden TV: 703K
6. CNN: 610K
7. TBS: 537K
8. Hallmark Channel: 516K
9. USA Network: 500K
10. History: 491K
In total, FS1 aired 32 World Cup matches in the month of June, though not all of those matches aired in primetime. Of those 32 matches, just 15 overlapped with the primetime hours, generally measured as between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Several also aired simultaneously to matches on Fox during the final day of group play, with FS1 typically getting the less desirable matchup.
Nevertheless, all FS1’s World Cup programming seemed to lift most of the network’s other programming. Per Sports Business Journal, the week of June 15 was the most-watched week in FS1 history by total-day audience. The network averaged 885,000 viewers for the week, 90% better than ESPN’s total-day audience in the same week. As a company, Fox swept the three major ratings categories — broadcast, cable, and news — for both the week of June 15 and June 22.
A World Cup is one of the rare sporting events that commands both a high level of interest and has the volume of inventory to genuinely lift a cable network like FS1 despite the secular decline of the medium over many years. While streamers and tech companies seem to be the favorites to land the tournament come 2030, there’s still clear value to be derived from legacy broadcasters airing the World Cup. Whether that value can justify the expected doubling or tripling of media rights fees for the next tournament, however, remains to be seen.
In the 20th minute, Spanish star Lamine Yamal snuck behind Lucas Digne, who, in an attempt to kick the ball, made square contact with the young phenom. The result: a penalty for Spain, which was converted by Mikel Oyarzabal.
While many fans expected Lamine Yamal to take the penalty after earning the opportunity for his team, it was the Spanish striker Oyarzabal who added to his Golden Boot tally instead.
There are multiple factors as to why Spain may have decided to have the striker attempt the penalty kick over the 19-year-old.
Here's why Oyarzabal, not Lamine Yamal, took Spain's opening penalty kick against France.
In the 22nd minute of Spain's semifinal match against France, Lamine Yamal was tripped by Lucas Digne inside the French box. Referee Ivan Barton wasted no time before pointing towards the penalty spot, and many viewers believed this was Lamine's moment to score for La Roja.
It was Oyarzabal, Spain's leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup, who stepped up behind the ball to take the shot after a lengthy delay. Here is the Spanish forward's flawless effort that went directly into the top right corner:
Why Mikel Oyarzabal, not Lamine Yamal, took Spain's penalty kick
There are multiple reasons as to why Spain may have opted for Oyarzabal to take the penalty kick instead of Lamine Yamal. First, the striker has been La Roja's leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup. Prior to his shot from the spot, Oyarzabal was up to four goals.
While Lamine Yamal has been one of the sport's bright spots at his young age, this is the 19-year-old's first World Cup. Nerves may be at an all-time high for the prodigy, so Spain may have opted for the more surefire scorer to convert from the spot.
Oyarzabal has also been one of Spain's most consistent penalty takers. According to Transfermarkt, he has taken 59 penalties and converted on 53 of them (89%).
Mikel Oyarzabal penalty history
Both Spain and Oyarzabal's club team, Real Sociedad, have called on the striker to score from the penalty spot frequently. The Spanish forward has had 59 chances from the spot in open play, and he's scored on 53 of those attempts.
Kylian Mbappe and France are facing off against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Tuesday afternoon in Dallas, and the world is watching to see who will punch their ticket to Sunday’s final.
One person who has more rooting interest than most is Ester Exposito, who is the girlfriend of Mbappe. Exposito, a Spanish actress, also has some conflicting interests for the semifinal match.
Last month, Exposito was interviewed at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival and was asked whether Spain or France would win the World Cup. Choosing to be a politician in the moment, Exposito gave a joking answer. Now, one month later, the two are facing off in the Knockout Rounds.
Considering the magnitude of the World Cup, you would have to imagine Exposito is rooting for her home country to win it all. But publicly, she’s doing her best to make sure that nothing spoils life at home.
Mbappe and Exposito were first linked in early 2026 when he was playing for Real Madrid. The couple was spotted together in Paris and Madrid, before being spotted on ritzy vacations.
The couple has not publicly commented on their relationship and play their cards close to their chests, but the European tabloids are quick to report on the A-list couple whenever they are out and about.
We’ll have to see if Exposito breaks her social media silence on their relationship if Mbappe and France can win it all.
Facing Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, France star defender William Saliba had to exit the game.
France and Spain are battling for a place in the 2026 World Cup final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, but Les Bleus suffered an early setback when William Saliba was forced off the field under concerning circumstances.
In the 28th minute, with France chasing the ball in midfield and under no immediate pressure, Saliba went down and signaled to the bench to be replaced. The nature and severity of the injury have not yet been confirmed, but the sight of one of France’s key defenders leaving the field so early in a semifinal immediately raised alarm.
Didier Deschamps turned to Maxence Lacroix as Saliba’s replacement, slotting the Crystal Palace defender alongside Dayot Upamecano in the center of the backline. Lacroix’s only previous minutes in the World Cup came in the final group stage match against Norway, with the defender serving as an unused substitute in every other game.
According to RMC Sport‘s Fabrice Hawkins, Saliba’s exit may not have come as a complete surprise to those inside the France camp. Hawkins reported that the Arsenal defender “has been gritting his teeth since the start of the World Cup” while continuing to perform at a high level despite the discomfort. The only match in which he did not feature was the final group stage game against Norway, having completed the full 90 minutes in every other appearance until being forced off against Spain.
William Saliba #17 of France walks off the pitch with medical staff after sustaining an injury.
Saliba and his ongoing back pain
While France have yet to release an official injury report, it is known that Saliba has been managing a back problem that predates the tournament. The first signs emerged during the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG, where the defender was spotted receiving treatment from Arsenal’s medical staff during extra time.
With Arsenal competing for both the Champions League and the Premier League title in the final weeks of the club season, Saliba was determined to remain available for the run-in. Arsenal’s medical staff put a managed protocol in place to allow him to feature in those final matches, but the underlying issue has clearly persisted, and it has now caught up with him at the worst possible moment.
France and Spain face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, both looking to become the tournament's first finalist.
France and Spain clash in what promises to be a great match at Dallas Stadium, with the winner becoming the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.
France head into this match ranked 1st in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,948.97 points, having jumped two spots over the course of the tournament after putting together a strong campaign so far.
Didier Deschamps‘ men have been unbeaten across all six of their matches so far, topping their group before edging past Sweden in the Round of 32 and beating Paraguay in the Round of 16. They then dispatched Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals behind goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to book their spot in the last four.
Standing in their way is a Spain side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,934.79 points. Luis de la Fuente’s men needed to grind through the knockout rounds, beating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 before edging Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals on Mikel Merino’s late winner.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates a goal. (Getty Images)
France looking for a third straight final
Beyond the ranking gap, France arrive at this semifinal chasing a piece of modern history. A win over Spain would send them to a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat no nation has managed since Brazil made three straight finals from 1994 to 2002.
The first of those two previous finals ended in triumph. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, France beat Croatia 4-2 to lift the trophy for a second time in their history.
Four years later, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, France came agonizingly close to going back-to-back, drawing 3-3 with Argentina after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick forced extra time, only to lose 4-2 on penalties in one of the greatest finals in tournament history.
The Trionda will have a change of design starting from the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
The 2026 World Cup is down to its final four, with France vs Spain and England vs Argentina set as the semifinal matchups for a place in the final at MetLife Stadium. Alongside the shift in stakes, the tournament’s official match ball is also getting a new look for the final stages of the competition.
The Trionda’s familiar blue, red, and green color scheme is being replaced by gold and black detailing. The change is a deliberate FIFA decision, in keeping with a tradition the governing body has maintained across recent World Cup editions.
The updated ball, officially called the Trionda Final, will be used from the semifinals onward. That means four appearances in total: the France-Spain semifinal, the England-Argentina semifinal, the third-place playoff, and the final on Sunday, July 19th.
FIFA marked the unveiling with an official statement: “A premium gold finish references the World Cup trophy, set against a black base to elevate the ball’s look and feel, creating a bold and refined visual identity for the final stages of the competition.“
FIFA and the tradition of changing the ball for the final stages
The original Trionda design was built to represent the three host nations, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States each reflected in the color palette. With all remaining games taking place on U.S. soil, the ball’s transformation also marks that symbolic handoff to the final chapter of the tournament.
The tradition of introducing a gold-themed ball for the final stages dates back to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Teamgeist received gold detailing to evoke the iconic trophy. The same approach was applied to the Jabulani in South Africa 2010, the Brazuca in Brazil 2014, and the Al Rihla in Qatar 2022, which was replaced by the Al Hilm starting from the semifinals, mirroring the same threshold as this year.
The one deviation from that pattern came at Russia 2018, when the Telstar 18 gave way to the red-colored Telstar Mechta, though that change was introduced at the start of the knockout rounds rather than the semifinals.
Set to face France in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Spain has recently suffered a drop in the FIFA Rankings.
Spain has reestablished itself as one of the clear favorites at the 2026 World Cup, now standing two wins away from a second world title following the 2010 triumph in South Africa. With France standing between them and a place in the final, a victory would also send La Roja to the top of the FIFA Rankings.
In the most recent official update, Spain sits third with 1,934.79 points. They entered the tournament in second with 1,874.71 points, meaning that despite accumulating more points during the competition, France’s stronger results pushed La Roja down one spot in the standings.
With France currently occupying first place, a win over Les Bleus in the semifinal would give Spain a significant rankings boost and reclaim the top spot in world soccer.
It would not be the first time they have sat there. Fueled by back-to-back European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup triumph, Spain dominated the number one position in the FIFA Rankings for much of the period between 2008 and 2014, before a group-stage exit in Brazil brought that era to an end. They returned to the summit most recently between September 2025 and January 2026, and are now within reach of doing so again.
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring his first World Cup goal.
Spain have not been outside the FIFA top 10 since September 2017, when they slipped to 11th. Their all-time low sits at 25th, but that feels like a distant memory for a program that has been one of the sport’s most consistently dominant forces in recent years, with Lamine Yamal now ensuring the next generation of Spanish soccer looks just as bright.
Spain’s recent dominance over France a positive omen
Despite France holding the higher ranking, it is Spain who have had the upper hand in the most important recent meetings between the two nations. Back-to-back victories in the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal have given Yamal’s side significant momentum heading into yet another knockout stage collision, this time on the biggest stage of all.
Spain face France in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, and Mikel Merino will once again begin the match on the bench.
France clash with Spain and Mikel Merino will not be on his team’s starting eleven in today’s 2026 World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium, despite arriving at this stage of the tournament as arguably one of the country’s most in-form players.
Manager Luis de la Fuente is keeping the same setup that has carried Spain through the knockout rounds: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena feeding Mikel Oyarzabal up front. There’s no space in that XI for Merino, who will once again start the match among the substitutes.
It isn’t a form issue, and it isn’t fitness-related, either — it’s a matter of not wanting to break a winning formula. De la Fuente has leaned on the same core group for most of the tournament, reserving Merino for a specific job late in games rather than folding him into the starting shape.
In midfield, the manager opted to stick with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, just as he did against Belgium, while Pedri began among the substitutes and came on in the second half as a replacement for Rodri.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Belgium. (Getty Images)
Spain’s most dangerous man off the bench
That job has paid off twice in as many knockout rounds. Merino came off the bench in the Round of 16 against Portugal and needed only a handful of minutes to win a free-kick that sparked Spain’s winning move, before finishing it himself in stoppage time to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s side 1-0.
He repeated the trick in the quarterfinals against Belgium, entering as a substitute and scoring the 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory that punched Spain’s ticket to the semifinals.
With two of Spain’s last two knockout goals both belonging to Merino, de la Fuente has every reason to keep saving him for the same role against France — even if it means the Arsenal midfielder starts yet another must-win match on the bench.
Declan Rice is looking better after a recent battle with a sickness bug that left him bed-ridden for three days, according to Sky Sports.
Watch below for a video update from England’s training base earlier today as Rice could be seen taking part in a session ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.
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France take on Spain in today’s first semi-final, and by tomorrow night we’ll know whether or not it’s England joining one of those two in this year’s World Cup final.
Luckily for England manager Thomas Tuchel, it now looks like he should have Arsenal midfielder Rice fit and available and in good condition to take on Argentina…
England are training for the final time before their World Cup semi-final with Argentina ???????
Declan Rice is with the squad, who looks to have fully recovered from illness ? pic.twitter.com/MeaoKiOnnz
The report explains that everyone is in England training now, apart from Jordan Henderson, who injured his arm in that freak incident celebrating the Three Lions’ victory over Mexico.
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Can England beat World Cup holders Argentina?
England face old rivals Argentina tomorrow and it’s sure to be their toughest test of the World Cup so far.
Tuchel’s side have shown remarkable character and resilience at times in this year’s competition, but they’ll really need to up their game once again if they are to get past Lionel Messi and co.
Argentina are the reigning world champions and will no doubt be desperate to win the trophy again for what seems highly likely to be Messi’s last ever World Cup.
If England can get past Lionel Scaloni’s side, it’s a huge statement that they can go all the way and win this competition for the first time since 1966.
U.S. star Folarin Balogun admitted Tuesday that the controversy surrounding his World Cup red card caused “outside noise” that made it “difficult” to focus ahead of his team’s exit from the tournament.
The forward was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, leaving the U.S. men’s national team without its leading goal scorer for the round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Against the backdrop of claims the Monaco striker was unfairly dismissed, FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted the suspension.
But the furor ballooned when it emerged President Donald Trump called FIFA head Gianni Infantino to make the case that Balogun should not have been forced to sit out.
Infantino insisted Trump’s intervention did not influence the reversal.
In the event, the U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium, exiting the World Cup with a disappointing performance.
Appearing on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday, Balogun was asked about the controversy.
“My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that is so unique,” he said.
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Spain beat France with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro to reach the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory.
A huge match was expected in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, and France and Spain delivered as they battled for a place in the final, with Spain finishing with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
The first half had few goal-scoring chances, but Spain took the lead through a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne while trying to reach the ball. Oyarzabal stepped up and fired a powerful shot to the left side of Mike Maignan, who went the right way but could not stop it.
Spain’s superior ball control became even more evident in the second half, with France unable to react. After a great combination between Porro and Dani Olmo, Porro went one-on-one against the goalkeeper and finished with precision to secure the victory.
Despite dealing with numerous injuries throughout the 2026 World Cup, England have managed to reach the semifinals, where they will face Argentina. Ahead of the match, Thomas Tuchel has received a major boost, as Declan Rice is reportedly available to play.
England have been one of the teams most affected by injuries throughout the 2026 World Cup. Despite losing several stars for parts of the tournament, they have managed to maintain a high level of competitiveness, defeating Norway to reach the semifinals. Although Declan Riceappeared to be a doubt for the match against Argentina, he is reportedly expected to be available, providing a major boost for Thomas Tuchel‘s team.
Declan Rice had been dealing with stomach issues that left him significantly limited in recent days. He was forced to stay almost three days in bed before facing Norway, head coach Thomas Tuchel reported. Despite this, the Three Lions have received a positive update, as the 27-year-old star is now fully fit and available to start against Argentina, according to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter.
Being a cornerstone of Tuchel’s system, he is expected to start again alongside Elliot Anderson. With this duo in midfield, England may look to dominate Argentina by controlling the midfield battle and imposing their own rhythm on the game. Nonetheless, they may need Reece James’ contribution from right-back to provide additional defensive solidity in midfield.
While Declan started the previous match, he was only able to play 45 minutes because of his physical issues. Unlike it, he is expected to be available for the full 90 minutes against Argentina, looking to make the same kind of impact he had in earlier matches. As in previous games, head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to make very few changes to his lineup, with the main uncertainty remaining on the wings.
Rice scored in the first half
England will still be without two players vs. Argentina
England have had to adapt to the absences of Reece James, Declan Rice, and several other players, all of whom have significantly affected their tactical approach. However, Thomas Tuchel will have both players available again. That does not mean they will not have to make adjustments to their squad, though, as they still have two key absences ahead of the match against Argentina.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel will be without Jarell Quansah, as he was handed a three-match suspension following his red card against Mexico. As a result, England lose a valuable defensive backup who could also cover at full-back, forcing them to adapt. Jordan Henderson will also be unavailable after suffering a fractured arm during the celebrations, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Declan Rice #4 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match.
Watch Rabona TV's official 2026 World Cup semifinal predictions video. Get expert score lines and tactical analysis for France-Spain and Argentina-England.
The margins have narrowed to absolute zero at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time since the inception of the official FIFA rankings, the top four teams on the global ladder have successfully occupied the final four slots of the bracket.
With the semifinal stage officially set, we are treated to a pair of legendary cross-border rivalries in Dallas and Atlanta.
To break down the tactics, team news, and critical individual matchups, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has released his complete, game-by-game preview guide detailing who will survive to contest the ultimate prize in New Jersey.
Watch: Full Semifinal Tactical Forecast
The Ultimate Slate: Key Battles & Video Chapters
The final four features two high-profile, box-office matchups that could easily serve as a World Cup Final in their own right. The video guide organizes these monumental clashes into clear, chronological chapters:
Video Chapter Navigation Guide
00:00 – The Final Four: Analyzing the historic mathematical anomaly of having the top four teams in the global rankings make up the semifinals.
00:57 – Spain vs. France (Dallas – Tuesday): A tactical heavyweight battle pitting the tournament’s most feared attacking front line—spearheaded by a fit Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise—against the most stubborn defense left in North America. La Roja have conceded just once all tournament, setting up a true “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” script.
05:57 – Argentina vs. England (Atlanta – Wednesday): Reigniting one of international football’s most historically charged, emotional rivalries. England chases their first final appearance since 1966 behind the genius of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, though they must cope with the suspension of defender Jarell Quansah. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and the defending champions are hunting back-to-back global glory after surviving three consecutive knockout scares.
France face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, where Manu Kone will begin the match from the bench.
France face Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, and manager Didier Deschamps opted to leave Manu Kone out of his starting eleven.
For this crucial match, France have Aurelien Tchouameni back from a muscle injury, and Deschamps has named him in the starting midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.
It’s a tactical decision, as Tchouameni is fully recovered and viewed by Deschamps as the player who gives France’s midfield more balance, pushing Kone back to the bench as depth.
Tchouameni’s return ends Kone’s run as a starter
Tchouameni’s absence traces back to a muscle injury he picked up in training shortly after France’s Round of 32 win over Sweden. The issue, affecting his left adductor, ruled him out of the team’s next two knockout matches: a 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16 and a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France lying on the floor after a foul against Sweden. (Getty Images)
In his place, Kone stepped into the starting lineup for both of those matches, helping France keep a clean sheet in each and playing a part in the team’s run to the last four without their usual midfield anchor.
With Tchouameni now declared fit and Deschamps eager to restore the balance he provides against a possession-heavy Spain side, Kone reverts to a squad option, leaving him without a start for the first time since the Round of 16.
Facing Spain for the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Desire Doue has been left out from France's starting XI.
France faces Spain on Tuesday, July 15th, in the 2026 World Cup semifinals at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, looking to reach a third consecutive final. Desire Doue is one of the more notable absences from the starting lineup, and the reason behind the decision is tactical.
Doue has been left out by head coach Didier Deschamps in favor of a profile better suited to exploiting Spain‘s right side. While Doue has been a regular starter for France throughout the tournament, Deschamps has opted for a more direct threat down the left flank to target Pedro Porro.
In his place, Bradley Barcola gets the nod on the left wing. His PSG teammate brings a more explosive, pace-driven profile to that position compared to Doue, whose strengths lie more in technical ability and creativity in tight spaces.
With Lamine Yamal typically cutting inside for Spain, Porro pushes forward aggressively with constant overlapping runs and has even appeared in advanced positions, as evidenced by his goal against Austria in the Round of 32. While both Doué and Barcola offer defensive tracking, it is the former Olympique Lyonnais forward who poses the greater threat in transition and gives Porro more to think about defensively.
Bradley Barcola #12 of France celebrates with Desire Doue #20 after scoring.
Barcola has featured in all six of France’s games at this World Cup, averaging 47 minutes per appearance and contributing two goals and one assist. His pace and directness fit Deschamps’ plan of sitting back and exploiting the space Spain tends to leave in behind their high defensive line.
Tchouameni also returns to France’s starting lineup
A persistent hamstring issue has kept Aurelien Tchouameni out of the lineup since the Round of 32 against Sweden. Manu Kone stepped in admirably during his absence alongside Adrien Rabiot and delivered convincing performances, but Deschamps has opted to restore the Real Madrid midfielder now that he is fit.
Tchouameni serves as vice-captain for Les Bleus and brings a defensive balance to the midfield that has been a constant for France since the 2022 World Cup. With the biggest match of the tournament so far on the horizon, Deschamps is wasting no time reintegrating him into the starting eleven.
Pedri has officially been named to the bench, and fans are absolutely buzzing and wondering why the brilliant Barcelona playmaker is absent from the starting lineup.
The stage is set in Arlington for an absolute blockbuster 2026 World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, but La Roja will be kicking things off without one of their brightest stars. Pedri has officially been named to the bench, and fans are absolutely buzzing and wondering why the brilliant Barcelona playmaker is absent from the starting lineup.
The semi-final brings together the tournament’s most prolific attack and one of its stingiest defenses, with France arriving after scoring 16 goals in six matches while Spain has conceded only once throughout the competition. The winner will advance to the 2026 World Cup Final, making every tactical decision even more significant.
Les Bleus enter the match in outstanding form after winning all six of their matches, powered by an attack led by Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored eight goals in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side also benefits from the creativity of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, giving Les Bleus one of the deepest attacking units in international football.
La Roja, on the other hand, approaches the contest from a different angle. Luis de la Fuente’s side has relied on disciplined defending, patient possession, and the influence of Rodri in midfield, while Lamine Yamal continues to provide creativity from the wing as La Roja chases another appearance in the World Cup final.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
June 5, 2025
UEFA Nations League Semifinal
Spain 5-4 France
July 9, 2024
UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal
Spain 2-1 France
October 10, 2021
UEFA Nations League Final
France 2-1 Spain
March 28, 2017
International Friendly
France 0-2 Spain
September 4, 2014
International Friendly
France 1-0 Spain
Why Pedri isn’t starting against France
The biggest surprise from Spain‘s lineup is Pedri beginning on the bench for the second consecutive knockout match, but the decision is based on tactical considerations rather than injury.
According to De la Fuente, Spain asks something different of the Barcelona midfielder than his club does. “Pedri can’t play for us the way he plays for Barca. Our style of play is different. We might have some similarities, but it’s different,” the Spain manager explained to El Larguero earlier.
Pedri of Spain celebrates after scoring
The coach expanded on that idea by explaining that the national team requires different qualities depending on the opponent and the midfield structure around Rodri. “Playing for Spain demands something different,” De la Fuente said, adding that the national team “has a different approach to football” than Barcelona.
Fabian Ruiz earned another opportunity
Fabian Ruiz’s outstanding display against Belgium played a decisive role in Spain’s selection. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder replaced Pedri in the quarter-final, scored the opening goal in the 2-1 victory, and convinced the coaching staff to keep faith with the same midfield combination.
Rather than making changes before one of the biggest matches of the tournament, Spain has chosen continuity, trusting the trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo that successfully carried the team through the previous round.
De la Fuente also admitted he sees value in both midfielders. “Each one has their strengths. Each player offers what we need… But they can also both play together. So if I have that doubt, we’ll put both in, and the problem is solved,” he joked with a smile before the match.
Pedri has controlled possession well throughout the tournament, but he has yet to produce the decisive attacking contributions many expected. Entering the semi-final, he has not registered a goal or an assist, despite remaining one of Spain’s most technically gifted players.
La Roja’s coaching staff believes Fabian Ruiz currently offers greater directness around the penalty area, especially against a French side that can punish mistakes with devastating counterattacks. That tactical preference has outweighed Pedri’s creativity for this particular matchup.
At the same time, Spain’s exceptional midfield depth gives De la Fuente several options. Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, and Pedri all provide different qualities, allowing the manager to tailor his lineup according to the opponent.
France and Spain will face off in one of the most competitive matchups of the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Despite the importance of the encounter, head coach Luis de la Fuente has once again decided to leave Nico Williams on the bench, losing one of his team's best one-on-one threats.
Spain and France will be involved in one of the most competitive matchups of the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Even though they have gone five years without losing to Didier Deschamps’ team, Spain now face their most important match in recent years, with a chance to reach the tournament final. Despite the importance of the encounter, head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to leave Nico Williams on the bench once again.
Nico Williams arrived at the 2026 World Cup with a thigh issue that prevented him to start in the opening matches. However, he recovered a few weeks ago, as both the player and Luis de la Fuente have acknowledged. Despite this, the head coach has decided to stick with the tactical approach that has taken Spain to the semifinals, opting to keep the 24-year-old star on the bench.
Instead of Williams, Alex Baena returns to the starting lineup for Spain on the left wing to face France. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, he has been Luis de la Fuente’s preferred option, as he complements Marc Cucurella perfectly. While he has scored just one goal and provided one assist, he has been vital to the team’s play through the middle, creating space for his teammates, who have taken full advantage of it.
Despite once again being listed as a substitute for Spain, Nico Williams could be essential off the bench against France. Facing a very dominant team, he could be key in launching efficient counterattacks and creating space with his dribbling. In addition, he has shown a strong goalscoring instinct, so he could surprise Mike Maignan as an impact substitute, as he has yet to score in the tournament.
Pedro Porro #12 and Nico Williams #17 of Spain celebrate.
Nico Williams face uphill battle to recover his starting spot in Spain
Unlike a few years ago, Nico Williams is no longer considered one of the best wingers in the world. After his numerous physical problems, he has lost his place as an undisputed starter for Spain. While Luis de la Fuente considers him a key part of the squad, the reality is that Alex Baena has been the preferred option and has performed brilliantly. For this reason, the 24-year-old star faces a very difficult task in trying to regain his starting role.
If Spain manage to advance to the 2026 World Cup final, Nico Williams would not be expected to start. Head coach Luis de la Fuente does not usually make many changes to his starting lineup, especially when the team has put together several consecutive victories. However, the 24-year-old star will need to make a decisive impact against France and lead his team to victory if he wants to change his current situation with the national team.
France and Spain are facing off in one of the most competitive matches of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the significance of the game itself, much of the attention has been focused on the moment of silence that will be hold before kickoff.
France and Spain are facing off in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Battling for a place in the final, the match is expected to be highly competitive at Arlington Stadium, as both teams feature star-studded rosters. Despite the importance of the contest, much of the attention has centered on the announced minute of silence before kickoff. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the reason behind the tribute.
“Before France-Spain, a minute of silence will be observed in tribute to the victims of the Nice attack, 10 years after July 14, 2016. Thank you to the President of FIFA for responding to the request of France and of all French people who have mobilized. We will never forget,” France president Emmanuel Macron said yesterday as per Le Monde.
Ten years after the tragedy in Nice, the French people continue to remember the event that claimed the lives of 86 people and left 400 others injured. After a public petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures, FIFA decided to support the gesture and honor the memory of that tragic event.
Although no player on the French national team has yet posted anything related to this tragedy, they have agreed to wear commemorative symbols during the match against Spain. If they secure a place in their third consecutive World Cup final, they may also make a commemorative gesture. So far, however, no official statement has been made by any of the team’s stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2025.
FIFA paid tribute with a minute of silence at its last two games
Just as will happen in today’s match between France and Spain semifinal clash, FIFA observed a minute of silence in honor of Jayden Adams. Following his passing on July 11, 2026, the matches between Argentina vs Switzerland, and Norway vs England, also featured the same tribute before kickoff.
“M99 (Norway-England) and M100 (Argentina-Switzerland): a minute of silence will be observed in both matches in memory of Jayden Adams, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 25. The South African midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut during this tournament,”FIFA posted on its official website.
While the two commemorations are unrelated, they share a clear message: Soccer can go beyond what happens on the pitch by making a social impact. In addition, FIFA has shown considerable flexibility when it comes to these kinds of tributes. As a result, the match between France and Spain will not only be significant from a sporting perspective but will also carry an emotional social backdrop.
France players take a moment of silence prior a FIFA World Cup game.
France and Spain face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final on the line.
The 2026 World Cup semifinals get underway at Dallas Stadium, where France and Spain meet in a heavyweight clash as both sides look to book their place in Sunday’s grand final.
Spain reached this stage by beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals, a match settled by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute winner after Fabian Ruiz’s opener had been canceled out by Charles De Ketelaere. It capped a knockout run that also included a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
For this crucial match, Lamine Yamal will start and be one of the attacking focal points alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, the team’s top scorer with four goals.
France, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through six matches, having swept past Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals behind goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Kylian Mbappe celebrates a goal for France vs Morocco. (Getty Images)
Mbappe leads all scorers at the tournament with eight goals, more than half of France’s total output in the competition, and will start and captain his side once again.
France’s confirmed lineup
Didier Deschamps’ main decision centers on Aurelien Tchouameni, who is available again after missing two matches with a muscle injury but has been described as not fully fit. However, Deschamps could still hand him the start over Manu Kone.
France‘s confirmed starting XI: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; AurelienTchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.
Spain’s confirmed lineup
Luis de la Fuente is expected to stick with the same approach that got past Belgium, keeping Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo both involved through the middle of the park rather than turning to Pedri, who remains an option off the bench.
Spain‘s confirmed starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal,Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Kylian Mbappe of France and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Instead of just sharing the spotlight, the two superstars bring an unbelievable head-to-head record into this matchup that simply cannot be ignored.
The 2026 World Cup has delivered an absolute dream semi-final at AT&T Stadium, where France and Spain will battle for a ticket to the final. At the heart of this heavyweight clash is the spectacular rivalry between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Instead of just sharing the spotlight, the two superstars bring an unbelievable head-to-head record into this matchup that simply cannot be ignored.
France enters the match hoping to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, while Spain looks to continue its rise after winning Euro 2024 and establish itself among soccer’s modern dynasties. At club level, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already witnessed plenty of battles between the two stars, but this meeting carries greater stakes than anything they have faced before.
Mbappe remains France’s driving force
France has enjoyed another impressive tournament under Didier Deschamps, who is leading the national team for the final time after 14 years in charge. Les Bleus have powered through the knockout rounds with victories over Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, building momentum without appearing stretched to their limits.
The attack has been the tournament’s biggest weapon. Mbappe has scored eight goals, sharing the lead in the Golden Boot race, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and the rest of the supporting cast have given France one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France
However, a few players have enjoyed a World Cup career like Mbappe. The Real Madrid star already owns a World Cup winner’s medal from 2018, produced a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 final, and has become France’s all-time leading scorer.
Tournament Stat
Kylian Mbappe
Lamine Yamal
Matches Played
6
6
Goals
8
1
Expected Goals (xG)
5.39
1.51
Shots per Game
5.0 (3.2 on target)
3.8 (1.7 on target)
Accurate Passes per Game
26.8 (87%)
26.0 (83%)
Top Speed
35.3 km/h
35.5 km/h
Average Sofascore Rating
8.28
7.25
Yamal continues to grow into soccer’s next superstar
Spain has reached the last four by combining defensive discipline with trademark possession soccer. The national team has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, while producing knockout victories over Austria, Portugal and Belgium.
Although Yamal has not matched Mbappe’s scoring numbers during this World Cup, the teenager remains Spain’s most exciting attacking talent. After overcoming a hamstring injury before the tournament, the Barcelona winger has gradually rediscovered his rhythm.
Lamine Yamal of Spain
The head-to-head record adds another layer to the rivalry
While the semi-final is about two elite national teams, the individual duel between Mbappe and Yamal has developed into one of soccer’s most fascinating rivalries.
Yamal has won eight of his previous 10 meetings with Mbappe for club and country, giving the Barcelona winger an 80 percent success rate against the France captain. Those victories include Euro 2024, the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-final, multiple El Clasicos, the Copa del Rey final, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Season / Tournament
Match
Result (Winner)
Mbappe Contributions
Yamal Contributions
2023–24 Champions League (QF)
PSG vs Barcelona
2-3 (Yamal)
–
–
2023–24 Champions League (QF)
Barcelona vs PSG
1-4 (Mbappe)
2 Goals
1 Assist
Euro 2024 (Semi-final)
Spain vs France
2-1 (Yamal)
1 Assist
1 Goal
2024–25 La Liga
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
0-4 (Yamal)
–
1 Goal
2025 Supercopa de España (Final)
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
2-5 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Goals
2024–25 Copa del Rey (Final)
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
3-2 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Assists
2024–25 La Liga
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
4-3 (Yamal)
3 Goals
1 Goal
2025 Nations League (Semi-final)
Spain vs France
5-4 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Goals
2025–26 La Liga
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
2-1 (Mbappe)
1 Goal
–
2026 Supercopa de España (Final)
FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
3-2 (Yamal)
–
–
Mbappe has enjoyed memorable individual performances during those encounters, including scoring nine goals across the meetings, but the overall results have frequently favored Yamal’s side.
Their rivalry began in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, before carrying over into international soccer and then into several memorable clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Tuesday’s semi-final marks their first-ever meeting at a FIFA World Cup, making it arguably the most important chapter of the rivalry so far.
Stat
Kylian Mbappe
Lamine Yamal
Total Wins
2
8
Draws
0
0
Goals Scored (in H2H)
9
6
Assists (in H2H)
2
3
Elimination Match Wins
0
5
Kylian Mbappé of France (L) and Lamine Yamal of Spain (R)
According to reports, Lionel Scaloni is considering changes around Lionel Messi ahead of the clash with England, with Rodrigo De Paul potentially left out of the starting lineup.
Lionel Messi‘s Argentina remain firmly on course in their bid to defend their title, and they now face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the final on the line.
For this crucial match, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to the side that defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and according to ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig, Rodrigo De Paul is one of the players who could be dropped from the starting eleven.
The Inter Miami midfielder is reportedly in danger of losing his starting spot against England, with Nicolas Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone under consideration to replace him.
De Paul was one of the low points in Argentina‘s win over Switzerland, which is why Scaloni could opt to bring in both Gonzalez and Simeone out wide in midfield. Up front, the coach is expected to keep Messi alongside Julian Alvarez, again leaving Lautaro Martinez among the substitutes.
Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina is defended by Nizar Alrashdan #21 of Jordan. (Getty Images)
Nicolas Otamendi could earn a spot as well
Among the variants Scaloni is weighing is a change in formation. During much of Monday’s training session, the coach tested a back-five setup, with Nicolas Otamendi coming in as a center back alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, aiming for a more solid structure against England’s attacking threat.
That scheme would cost Rodrigo De Paul his spot in midfield to bring the veteran defender into the back line, a call Scaloni could hold off on until just before Wednesday’s clash in Atlanta.
Playing with five defenders isn’t new for Scaloni — he made the same switch during Qatar 2022, changing his approach against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a match Argentina went on to win on penalties.
After several weeks of competition, the 2026 World Cup is nearing its conclusion. France, Spain, Argentina, and England are battling for two spots in the final. However, there will also be a third-place match, and we will analyze when and where it will be played.
Despite serious doubts about its competitiveness, the 2026 World Cup has been full of surprises, with several teams exceeding expectations through their performances. However, France, Spain, Argentina, and England are the four teams battling for the two spots in the tournament final. In addition, there will also be a special match to determine the tournament’s third-place finisher, with the date and venue of the match already confirmed.
Since 1934, FIFA has included the third-place match in every edition of the World Cup. As a result, the teams that lose in the semifinals still have the chance to finish on the tournament podium in recognition of their outstanding performances. While there have been recent changes to the tournament’s regulations and format, FIFA has decided to keep this tradition.
The participants in the 2026 World Cup third-place match have not yet been determined, but the date and venue of the fixture are already confirmed. On Saturday, July 18, the tournament’s third-best side will be decided. In addition, the venue will be Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Despite having a capacity of only 64,478 spectators, the venue has been one of the most frequently used stadiums during the tournament.
2026 World Cup: Third-place team prize money revealed
The winner of the 2026 World Cup third-place match will receive a significant financial reward. Although they did not reach the final, they will earn a $29 million prize from FIFA. The fourth-place team is not far behind, as it will receive $27 million. This compensation is made possible by the nearly $900 million prize pool approved for the tournament.
A general view of Miami Stadium.
Not only will these prizes be distributed, but every national team will receive a financial reward based on the position they finish in at the tournament. As a result, several national teams such as Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, and others will receive substantial payouts that, a priori, they were not expected to earn.
Recent FIFA World Cup third-place matches
Over the last three editions of the World Cup, several national teams have pulled off surprising victories in the third-place match. At Qatar 2022, Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1, despite the African team being considered the favorite. At Russia 2018, Belgium surprisingly defeated England, producing a historic performance.
While Brazil disappointed by failing to win the 2014 World Cup as hosts, many expected them to at least finish in third place. However, they lost 3-0 to the Netherlands. Coming off the infamous 7-1 defeat, this loss marked one of the biggest disappointments in the nation’s history, leaving the team significantly weakened for several years—a decline that is reflected in the current 2026 edition.
A fan holds a replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament's biggest prize.
France and Spain are squaring off in an absolutely massive Semi-finals showdown at the 2026 World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ squad is gearing up to battle Luis de la Fuente’s reigning European champions in Arlington. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament’s biggest prize.
France enters the contest after an impressive run through the knockout rounds, while Spain has continued to showcase the possession-based soccer that has become its trademark. With stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal expected to feature, the semifinal promises to be one of the standout matches of the competition.
France arrives with confidence
Les Bleus have looked like one of the tournament’s most complete teams. They topped their group before defeating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco to reach the semifinal without conceding a goal in the knockout rounds.
Didier Deschamps has built an attack capable of hurting opponents in several different ways. Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals. At the same time, Dembele continues to justify his reputation after winning the Ballon d’Or, and Olise has emerged as one of the tournament’s leading creators.
Date
France’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 9, 2026
Morocco
Quarter-finals
Win (2-0)
July 4, 2026
Paraguay
Round of 16
Win (1-0)
June 30, 2026
Sweden
Round of 32
Win (3-0)
June 26, 2026
Norway
Group Stage
Win (4-1)
June 22, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (3-0)
June 16, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3-1)
The team has also become increasingly balanced as the tournament has progressed. Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone have provided stability behind an explosive front four, allowing Deschamps to play with greater attacking freedom than in previous World Cups.
Spain continues to trust its identity
Spain has taken a different route to the semifinals. Luis de la Fuente’s side has relied on patience, possession and defensive discipline, conceding only once throughout the tournament.
Rodri continues to dictate the tempo in midfield, while Lamine Yamal remains one of soccer’s brightest young stars despite not yet reaching his peak scoring form in North America. Mikel Merino has repeatedly delivered from the bench, scoring decisive late goals against both Portugal and Belgium.
Date
Spain’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 10, 2026
Belgium
Quarter-finals
Win (2-1)
July 6, 2026
Portugal
Round of 16
Win (1-0)
July 2, 2026
Austria
Round of 32
Win (3-0)
June 27, 2026
Uruguay
Group Stage
Win (1-0)
June 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia
Group Stage
Win (4-0)
June 15, 2026
Cabo Verde
Group Stage
Tie (0-0)
Spain’s confidence also comes from recent history against France. La Roja defeated Les Bleus in the Euro 2024 semifinal and again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal, giving them belief that another victory is possible.
What happens if France wins and Spain loses?
A French victory would send Les Bleus into another World Cup final, where they would meet the winner of the Argentina vs England semifinal.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
Spain would then be eliminated from title contention and move into the Third-Place Match.
A place in the final would also continue France’s remarkable consistency at the highest level, adding another chapter to one of international soccer’s strongest modern eras.
What happens if France and Spain are level after 90 minutes?
Although the match could finish level after regulation, the semifinal itself cannot end in a draw.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score
Instead, the teams would play 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the contest would be settled by a penalty shootout.
Only after those stages would the World Cup bracket be completed, with one team advancing to the final and the other dropping into the third-place playoff.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
June 5, 2025
UEFA Nations League Semifinal
Spain 5-4 France
July 9, 2024
UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal
Spain 2-1 France
October 10, 2021
UEFA Nations League Final
France 2-1 Spain
March 28, 2017
International Friendly
France 0-2 Spain
September 4, 2014
International Friendly
France 1-0 Spain
What happens if Spain wins and France loses?
Should Spain prevail in regulation, extra time, or penalties, La Roja would book its place in the World Cup Final and face either Argentina or England for the championship.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
France would instead head to the Third-Place Match, where it would play the loser of the tournament’s other semifinal.
While missing out on the final would be disappointing for Deschamps’ squad, Les Bleus would still have the opportunity to finish the tournament with a podium place.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain.
Forty-eight teams entered the 2026 World Cup. After a month of action, just four remain.
The World Cup trophy beckons on the horizon for those sides, which boast some of the world's finest talents. France's Kylian Mbappe, Argentina's Lionel Messi, England's Jude Bellingham and Spain's Lamine Yamal have all impressed at different points in this year's tournament. They'll look to lead their respective sides to glory over the next week, although they'll have to get through each other to do so.
With that, here's a look at the four sides left in this year's competition.
There are only two teams still left in the World Cup: Spain and Argentina. They will face of in the final on Sunday, July 19 after eliminating France and England, respectively.
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Stadium
Tues., July 14
Spain 2, France 0
3 p.m.
AT&T Stadium
Wed., July 15
Argentina 2, England 1
3 p.m.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Who is still in the World Cup?
Spain
Spain has allowed just one goal so far at the World Cup will be a tough out going forward. The Spaniards advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Portugal, sending Cristiano Ronaldo to the World Cup retirement home in the process. La Roja then secured a spot in the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Belgium. After taking down France in the semifinal, they will now clash with Argentina in the final.
Argentina
Argentina has stayed alive by virtue of late comebacks during the entirety of the World Cup. They defeated Egypt, Switzerland and England all on late goals to punch a ticket to the final and will now attempt the same against Spain.
FIFA World Rankings for teams still in World Cup
Here are the FIFA rankings for each of the 2026 World Cup's four semifinalists:
We at Sporting News have soccer fans covered with our 2026 World Cup bracket — or wallchart, as it's known in some parts of the world — in printable, PDF form, complete with the full field of 32 on Saturday. Download it, print it out, hang it on your wall.
This year's knockout matches began June 28 with the Round of 32 running until July 3. The expanded World Cup reached the Round of 16 on July 4-July 7 followed by the quarterfinal (July 9-11) and semifinal (July 14-15) matches. It all culminates with the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
In addition to the printable bracket below, you'll also find tips and tools to help you fill it out, including picks and analysis from TSN's expert writers.
Below are the teams still alive in the hunt for the World Cup title in 2026. This table will be updated throughout the remainder of the knockout stage.
The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled to be played 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How does a World Cup bracket work?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has two phases: the group stage and the knockout stage.
Thirty-two of the 48 teams will reach the knockout stage. All teams that finish first or second in their group secure automatic qualification, accounting for 24 of the 32 knockout participants.
The remaining eight spots go to the best third-place finishers.
How third place qualifiers work
All 12 third-place finishers are sorted into a table just like the groups based on their points gained in group stage play and other metrics such as goal differential.
The top eight teams in this table will advance to the knockout round.
Knockout stage seeding
The entirety of the knockout stage bracket is predetermined. For example, the winner of Group F will face the runner-up from Group C, while the winner of Group J will face the runner-up from Group H.
All group winners are paired against either a runner-up from another group, or a third-place finisher from another group. All group winners and runners-up from the same group are placed on opposite sides of the bracket to avoid rematches until the finals.
The only unknowns at the start of the tournament are where each potential third-place finisher will end up. Until all qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play should this come to pass.
There are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers from various groups. All of these have been spelled out in advance, and every potential outcome can be found in Annex C (pg. 80) of the 2026 FIFA World Cup regulations. Whichever combination comes to pass will determine where each third-place finisher falls in the overall bracket.
The build-up to England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina has taken a controversial turn following FIFA’s choice of referee.
With Thomas Tuchel’s side attempting to reach their first final since 1966 and the defending champions chasing consecutive titles, every decision in Atlanta will face enormous scrutiny.
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Argentina’s knockout run has already produced complaints about VAR and refereeing, so the appointment was always likely to attract attention.
However, previous connections between the selected official and matches involving Lionel Messi have intensified the debate before a ball has even been kicked.
FIFA appointment adds pre-match controversy
According to the Daily Mail, concerns about possible favouritism have grown after FIFA appointed Ismail Elfath to referee Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Moroccan-born American will be assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official.
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ESPN has also confirmed Elfath’s appointment for the match at Atlanta Stadium. He has already handled three games at this World Cup, although this will be his first involving either England or Argentina.
Elfath served as fourth official when Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final.
He has also refereed several Inter Miami matches since Messi moved to MLS, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Calling him Messi’s “favourite referee”, however, remains a media description rather than evidence of an improper relationship or biased decision-making.
Officials face scrutiny ahead of Argentina vs England
The wider concern comes from controversy surrounding Argentina’s victories over Egypt and Switzerland.
Reuters reported that opponents have repeatedly complained about decisions benefiting Argentina, although former FIFA referee Christina Unkel said the incidents she reviewed did not clearly demonstrate poor officiating.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has also rejected allegations of bias, insisting that World Cup officials work independently and that questioning their integrity without evidence is unacceptable.
Elfath should be judged on Wednesday’s performance rather than his previous contact with Messi.
Referees frequently oversee the same leading players, especially when they work in the league where those players compete.
Still, FIFA must understand why the appointment has created nervousness. After several disputed decisions involving Argentina, even a correct but marginal call could trigger another major backlash.
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Lamine Yamal turned 19 on Monday with diamonds around his neck, mischief in the family and the biggest match of his life ahead but the Spain forward's clearest message before the World Cup semi-final against France was not about goals, gifts or fame.
Asked about former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's controversial remark that France were a great team but "did not have any French players", Lamine, son of a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, said football should be a bridge.
"Tomorrow we'll play a brilliant match but if football serves any purpose it's to bring people together," Lamine told reporters in Dallas. "France and Spain are examples of integration. That's what football is all about: integration. Not talking about what someone else has said."
It was a measured answer from a player still young enough to be asked about birthday presents and famous enough for his family to be swept into the tournament glare.
Lamine smiled when asked about his three-year-old brother Keyne, whose spontaneity in front of television cameras has made him one of Spain's unexpected World Cup attractions.
"My brother doesn't realise," Lamine said. "He does what he does at home, and when the camera focuses on him, he gets up to mischief. I like it when people like him. It's fun to see him on screen."
Lamine also arrived at the news conference wearing an extravagant diamond necklace, his birthday present to himself, on the eve of a game he described as "the most important match of my life".
Yet Lamine said he was not fretting over his own numbers, despite having scored only once at the tournament so far. "Every tournament is different," he said. "I'm not worried about having scored just one goal in the World Cup so far. We're winning. I've seen World Cups where Spain were knocked out, and so far that hasn't happened. I hope to keep playing matches so I can score."
Spain face France in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final, with Lamine's birthday week offering another layer of theatre around a player who seems increasingly comfortable carrying attention that might flatten others.
"And it’s going to be a great match. A match that everyone was hoping would happen. Both teams will attack and defend. It’s sure to be a very evenly matched game," he said. For now, he wants football to do the talking — preferably loudly enough to carry Spain at least one match further.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.
England and Argentina face off in a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi ended one of soccer's great questions when he finally got his hands on the game's biggest prize three-and-a-half years ago, inspiring Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022.
England have their own generations-spanning quest to settle. It is now 60 years since the Three Lions won their first and only World Cup in 1966.
Captain Harry Kane and talismanic midfield star Jude Bellingham have the chance to secure sporting immortality over the next week.
But for that to remain on the table, they must prevail in one of the most tempestuous rivalries in soccer history.
This will be the sixth time England and Argentina have met at a World Cup. England won the first meeting 3-1 in the 1962 group stage.
All-time Three Lions greats Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves were on target in a result that ultimately meant Argentina bowed out before the knockout stages. Both teams made it through to the quarterfinals in England four years later and clashed at Wembley in the game that truly lit the fuse in this rivalry.
'Wingless Wonders' prevail as Rattin rages
A year prior to England hosting the World Cup, manager Alf Ramsey took his side on a tour of South America, which doubled up as a fact-finding mission for the big challenge ahead.
England finished bottom of the four-team Taca das Nacoes or 'Little World Cup' in Brazil, losing 5-1 to the Pele-inspired hosts and dropping a 1-0 scoreline to Argentina before a 1-1 draw with Portugal.
Ramsey concluded his team was short of the world's best and running out of time. His solution was the 4-1-3-2 formation that led to his team being dubbed the 'Wingless Wonders'. Such were the limitations of scouting at the time; Ramsey was able to test out the formation in a couple of friendlies in the year before the World Cup and keep an ace up his sleeve.
England played in a more conventional set-up as they navigated the group stage without conceding a goal - beating Mexico and France 2-0 after an opening 0-0 draw versus Uruguay - before Ramsey sized up Argentina and knew it was time to field the attacking midfield trio of Charlton, Alan Ball and Martin Peters behind the front two. Charlton's Manchester United team-mate Nobby Stiles patrolled in front of the back four, snapping into tackles on anything that moved.
Stiles's uncompromising approach was one of the ingredients that meant the match was not primarily remembered for Ramsey's tactical innovation. Both teams gave as good as they got in a nasty, physical tussle, but Argentina captain Antonio Rattin - a brilliant midfielder from Boca Juniors — put himself on a disciplinary tightrope after being cautioned for a rash lunge on Charlton.
Getty Images
Rattin, unperturbed by the language barrier, remained in the ear of West German referee Rudolf Kreitlein throughout the first half. The official spared him for a foul on Geoff Hurst but reached his wits' end in the 35th minute and sent Rattin off for dissent. The player refused to leave the field, and only did so with a police escort, the whole farce causing a delay of nine minutes.
Argentina battled manfully with reduced numbers, but Hurst scored the only goal wth 12 minutes remaining. England stayed on their road to glory. "It was clear," Rattin later recalled, "that the referee played with an England shirt on." One thing Kreitlein had done, as all referees did in those days, was officiate the match without red or yellow cards. By the 1970 World Cup, all referees had those in their pockets, with the motivation to avoid a repeat of Rattin's Wembley fiasco being a primary motivation for FIFA referees' chief Ken Aston.
Hand of God and the Goal of the Century
Diego Maradona was the consensus best player in the world heading into the 1986 World Cup. By the time he inspired Argentina to their second World Cup success with a generation-defining tournament performance, he was alongside Pele in the greatest of all-time conversation.
But Maradona's defining work of Mexico '86 did not come in the final. The quarterfinal versus England took place against the recent backdrop of the Falklands War between the two countries. Tensions were high and the uncompromising play of the English defense during a goalless first half probably added to this feeling.
Six minutes into the second half, Maradona laid the ball off to Jorge Valdano, whose loose touch gave England's Steve Hodge a chance to intercept. Hodge sent the ball looping fatefully towards his own goal and the diminutive Maradona leapt with goalkeeper Peter Shilton and diverted it into the net. England's players appealed furiously and replays showed a clear, almost hilariously obvious, punch into the net. Maradona later said the ball touched 'the hand of God'.
With England reeling, Maradona followed soccer's most famous instance of on-field cheating with one of its greatest ever goals, dribbling from inside his own half past four England players to score. Both goals have their own Wikipedia page. Both are similarly celebrated as demonstrations of Argentina's pibe footballing archetype: the cunning sleight-of-hand and the off-the-cuff brilliance all as one.
England's last-16 clash with Argentina at France 98 had already entered instant-classic territory by halftime. After Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer exchanged early penalties, Michael Owen announced himself a superstar when England's teenage forward netted a breathtaking solo goal. A cleverly worked free-kick saw Javier Zanetti level for La Albiceleste in first-half stoppage time, but the whole complexion of the contest — not to mention the course of one of the era's most storied careers — changed three minutes into the second period.
Diego Simeone — on the wind up, would you believe — fouled David Beckham from behind as he sought to control a Tony Adams header, pushed the England midfielder in the back as he lay face down and teasingly patted him on the head. A prostrate Beckham responded by kicking out his right leg and catching Simeone on the calf with his heel. The Argentina man tottered to the floor and referee Kim Milton Nielsen, having watched the whole thing unfold right in front of him, showed Beckham a red card.
It was the petulant flick felt around the world. There were no further goals and England, as is their wont, lost on penalties. "It's cost us, it's cost us dearly," Three Lions manager Glenn Hoddle said of Beckham's kick during a post-match interview on the field, words that gave the hurting country's media carte blanche to go after their new public enemy No. 1 with the popstar girlfriend. "10 heroic Lions, one stupid boy" boomed The Sun's headline.
A predictable ordeal ensued for Beckham, but it proved to be the making of him. Barracked at most away grounds, he helped to inspire Alex Ferguson's Manchester United to a historic treble. Two more league titles followed and, when he departed to Real Madrid in 2003, he did so as England captain and a national hero, not to mention the scorer of the only goal from the penalty spot when England and Argentina reconvened in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup.
Getty Images
England vs. Argentina head-to-head
England has the edge in the historic head-to-head, with six wins to Argentina's three.
Five of the games have ended in draws, a tally that includes the 1998 World Cup encounter won on penalties by Argentina.
Indeed, of the five previous World Cup encounters, England have won three, lost to Maradona's deception and genius in 1986 and fell short from 12 yards in 1998.
England vs. Argentina: Last five meetings
Date
Competition
Result
England goalscorers
Argentina goalscorers
May 25, 1991
International Friendly
England 2-2 Argentina
Gary Lineker, David Platt
Claudio Garcia, Dario Franco
June 30, 1998
World Cup, Round of 16
England 2-2 Argentina (p)
Alan Shearer (p), Michael Owen
Gabriel Batistuta (p), Javier Zanetti
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
_
_
June 7, 2002
World Cup, group stage
England 1-0 Argentina
David Beckham (p)
_
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
England 3-2 Argentina
Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen (2)
Hernan Crespo, Walter Samuel
Last England vs. Argentina match
The World Cup semifinal will be the first meeting between England and Argentina for more than two decades.
With each nation having secured its place at the 2006 World Cup, they met in a November 2025 friendly in Geneva, Switzerland. Two star-studded lineups produced a thrilling encounter.
Maxi Rodriguez teed up Hernan Crespo to open the scoring before Wayne Rooney equalised from a Beckham knockdown.
Walter Samuel had Argentina ahead going into the closing stages before Owen reminded Argentina of his prowess with a late double from super crosses by Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard.
We're a long way from knowing whether Lamine Yamal's younger brother will follow in his footsteps on the pitch, but in the early years of his life, he is already becoming a star in his own right.
3-year-old Keyne has emerged as a viral sensation during the World Cup, attending his brother's games and earning more screen time than any other toddler.
If Spain can complete the journey to a championship, the entire Yamal family could soon become household names.
Here's what you need to know about Yamal's brother and how he has become a sensation from the stands during the World Cup.
Yamal's half-brother, Keyne, was born in late 2022 and has become part of Spain's World Cup run. Frequently shown by the broadcast crew during the tournament, Keyne has been seen celebrating and waving when the camera has found him, and Spanish fans have rewarded him with loud cheers.
Keyne and Lamine share the same mother but not the same father. Despite only being half-brothers, the two have a strong bond.
Lamine told reporters after Spain's World Cup win over Austria, "I'm moved when I see my little brother this happy, as well as seeing my mum and friends living the life they always dreamed of."
According to The Athletic, Keyne — who has plenty of free time, being three years old — attends "practically all" of Barcelona's games, as well as the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony to support his brother.
Lamine has leaned into his brother's fame, featuring Keyne in social media photos and videos; their mother does the same.
Whether Keyne could join his brother as a soccer star is still a long way from becoming clear, but in the social media era, he is becoming a different type of star at an even younger age.
England’s preparations for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina have been complicated by a late fitness concern in midfield.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are one victory away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, making the availability of every senior player especially important.
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The Three Lions showed resilience to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-final, but the demanding conditions and quick turnaround have taken a physical toll.
With Argentina likely to crowd central areas and look to control possession through Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, England will want their strongest possible midfield available in Atlanta.
England remain optimisitc despite illness concern
According to the BBC, England will make a late decision on Declan Rice’s availability for Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Arsenal midfielder is still experiencing the effects of a sickness bug, although his condition is improving and the England camp remain optimistic that he will be able to start.
Rice missed training sessions before the Norway game and was substituted at half-time after struggling physically.
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However, The Guardian reports that he is winning his fitness battle, with Tuchel hoping to pair him with Elliot Anderson against the defending champions.
The midfielder’s importance goes beyond his defensive work. Rice gives England experience, protects the centre-backs and provides the physical power needed to compete with Argentina’s aggressive midfield.
If he cannot start, Kobbie Mainoo or Eberechi Eze could be considered, although either selection would change the balance of the team.
England’s official match information confirms that the semi-final will be played at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.
It will be the countries’ first meeting for 21 years and their first World Cup encounter since 2002. England Football has also highlighted the long and often controversial history surrounding the rivalry.
Rice should start only if England’s medical staff are convinced he can maintain his intensity. A semi final against Argentina is not the match to carry a midfielder who is still feeling weak.
However, his influence makes waiting until the last possible moment understandable.
A fully functioning Rice could be crucial to stopping Argentina from controlling the game, but an unwell version may leave England exposed when the tempo rises.
A new set of AI projections seems to favor France, even if it will have to beat two more formidable squads at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Getty
The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals are right around the corner. With it, the expectation of finding out which two teams will duke it out for the Jules Rimet Trophy.
The final four, France, Spain, England, and Argentina, are all worthy champions. They have the talent and the pedigree to become the world champions.
But looking at a more objective measure of victory, the AI models by the folks at Oddschecker have revealed which team has the best chance of winning the FIFA World Cup 2026. The results are hardly surprising.
Here are the data the AI model projects based on the probability of winning it all:
France 42%
England 25%
Spain 19%
Argentina 14%
It’s interesting to see the defending champs ranked the lowest among the final four. The numbers likely reflect the struggles the South American side has had in its knockout round matches.
Argentina needed extra time to get past Cape Verde and Switzerland, while pulling off a stunning last-minute comeback against Egypt. That situation seems to have weighed on Lionel Messi’s chance of making it back-to-back championships.
Meanwhile, the relative ease with which France and England have reached the semis likely boosts their chances of emerging victorious at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The wild card, it seems, is Spain. If they can upset France, all bets will be off.
Messi Overwhelming Favorite to Win FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot
Paradoxically, the overwhelming favorite to take the Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is Messi. Oddschecker’s model shows at 71% probability of the Inter Miami star beating out French striker Kylian Mbappe. The model showed Mbappe with a 23% of taking home the honors.
Harry Kane rounded out the top three, garnering an 11% chance of bringing home the Golden Boot.
As Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers noted, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot looks to be landing with Messi.
“Leo Messi has been in sensational form for Argentina and is tied with Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot. Bookmaker odds and Oddschecker AI projections are conflicted on the eventual winner.”
It seems the AI models favor Messi to win a major individual award, even if his team may not be in the best position to take home another championship. Still, it seems like another France-Argentina clash might be on the horizon in this year’s championship match.
Argentina Banking on Another Gutsy Performance from Messi
The Argentine side will be banking on one last gutsy performance from Messi. He’s been solid in this year’s tourney, seemingly defying his 39-year-old body. He hasn’t shown signs of slowing down despite playing a high-tempo game throughout the tourney.
However, it was the supporting cast that came up big in the quarterfinal match against Switzerland. Alexis MacAllister, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez were the strikers in the 3-1 win on Saturday night.
But it will take more than just Messi’s magic to get past Harry Kane and the English. The entire Argentinian squad will have to be perfect if they plan to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.
Here's the updated World Cup bracket, through games on July 10:
SN
How many teams are left in the World Cup?
Four teams remain in the World Cup.
Eight teams entered Thursday's first quarterfinal match still alive. France and Morocco started the round with a 2-0 Les Bleus victory to send France to its third straight World Cup semifinal. Spain became the second team to secure a semifinal spot, knocking off Belgium in the quarterfinals. On Saturday, England pushed past Norway before Argentina escaped an upset bid from Switzerland to reach the semifinals.
Here's a look at who's still kicking at the 2026 World Cup.
The semifinals are set. Here are the seven teams that remain in the tournament
Team
Next game
Next opponent
France
Tuesday, July 14
Spain
England
Wednesday, July 15
Argentina
France
France rolled past Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 before winning a grueling 1-0 battle against Paraguay on a 70th-minute penalty kick by Kylian Mbappe. It was France's fourth consecutive quarterfinal appearance, and their 2-0 win over Morocco gave Les Blues their third consecutive trip to the semifinals.
Spain
Spain has allowed just one goal so far at the World Cup will be a tough out going forward. The Spaniards advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Portugal, sending Cristiano Ronaldo to the World Cup retirement home in the process. La Roja then secured a spot in the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Belgium.
England
England is making its second semifinal appearance in the last three World Cups after narrow wins over DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.
Argentina
Argentina stayed alive by virtue of a furious comeback victory over Egypt. Lionel Messi scored one of the most important goals of his illustrious World Cup career to equalize a game his team once trailed 2-0 late in the second half. Argentina took down Switzerland in the quarterfinals and will now face England in the semifinals.
FIFA World Rankings for teams still in World Cup
Here is the current FIFA World Ranking for each of the World Cup Round of 16 teams:
The 2026 World Cup presents competing nations with a far greater chance of progressing to the knockout phase than most of the previous tournaments ever have.
The decision to expand the field to 48 teams from 32 means there is an additional knockout round. That means all but 16 nations will get to continue their campaigns beyond the group stage.
Of course, the expansion will not be good news for everyone. There will still be bitter disappointment for those who are eliminated early on, just as there will be for those who falter in the knockouts — especially those teams that are expected to go deep in the tournament.
Below is an updated list of those teams whose World Cup 2026 campaign has already come to an end.
These are the teams that have seen their World Cup journeys end, either at the culmination of the group stage or in the knockout phase.
Teams eliminated from World Cup 2026
Nation
FIFA Ranking
Date Eliminated
Stage Eliminated
How Eliminated
Haiti
83
June 20
Group stage
1-0 loss vs. Scotland, 3-0 loss vs. Brazil
Turkey
22
June 20
Group stage
2-0 loss vs. Australia, 1-0 loss vs. Paraguay
Tunisia
45
June 21
Group stage
5-1 loss vs. Sweden, 4-0 loss vs. Japan
Iraq
63
June 23
Group stage
4-1 loss vs. Norway, 3-0 loss vs. France, 5-0 loss vs. Senegal
Panama
42
June 23
Group stage
1-0 loss vs. Ghana, 1-0 loss vs. Croatia
Qatar
61
June 24
Group stage
6-0 loss vs. Canada, 3-1 loss vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Czechia
48
June 24
Group stage
2-1 loss vs. South Korea, 3-0 loss vs. Mexico
Curacao
90
June 25
Group stage
7-1 loss vs. Germany, 1-0 loss vs. Cape Verde
Uruguay
16
June 26
Group stage
1-0 loss vs. Spain, 2-2 tie vs. Cape Verde, 1-1 tie vs. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
58
June 26
Group stage
4-0 loss vs. Spain, 1-1 draw vs. Uruguay, 0-0 draw vs. Cape Verde
New Zealand
86
June 26
Group stage
2-2 tie vs. Iran, 3-1 loss vs. Egypt, 5-1 loss vs. Belgium
Scotland
42
June 27
Group stage
1-0 loss vs. Morocco, 3-0 loss vs. Brazil
Uzbekistan
60
June 27
Group stage
3-1 loss vs. Colombia, 5-0 loss vs. Portugal, 3-1 loss vs. DR Congo
South Korea
31
June 27
Group stage
1-0 loss vs. Mexico, 1-0 loss vs. South Africa
Iran
21
June 27
Group stage
1-1 draw vs. Egypt, 0-0 draw vs. Belgium, 2-2 draw vs. New Zealand
Jordan
73
June 27
Group stage
3-1 loss vs. Austria, 2-1 loss to Algeria, 3-1 loss to Argentina
South Africa
54
June 28
Round of 32
1-0 loss vs. Canada
Japan
17
June 29
Round of 32
2-1 loss vs. Brazil
Germany
10
June 29
Round of 32
1-1 (pens 4-3) loss vs. Paraguay
Netherlands
8
June 29
Round of 32
1-1 (pens 3-2) loss vs. Morocco
Ivory Coast
33
June 30
Round of 32
2-1 loss vs. Norway
Sweden
38
June 30
Round of 32
3-0 loss to France
Ecuador
13
June 30
Round of 32
2-0 loss to Mexico
DR Congo
41
July 1
Round of 32
2-1 loss to England
Senegal
18
July 1
Round of 32
3-2 (F/ET) loss to Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
61
July 1
Round of 32
2-0 loss to United States
Austria
23
July 2
Round of 32
3-0 loss to Spain
Croatia
23
July 2
Round of 32
2-1 loss to Portugal
Algeria
29
July 2
Round of 32
2-0 loss to Switzerland
Australia
28
July 3
Round of 32
1-1 (4-2 on pens) loss to Egypt
Cape Verde
64
July 3
Round of 32
3-2 (ET) loss to Argentina
Ghana
65
July 3
Round of 32
1-0 loss to Colombia
Canada
30
July 4
Round of 16
3-0 loss to Morocco
Paraguay
34
July 4
Round of 16
1-0 loss to France
Brazil
5
July 5
Round of 16
2-1 loss to Norway
Mexico
10
July 5
Round of 16
3-2 loss to England
Portugal
7
July 6
Round of 16
1-0 loss to Spain
United States
16
July 6
Round of 16
4-1 loss to Belgium
Egypt
24
July 7
Round of 16
3-2 loss to Argentina
Colombia
11
July 7
Round of 16
0-0 (4-3 on pens) loss to Switzerland
Morocco
6
July 9
Quarterfinals
2-0 loss to France
Belgium
9
July 10
Quarterfinals
2-1 loss to Spain
Norway
19
July 11
Quarterfinals
2-1 (ET) loss to England
Switzerland
19
July 11
Quarterfinals
3-1 (ET) loss to Argentina
Haiti, Turkey, Ghana, and Tunisia became the first four teams to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The reason they were knocked out so early is partly because of a new rule relating to group-stage tie-breakers: teams are now ranked in each group by virtue of their record against one another if they are level on points.
Ivory Coast, Sweden and Ecuador all followed suit, losing in their respective Round of 32 matchups to end their World Cup hopes. DR Congo and Senegal also was knocked out on the first day of July before Austria lost to a seriously impressive Spain. Croatia, Australia, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde were the final teams to be knocked out in the Round of 32.
In the Round of 16, co-hosts Canada fell 3-0 to Morocco, before Paraguay were eliminated by France in a bad-tempered encounter. Then came the big shock: five-time winners Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Norway thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland. In a thriller the same night, Mexico fell 3-2 to England, leaving the United States as the last host nation standing. The United States then went out at the hands of Belgium. Egypt and Colombia left the tournament on the final day of the round of 16.
The first quarterfinal game saw France eliminate Morocco with a 2-0 cakewalk. Belgium then followed Morocco out of the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Spain. On The final day of the quarterfinals England topped Norway in extra time before Argentina did the same thing to Switzerland .
Previously, since 1998, there were 32 nations that qualified for the World Cup.
However, starting in 2026, the field was expanded to 48 teams.
This means an additional four groups in the opening phase of the competition, plus an extra stage in the knockouts (the Round of 32). All told, that means the winning team at the tournament will play eight games in total.
At the 2026 World Cup, group-stage play has met its end. That means that high-stakes soccer is now upon World Cup viewers.
In this year's tournament so far, the top of the goalscoring charts features some of the world's best. For the second year in a row, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are in the top two thus far, although Erling Haaland is right in the mix.
Here are the players at the top of this World Cup's chart so far as the leading scorers.
Rankings updated after France vs. Morocco on July 9.
Rank
Player
Team
Goals (Penalties)
Assists
Matches
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8 (1)
2
6
=
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8 (0)
2
6
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7 (0)
0
6
4.
Jude Bellingham
England
6 (0)
1
6
=
Harry Kane
England
6 (2)
1
6
6.
Ousmane Dembele
France
4 (0)
2
6
=
Vinicius Junior
Brazil
4 (0)
1
5
=
Mikel Oyarzabal
Spain
4 (0)
1
6
=
Julian Quinones
Mexico
4 (0)
1
5
=
Ismaila Sarr
Senegal
4 (0)
1
4
11.
Deniz Undav
Germany
3 (0)
2
4
=
Romelu Lukaku
Canada
3 (0)
1
5
=
Jonathan David
Canada
3 (0)
0
5
=
Matheus Cunha
Brazil
3 (0)
0
5
=
Ismael Saibari
Morocco
3 (0)
0
5
=
Brian Brobbey
Netherlands
3 (0)
0
4
=
Johan Manzambi
Switzerland
3 (0)
1
5
=
Elijah Just
New Zealand
3 (0)
0
3
=
Ismaila Sarr
Senegal
3 (0)
1
4
=
Yoane Wissa
DR Congo
3 (1)
0
4
=
Cody Gakpo
Netherlands
3 (0)
1
4
=
Raul Jimenez
Mexico
3 (1)
0
5
=
Folarin Balogun
United States
3 (0)
0
5
=
Charles De Ketelaere
Belgium
3 (0)
1
6
=
Romelu Lukaku
Belgium
3 (0)
1
6
=
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
3 (1)
0
5
Odds to win 2026 World Cup Golden Boot
The winners of the previous two World Cup Golden Boots led the pre-tournament betting in 2026, with France star Kylian Mbappe the marginal favorite ahead of England captain Harry Kane with DraftKings Sportsbook.
Norway are not expected to go as deep into the tournament as France or England, but Erling Haaland's remarkable record of 55 goals in 50 internationals means it would be no surprise to see him in a familiar position at the top of the standings.
Haaland and Mikel Oyarzabal, who is expected to start as Spain's central attacker, are ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the betting as the veteran superstars compete in their sixth World Cups.
Kylian Mbappe made history by becoming the first man since England hero Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final.
Mbappe also converted his penalty in the shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Argentina, but Les Bleus ultimately came up agonisingly short.
There was at least the consolation for Mbappe of taking home the Golden Boot, following on from his four-goal showing on his triumphant World Cup debut in 2018.
There have been 22 men's World Cup tournaments and 22 different winners of the Golden Boot.
A scan of the all-time winners below makes it clear that it's not always the star players who come away with the prestigious award.
Year
Player
Nation
Goals
1930
Guillermo Stabile
Argentina
8
1934
Oldrich Nejedly
Czechoslovakia
5
1938
Leonidas
Brazil
7
1950
Ademir
Brazil
8
1954
Sandor Kocsis
Hungary
11
1958
Just Fontaine
France
13
1962
Florian Albert
Hungary
4
1966
Eusebio
Portugal
9
1970
Gerd Muller
West Germany
10
1974
Grzegorz Lato
Poland
7
1978
Mario Kempes
Argentina
6
1982
Paolo Rossi
Italy
6
1986
Gary Lineker
England
6
1990
Salvatore Schillaci
Italy
6
1994
Oleg Salenko
Russia
6
1998
Davor Suker
Croatia
6
2002
Ronaldo
Brazil
8
2006
Miroslav Klose
Germany
5
2010
Thomas Muller
Germany
5
2014
James Rodriguez
Colombia
6
2018
Harry Kane
England
6
2022
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
How many Golden Boot winners also won the World Cup?
There have been 22 previous editions of the men's FIFA World Cup, but there have only been three occasions when the champion also had a player atop the Golden Boot rankings.
The first one came in 1978, as Mario Kempes helped lead Argentina to triumph on home soil, including two goals in the final against the Netherlands.
In the following edition, it was another goal poacher, this time Italian forward Paolo Rossi, who also scored in the final to help the Azzurri cap their magical run with the title.
Another 20 years passed before the next player to do it, and it was one of the all-time greats. Brazil forward Ronaldo was the star of the 2002 World Cup, and he delivered for his country, scoring both goals in the final against Germany.
Ronaldo's eight goals in that 2002 tournament are the most scored in a single tournament since Germany's Gerd Muller hit double digits in 1970.
Who has the most goals in World Cup history?
There is a new leader for the most goals in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi entered the 2026 tournament three goals behind Miroslav Klose's record of 16. The Argentina star needed just two matches to surpass the German's total, tying the record with a hat trick in the opening game against Algeria before breaking the record against Austria.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway gestures towards the fans after scoring his team's second goal against Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. GettyNAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 22: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of A.C. Milan celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on November 22, 2020 in Naples, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) GettyErling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 Getty
After Norway‘s quarterfinal exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, star striker Erling Haaland finally linked up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Haaland has been compared to Ibrahimovic due to their tall stature, goal-scoring prowess and long locks.
In a post on Zlatan’s Instagram, the two towering strikers finally came together face to face.
Haaland is coming off a sensational World Cup debut, scoring seven goals in five appearances. He led Norway to the quarterfinals, but they fell short against England2-1.
Zlatan, on the other hand, has turned into one of the most popular pundits during the tournament for Fox Sports.
Zlatan Ibrahomivic’s Advice to Erling Haaland
GettyZlatan Ibrahimovic of A.C. Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on November 22, 2020 in Naples, Italy.
In an appearance on James Corden’s After Hours, Erling Haaland revealed that he received a phone call from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and was given some friendly advice.
“Zlatan, you know what he told me? ‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,'” Haaland said, via Fox Sports. “What can I do? I have to listen to him, no?”
The Swedish legend confirmed the story live on air after Norway’s win against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.
“I truly believed that when I was playing,” Ibrahimovic said. “When things were going well, I had my ponytail.
“I remember when Haaland showed up on the big stage, we had the same agent, who unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. I saw him with his long ponytail, and my agent was telling me, ‘Listen, I saw Zlatan in him,’ and I said, ‘You keep that hair because that hair is going to take you where you want to go.'”
GettyErling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026.
Haaland and Zlatan were both represented by Mino Raiola before the agent passed away in April 2022.
Erling Haaland on Norway’s World Cup Run
Speaking to reporters after Norway’s exit from the World Cup, Erling Haaland was still smiling and answering questions. Haaland looked at the positives rather than focus on the loss to England.
“I think how we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said, via USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall. “I think with the (viking) row, how good people we are … I think that really touches me, and we put Norway on the map. Hopefully, now, we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing.”
Norway made a lot of noise in the World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. They returned after a 28-year absence, and it seems like they are entering their golden generation.
Haaland is set to take a vacation before returning to club football. He’s still signed under contract with Manchester City in the English Premier League.
Set to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to Lionel Messi's Argentina XI, with two key doubts yet to be solved.
Argentina are through to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after another unconvincing performance, this time against Switzerland, with Lionel Messi once again carrying the load. With England up next and a place in the final on the line, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning changes to his starting lineup, with two positions in particular still up in the air.
The 3-1 scoreline at Arrowhead Stadium was flattering. Argentina struggled for long stretches playing eleven against eleven, and it took Breel Embolo’s red card and an extra-time comeback to seal the result. England, ranked fourth in the FIFA Rankings, represent the toughest opponent Argentina have faced in the entire 2026 World Cup, and Scaloni appears to recognize that adjustments are necessary.
On Monday, Argentina held their final training session in Kansas City at the Compass Mineral Center before departing for Atlanta. The AFA’s official report noted that the squad “focused on possession drills, recovery after turnovers, and attacking progression,” closing the session with small-sided games.
Argentina to hold the system
According to Diario Ole‘s Hernan Claus, an insider close to the Argentina national team, Scaloni has been working between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2, consistent with the formations used throughout the tournament. However, with the current group of starters struggling to find the right balance, the coach experimented with several personnel changes in key positions during Monday’s session.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 14, 2026
Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios featured in the starting lineup for part of the training session, offering a ball-retention profile in midfield that Argentina lacked against Switzerland. Giuliano Simeone also got some minutes, providing a wider, more direct option down the flank as an alternative to the more technical Mac Allister-Fernandez-Paredes-De Paul setup Scaloni has favored.
The right back position also saw rotation, with both Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel cycling through the role as they have done throughout the tournament, with neither player having done enough to make the spot their own.
According to the Argentine outlet, nine players appear close to certain starters against England: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez. Of those who started against Switzerland, Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina appear most at risk of losing their places.
Scaloni considering a 5-3-2 system?
One of the more significant possibilities reported by Diario Oleis a switch to a 5-3-2 for the England semifinal. In Monday’s session, Scaloni trialed a back three of Nicolas Otamendi, Cristián Romero, and Lisandro Martinez, with Molina and Simeone as right wing backs, Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez on the left, a midfield three of De Paul, Fernandez, and Mac Allister, and Messi and Alvarez as the two forwards.
It would not be the first time Scaloni has made such a tactical shift under pressure, having deployed a similar approach in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands, a match Argentina controlled for long stretches despite finishing 2-2. The final decision is expected to come after Tuesday’s training session in Atlanta, but one thing already appears clear: Scaloni will not be sending out the same lineup that started against Egypt or Switzerland.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni (L) and Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina.
Not only does the World Cup semifinals feature the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA World Rankings, but all four have a World Cup win in their history.
There will be no first-time champion in 2026, but one team will add to its trophy collection and rise on the all-time list of World Cup champions.
Still, none of the countries remaining actually top the leaderboard.
Here's a look at which countries have won the most World Cups and where the four 2026 semifinalists rank.
Only eight countries have won the World Cup, with six having won multiple times. Here's the full list:
Country
World Cup wins
Years
Brazil
5
1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Germany
4
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Italy
4
1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Argentina
3
1978, 1986, 2022
France
2
1998, 2018
Uruguay
2
1930, 1950
England
1
1966
Spain
1
2010
The three winningest teams in World Cup history are all out of the tournament, as Brazil leads the all-time list with five victories while Germany and Italy check in next with four. Italy has missed the last three World Cups, while Germany was eliminated in a Round of 32 upset this time around.
England won the World Cup in 1966, a run that is still remembered fondly by English fans, but the majority of fans alive today haven't seen the country win the World Cup. It's been 60 years since England's last appearance in the World Cup final, with semifinal appearances in 1990 and 2018 but no such luck in the round. England is hoping 2026 brings about better fortune, and two more wins would give the country its first World Cup win in generations.
How many World Cups has France won?
France has won the World Cup twice, most recently in 2018. France previously won in 1998, when current manager Didier Deschamps was the team's captain.
France was the host country when it won in 1998, defeating reigning champion Brazil in the final, and a win over Croatia in the 2018 final marked a return to glory for the squad.
Like England, Spain has only won the World Cup once. Spain's lone win came much more recently than England's, as the Spanish prevailed in the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa. Led by David Villa, Spain outlasted the Netherlands in the 2010 final when Andres Iniesta scored the go-ahead goal deep into extra time.
How many World Cups has Argentina won?
Argentina has won the World Cup three times, the most of the four semifinalists in 2026. Argentina is the reigning champion, having won a thriller over France in the 2022 final. Before 2026, Argentina's two wins came in 1978 and 1986. Argentina was the host nation for its first World Cup win, and Diego Maradona made Mexico feel like home in 1986 when he scored five goals on his way to a title.
While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are the two frontrunners for the 2026 World Cup's best player award, the statistical impact across the four remaining semifinalists is far more evenly distributed than those two names might suggest.
The 2026 World Cup has lived up to its billing as a tournament of stars, with the four remaining teams ranked inside the FIFA top four and all former world champions. While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have set the pace at the top, the statistical picture across the semifinalists is more nuanced than it might appear.
Messi and Mbappe are the undisputed headliners, both leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals apiece and sitting first and second on the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 21 and 20 goals respectively. But Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have surged into contention with six goals each and two matches remaining, making the race for the tournament’s top scorer genuinely wide open heading into the final two rounds.
Beyond the strikers, players who arrived in form have carried that momentum into the competition, with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise standing out as examples. The statistical breakdown across the four semifinalists tells an interesting story, with some categories spread across multiple contributors and others entirely dominated by a single name.
Spain
Lamine Yamal remains Spain’s marquee name, but the Barcelona star has not yet hit his ceiling at this tournament, still working his way back from the hamstring injury that disrupted his buildup. Despite that, Spain have been the most defensively disciplined side in the competition, conceding just once across six matches, with their output spread across a deep and balanced squad.
Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain celebrates with Alex Baena #15 after scoring a goal.
Most Goals: Mikel Oyarzabal (4).
Most Assists: Marc Cucurella (2).
Most Key Passes (p90): Pedro Porro (2.3)
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Lamine Yamal (3.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Marc Cucurella (3).
France
Mbappe is once again the driving force for Les Bleus, replicating his 2022 World Cup form with eight goals. But France have shown genuine balance this time around, with a solid defensive foundation complemented by clinical contributions from Dembele and Olise alongside their captain.
Most Goals: Kylian Mbappe (8).
Most Assists: Michael Olise (5).
Most Key Passes (p90): Kylian Mbappe (2.7).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Michael Olise (2.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Michael Olise (5).
England
Under Thomas Tuchel, England have been built around two players to a degree rarely seen at a major tournament. Kane and Bellingham account for 12 of England’s 13 goals in the competition, and while that level of dependency carries risk, a supporting cast featuring key contributors has allowed both stars to thrive.
Most Goals: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham (6)
Most Assists: Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka (3).
Most Key Passes (p90): Declan Rice (2.6).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Jude Bellingham (2).
Most Big Chances Created: Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke, and Declan Rice (3).
Argentina
The defending champions have been far from convincing as a collective, relying more on spirit and resilience than on controlled, dominant performances. But with a 39-year-old Lionel Messi producing some of the most complete individual displays of any player in the tournament, Argentina have navigated every obstacle and remain unbeaten in World Cup semifinals.
Most Goals: Lionel Messi (8).
Most Assists: Lionel Messi (2).
Most Key Passes (p90): Lionel Messi (3.7).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Lionel Messi (2.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Lionel Messi (6).
Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappe of France, and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
While yellow cards are sometimes necessary in order to stop a team from scoring, the repercussions of accumulating a pair at the World Cup can be detrimental for a team. If a player gets to yellow cards in nearby games, the player will be subject to a one-game suspension.
With the new 32-team system in the knockout stage at the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has enacted a new system of refreshing a player's yellow card count. At the beginning of the quarterfinals, the counter will reset, and past yellow cards that count towards a player's suspension will be nullified.
This reset already occurred for teams that made it into the knockout stage. Players who earned a yellow card during the group stages had no bookings heading into the Round of 32. If a player was carded in the Round of 32, however, they will skate on thin ice until the beginning of the quarterfinals.
Here are the players in the knockout stages who have been booked and are at risk of suspension.
List of players at risk of yellow-card suspension for World Cup knockout stages
The following players have each received one yellow card in the knockout stage. A second caution in their quarterfinal match would rule them out of the quarterfinal. The list reflects bookings since the Round of 32.
Table only includes teams to reach the World Cup quarterfinals
Yellow cards are shown to players for offences such as repeated or reckless fouls, deliberately stopping an attacking move, time-wasting, or simulation, or simulating a fall in an attempt to win a free kick or penalty.
If a player receives two yellow cards in the same match, they combine into a red card. The player is then sent off and suspended for their team's next game. The same automatic one-match ban applies to a straight red card, although a longer suspension can be applied in some cases.
Yellow cards collected in separate matches also add up. Two cautions across different games trigger an automatic one-match suspension, the punishment that most often catches players out during a tournament.
What has changed for 2026 is when those accumulated cards are wiped. To accommodate the expanded 48-team format, FIFA reset all yellow cards after the group stage and will reset them again after the quarterfinals. Under the old system, single cautions carried through until the quarterfinals, meaning a group-stage booking could still cost a player a place in the last 16.
FIFA has also added a couple of new ways to see red. Players can now be dismissed for covering their mouths to hide what they are saying during a confrontation, or for deliberately leaving the field to protest a referee's decision. On the flip side, VAR can now step in to review and overturn certain mistaken send-offs, including incorrect second yellows and wrongful red cards.
Can players be suspended for World Cup quarterfinals because of yellow cards?
Yes, but the new reset rule narrows the window. Along with being reset after the group stage concluded, yellow cards will be reset to 0 for every player at the end of the quarterfinals. That means individuals cannot be banned for the final based purely on yellow-card accumulation.
A player who already has one yellow and is cautioned again before the quarterfinals reaches two within the first two knockout-stage matches, and that triggers the automatic one-match ban. In other words, any player booked in the earlier knockout rounds who then receives a yellow card in a quarterfinal game will be banned for the semifinals.
Argentina's request to use the blue kit in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England has been accepted, but questions over the nature of the petition started to raise.
Argentina and England meet again at a World Cup, this time with a place in the 2026 final on the line. One of the more intriguing stories to emerge ahead of the match is Argentina’s formal request to FIFA to wear their blue away kit, a decision rooted in history and superstition.
On Sunday, the day after both semifinalists secured their quarterfinal victories, TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul reported that the Albiceleste national team had submitted a request to Argentina Football Association (AFA) FIFA to wear their navy blue away kit against the Three Lions.
With England designated as Team A and Argentina as Team B for the semifinal, Argentina were already slated to wear the blue kit by default, but England retained the option to request a change if they wished. Argentina’s formal submission was made to remove any doubt and lock in the choice. The request was approved, with England wearing white and Argentina taking the field in navy blue.
The reason behind Argentina’s blue kit request
The decision was driven by the blue kit’s remarkable record in Argentina’s World Cup history against England, a jersey associated with some of the most iconic moments in the rivalry and treated by the Albiceleste as a powerful good omen.
Jorge Valdano of Argentina faces Terry Fenwick in the 1986 World Cup. (Michael King/Getty Images)
The most legendary chapter came at the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, a 2-1 victory that produced both Diego Maradona’s Hand of God and his Goal of the Century. The blue kit delivered again in the 1998 Round of 16, a match remembered for David Beckham’s red card following a clash with Diego Simeone, with Argentina advancing via penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
The 2026 World Cup in Atlanta will mark the fourth time Argentina wear the blue navy kit against England. The first was at Chile 1962, a 3-1 group stage defeat. Notably, the two times Argentina have worn the traditional white and light blue against England in the World Cup, they lost both, 1-0 in the 1966 quarterfinals and 1-0 in the 2002 group stage.
One last positive omen for England
While the blue kit holds a strong record in World Cup encounters between these two nations, the most recent head-to-head in that jersey offers England some encouragement. The last time Argentina wore navy blue against the Three Lions was on November 10th, 2005, and England came away with a 3-2 win.
Argentina dominated possession and led 2-1 heading into the final ten minutes, with goals from Hernán Crespo and Walter Samuel against Wayne Rooney’s reply. But Michael Owen had other ideas, leveling in the 86th minute before completing the turnaround in stoppage time to hand England the victory, albeit in a friendly rather than a competitive fixture.
Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in World Cup history, having won the trophy and established as a prolific goalscorer. However, he faces a major challenge against Spain as he pursues an achievement he has yet to accomplish.
Although he is only 27 years old, Kylian Mbappé is already one of the greatest players in World Cup history. After winning the 2018 edition, he has become a regular presence for France. In addition, he has remained one of the top scorers in all three World Cups he has played. Despite this, the French striker faces a major challenge against Spain, as he is chasing a feat he has yet to achieve.
Kylian Mbappé looks to score in a World Cup semifinal for the first time against Spain. While he is the tournament’s second all-time leading scorer, he failed to find the net against Morocco at Qatar 2022 and against Belgium at Russia 2018. Therefore, the 27-year-old striker will be aiming to score for the first time at this stage of the tournament and lead France to a third consecutive World Cup final.
Mbappé has yet to score in a World Cup semifinal, but he has found the net in both finals he has played. In the Russia 2018 final, he scored against Croatia in the 4-2 victory. In addition, he scored a hat trick against Argentina in the Qatar 2022 final, proving to be a truly decisive player. Because of his goalscoring prowess, he will be looking to make his mark for the first time in every stage of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé’s record vs Spain ahead of World Cup clash
Throughout his professional career with France, Kylian Mbappé has played 104 matches, scoring 64 goals. Even though he is the national team’s all-time leading scorer, he has faced Spain only four times, recording just one victory and producing a relatively modest goalscoring record against them.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France walks off the pitch.
Mbappé has scored only two goals for France against Spain. The first goal came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, giving his national team the title. His most recent goal came from the penalty spot in the semifinals of the same tournament, in the 2025 edition. With his last victory coming in 2021, he is looking to end his drought in World Cup semifinals, but also to beat Luis de la Fuente’s team again.
Mbappé has another motivation vs Spain: World Cup scoring record
Kylian Mbappé is having his best performance at the 2026 World Cup, recording a goal contribution in every match he has played. With that, he arrives fully motivated for the match against Spain. Not only is he looking to end his drought in the tournament’s semifinals, but he is also chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record.
The 27-year-old striker has scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches with France, surpassing Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup scoring rankings and moving into second place on the list. As a result, he is competing directly with Lionel Messi, who has 21 goals and leads the standings. With both teams reaching the tournament’s semifinals, Mbappé appears highly motivated to shine against Spain.
Kylian Mbappé #10 of France controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Facing Spain in yet another semifinal, France star Adrien Rabiot confirmed that they won't have an "anti-Yamal" plan for the 2026 World Cup clash.
Lamine Yamal enters the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Spain and France as one of the most dangerous players in the world, but France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has made clear that Les Bleus will not be building their defensive gameplan around stopping him.
Yamal has already made France suffer on multiple occasions, scoring the equalizer in the Euro 2024 semifinal and netting twice in the Nations League semifinal. Now 19, he faces Les Bleus once again at the semifinal stage, this time at a World Cup, with the head-to-head record firmly in his favor.
Yet when asked about how France plans to handle the Barcelona star, Rabiot was straightforward. “There is no anti-Yamal plan. We’re focused on the Spanish team. No, we’re not focusing on one player, we know they are dangerous in every aspect, whether it’s him or the forwards in possession of the ball, attacking the tight spaces near the box, the combination play,” he said at Monday’s press conference.
Spain rank sixth in the tournament in goals scored with 11, but have conceded just once, and sit second among the four semifinalists in shots on target behind only France, reflecting a team that wins through collective effort rather than individual brilliance. “So we need to stay focused on that, not necessarily on one individual,” the AC Milan midfielder added.
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) July 13, 2026
Yamal had already turned up the heat after Spain’s win over Belgium, declaring: “I think that if France has to fear anyone, it’s us, as we’re the ones who have knocked them out before.” Those words appear to have landed with the French camp, who will now be looking to eliminate Spain for the first time in three years after falling short in both the Euro and the Nations League.
Yamal’s 2026 World Cup so far
Yamal has been one of Spain’s most important players in both the Euro and the Nations League, but his first World Cup has not yet seen him reach those same heights. Despite featuring in all six of Spain’s matches, with limited involvement against Cape Verde, he has managed just one goal against Saudi Arabia and has yet to register an assist.
By comparison, he contributed one goal and four assists across seven games at Euro 2024, and three goals and one assist in seven games during the 2024-25 Nations League. The serious injury he suffered at Barcelona before the tournament may still be a factor, and despite being nearly a month removed from his return to the pitch, his sharpest form has remained elusive.
Currently, Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain’s scoring chart with four goals, while Marc Cucurella tops the assists list with two. The semifinal against France represents Yamal’s best opportunity yet to announce himself on the World Cup stage.
Adrien Rabiot of France and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Taking place every four years, the FIFA World Cup often brings with it an unprecedented level of exclusive merchandise that can only be found when the tournament comes around.
One of the most popular World Cup collectibles is the Panini sticker album, which features stickers for many of the 1,248 players across the 48 participating rosters at the 2026 tournament.
Every four years, the Panini album is a globally popular collectible, as fans all around the world attempt to fill their sticker books with every single player at the tournament.
The Sporting News takes a look at why the album is such a famous and exciting collectible event, and how you can begin collecting it yourself.
Since 1970, Panini has done an officially licensed sticker booklet for every FIFA World Cup, with the exception of 1994 when Upper Deck owned the rights.
The first of its kind featured 270 stickers to collect, with one for most players featured at the competition.
Since then, the sticker album has grown into a collecting phenomenon, with soccer fans and collecting enthusiasts alike excited every four years for the product to be released.
Collecting all stickers and filling an album is a badge of honor in the hobby, but that has become more and more difficult each cycle as the album grows in size. For the 2026 sticker album, there are a whopping 980 different stickers to collect to complete the booklet from front to back.
"That swap experience, that culture, has been ingrained and embedded long before the last 16 years [when Panini America joined the company as a subsidiary] because there's such a dynamic and diverse group of people in the U.S. from all over the world," Panini America senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations Jason Howarth told The Sporting News.
Panini World Cup sticker rarities
While most collectors just hope to acquire one of every single sticker in the Panini World Cup album to complete the set, there are also different rarities of each sticker for those more dedicated or specific collectors.
In the United States, each sticker has a border color that indicates its individual rarity. The different colors are:
Color
Rarity
White
Common (Every pack)
Blue
Uncommon (1 in every 2 packs)
Red
Rare (1 in every 25 packs)
Purple
Very Rare (1 in every 200 packs)
Green
Super Rare (1 in every 1,400 packs)
Black
1-of-1 (1 of each sticker in existence)
The rarest of the stickers are the black borders, of which there is only one of each player in existence. For the most desirable players, these can often sell for upwards of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars on resale sites.
Coca-Cola Panini World Cup partnership
New for the 2026 album is a partnership with Coca-Cola.
In the very back of the album are 12 stickers to collect from the inside of Coca-Cola labels on select bottled products. Panini has negotiated individual rights deals with all 12 players in order to include their images in an additional way.
The deal with Coca-Cola gives Panini a "massive presence" across major retailers, Howarth said. There are 375 million Coca-Cola Panini stickers to be produced across the United States and Canada, and more than 1 billion across the globe.
In addition, there are digital-exclusive stickers that fans can download and collect as well, with each individual able to redeem one code per day for a pack of digital stickers.
Different Panini World Cup sticker products
Here are the different products available for purchase for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and their approximate retail price.
Packs — $2: Each individual pack of stickers contains 7 stickers
Sticker Album tin — $25: A cylindrical tin of 1 sticker album and 10 sticker packs
25-Pack box — $50: A box of 25 sticker packs
50-Pack box — $100: A box of 50 sticker packs
Starter Kit tin — $60: A cylindrical tin of 1 sticker album, 25 sticker packs, and 1 trophy card
How to keep track of stickers owned and needed
Everyone has their own method to keep track of their pulls and what stickers are still needed. From pen and paper to customized charts, there are many different ways to log which stickers you still have left to acquire.
However, there is one method that's starting to become a popular is tracking by app. While there's no official Panini app, there are a few third-party offerings that have risen to prominence.
After attending various sticker swap meet-ups, Sporting News has found that the most popular app is called Figuritas. As long as you can put up with the frequent ads which stop your progress — or purchase the no-ad version — this app not only allows a user to log their pulls, but also their duplicates with just a few simple taps.
Additionally, it makes swapping with another person a breeze, as you can simply scan your potential trade partner's QR code in their app, and it tells you what you need that they have extra of, and visa-versa. You can then simply mark what you're trading, press a button, and the app completes the trade for you, removing the duplicates you sent and adding what you received to your pile.
Can you buy missing Panini World Cup stickers individually?
Yes, you can buy individual stickers missing from your collection.
The first stop for your missing stickers is the official Panini website, where you can purchase up to five missing stickers for 70 cents each. However, don't expect to find a Lionel Messi sticker, as those are sold out.
Otherwise, you will have to check resale websites like eBay for your missing stickers, which vary greatly in price depending on player desirability and rarity.
The best way to finish your collection is still through trading, however!
Where can I trade Panini World Cup stickers?
Panini has a number of official trading events and locations all across the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with dedicated times and dates for each one. You can find one coming up near you by clicking here.
"The swap experience for Panini, and how engaged people are, and just hungry for it, is not dissimiar to the Pokemon Go crazy," Howarth said. "Everyone's talking about meet-ups and where they're going to be for Panini sticker swaps across all social platforms. It's not just 'oh there's a bunch of kids at the park swapping stickers that will ride home on their bikes' like I did in the 80's. They're definitely more engaged [now]."
There are four mobile tour vehicles moving around the United States and Canada throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Starting in May and continuing through the , vehicles visited stops in Florida, Deleware, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, California, Illinois, Missouri, Ontario, and other stops throughout the countries.
Guinness World Record attempt
Panini attempted to set a Guinness World Record for "Largest Sports Sticker Exchange in 8 Hours (multiple venues)" on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
There will be four different locations during which collectors can come to trade stickers:
Rockefeller Center (New York City, NY)
American Dream Mall (East Rutherford, NJ)
Mexico City FIFA Fan Festival (Mexico City, Mexico)
Parque de las Ninas y los Ninos (Guadalajara, Mexico)
The events will all take place simultaneously, from 11 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET.
The previous record stood at 2,577 one-to-one swaps. "Panini will aim to surpass that mark by creating a continuous flow of collectors throughout the day across all locations," the collectable company said before the attempt.
The following day, Panini confirmed that it had smashed the previous record, with 4,446 swaps logged throughout the day, nearly doubling the old mark.
Who is doing the sticker album for the 2030 FIFA World Cup?
Panini will be in command of the FIFA World Cup sticker album for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the 100th anniversary of the tournament.
However, that will be their final time producing the sticker album, as their current deal runs out after that tournament.
Following the 2030 competition, Fanatics and their collectables brand Topps will be taking over all World Cup collectables, as they signed a landmark long-term licensing deal with FIFA.
Lionel Messi is set to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, adding the last World Cup champion he had yet to play against in his career.
Lionel Messi faces England for the first time in his career when Argentina and the Three Lions meet in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 16th at Atlanta Stadium. The milestone means Messi will have now faced every World Cup champion at least once, completing a remarkable checklist across two decades of international football.
The Argentina-England rivalry runs deep, with 14 previous meetings between the nations and a history of tension that extends well beyond the sport. Yet despite making his international debut in August 2005, Messi has never shared a field with England, and the one opportunity he had slipped away under unusual circumstances.
On November 12, 2005, Argentina and England met in a friendly in Switzerland ahead of the 2006 World Cup. Messi was part of the squad but was serving a one-game FIFA suspension following the red card he received on his debut against Hungary, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Argentina fell 3-2 in what would have been his first taste of the rivalry.
Now, 24 years after their last World Cup meeting, a 1-0 England win in 2002, the two nations meet again on soccer’s biggest stage. With Argentina holding a record of just one win, one draw, and three defeats against England historically, Messi will be looking to tip the balance in the Albiceleste‘s favor.
A general view of Atlanta Stadium, the venue for the England vs. Argentina clash. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Messi’s record against World Cup champions
Brazil
In arguably the fiercest rivalry in the sport, Messi has faced Brazil 14 times in the Argentina shirt. His most significant win came in the 2021 Copa America final, and his most recent appearance in the fixture came during the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign. The overall record is about as even as it gets.
14 games.
5 goals.
0 assists.
6 wins.
2 draws.
6 losses.
France
Messi has faced France three times, twice in the World Cup and once in a friendly, and has consistently delivered in those moments. The record remains level, with the 2022 World Cup final standing as the defining encounter between the two sides.
3 games.
3 goals.
2 assists.
1 win.
1 draw.
1 loss.
Germany
Germany has historically been one of Argentina’s most difficult opponents, and Messi’s personal record reflects that. Both of Die Mannschaft‘s wins came in the World Cup, most painfully in the 2014 final in Brazil.
4 games.
1 goals.
0 assists.
2 wins.
0 draws.
2 losses.
Italy
Messi has faced Italy only once, in the 2022 Finalissima, and made his presence felt with two assists as Argentina claimed the unofficial title. It stands as one of the few World Cup champions where Messi holds an unblemished record.
1 game.
0 goals.
2 assists.
1 win.
Spain
All three of Messi’s meetings with Spain have come in international friendlies, with no World Cup crossovers. The most memorable of those came when a reigning world champion Spanish side was dismantled 4-1 by Argentina.
3 games.
2 goals.
0 assists.
1 wins.
0 draws.
2 losses.
Uruguay
Uruguay is Messi’s most favorable matchup among World Cup champions, with a commanding head-to-head record built largely through competitive fixtures. The most recent meeting, however, went La Celeste’s way with a 2-0 win on Argentine soil in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite already being 39 years old, Lionel Messi remains one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup. Amid the reported tensions, Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the Argentine star's performances.
Lionel Messi has emerged as one of the best players of the 2026 World Cup, showcasing his scoring prowess and exceptional creativity. Even at 39 years old, he has remained an undisputed starter for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, demonstrating outstanding fitness while competing for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Amid reported tensions, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has praised the Argentine legend’s performances.
“Messi’s World Cup is extraordinary. Eight goals, some of them of great quality. With that talent, Messi is always good. Other players in the world of soccer, when they reach a certain age, because they don’t have the talent Leo has, it becomes more noticeable… they are fortunate to have Leo up front, because as soon as the ball reaches him, he puts it in the back of the net,” said Joan Laporta as reported by Fox Sports.
After his departure from Barcelona in 2021, the relationship between Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi has reportedly been damaged. While the Argentine legend has chosen not to make any public comments, the executive has repeatedly reaffirmed that his decision not to renew Messi’s contract was the right one. However, he has now sought to ease tensions by acknowledging the 39-year-old’s remarkable talent and outstanding performances.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have once again dominated at the 2026 World Cup, keeping Messi as the team’s central figure. Having been on the bench in just one match, the Argentine legend has shone even in extra time, delivering his best version. With the semifinal against England still to come, he still has the chance to further cement his legacy in the tournament’s history.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup is rewriting the record books
Unlike previous editions, Lionel Messi did not arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to shine. Despite that, he has managed to compete to be the tournament’s best player. After playing in six matches, he has scored eight goals and provided two assists. His outstanding performances at the tournament have led the 39-year-old legend to rewrite the World Cup record books.
Following his eight goals in the tournament, Messi is directly competing with Kylian Mbappé to finish as the top scorer. In addition, he already stands as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, with 21 goals in 31 matches. Not satisfied with that, Lionel also became the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider, with 11 assists, holding the record outright. With this, he rewrote the tournament’s record books.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona.
The 2026 World Cup has received great feedback with its 48-team field and now Gianni Infantino and FIFA want to expand the tournament again.
This summer’s World Cup marks the first time that the competition has increased beyond 32 countries. However, Infantino and Co. are clearly eyeing another expansion in the future given the additional eyeballs and revenue.
Infantino confirms that he wants more nations playing in the World Cup as he plots for 64 teams in the near future. This would align with FIFA’s plans to expand the tournament and become more similar to March Madness.
Gianni Infantino confirmed that FIFA will discuss expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament, saying every nation should have the chance to dream of playing at football's biggest event. https://t.co/HvBTuagd8h
The 2026 edition of the competition is drawing major plaudits from fans with new countries like Cape Verde and Haiti having success. Meanwhile, the reality of the World Cup is that the infrequency of the event always draws major attention.
Infantino wants expanded FIFA World Cup
College basketball’s success over the years with March Madness is clearly rubbing off on other sports like soccer. Infantino is undoubtedly aiming to feature more top countries from around the globe in the World Cup.
“When you organize a World Cup, it’s important that you organize it for the whole world,” Infantino said. “It’s not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.”
Another World Cup expansion surely benefits federations in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and other areas that aren’t regularly featured. Meanwhile, it could also prevent top countries like Italy from missing out on the tournament.
If FIFA does go through with the plans for 64 countries, teams would end up playing 128 matches during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is currently playing 104 matches with its 48-team event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
When will FIFA expand to a 64-team World Cup?
Executives from FIFA and top federations first floated the idea of 64 teams back in 2025. However, given the World Cup’s success this summer it’s evident that Infantino wants the idea to become a reality.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez expressed his support for the concept, which could come as early the 2030 tournament.
The next World Cup marks the 100-year anniversary of the competition, which is set to be played in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. However, opening matches are likely to be played in Argentina and Uruguay as an homage to the 1930 World Cup in South America.
Erling Haaland was already well known before the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to his prodigious goal scoring in the English Premier League for Manchester City.
But at this tournament in North America, his leading of Norway on a surprise run to the quarterfinals while having a blast all the while -- it made him into a totally global superstar.
Haaland may not have advanced past England into the semifinals, and so he is back home now, but he didn't leave with nothing.
And this is one of those situations where the Internet is the best.
It appears that social media sleuths determined this as being a $750 purchase from Texas:
Erling Haaland has returned to Norway, and it looks like he brought home a $750 Whiskey Raccoon from Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, Texas. What an authentic piece of American culture. pic.twitter.com/SsnwZlEgOZ
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinals against Lionel Messi's Argentina, England legend John Terry heated up the game with a bold claim: "Man for man, we're better."
Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his illustrious career, and he will do so on one of the sport’s grandest stages in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Ahead of the clash against Argentina, England legend John Terry delivered a bold assessment of the matchup: “Man for man, we’re better.”
Speaking on the FIFA Podcast on YouTube, the former Chelsea captain argued that Argentina should hold no fear for the Three Lions: “I’m not worried with Argentina. I don’t look at Argentina and I see it kind of worried about them being better than us. I think man-for-man we’re better than Argentina.“
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England‘s standout performers with six goals apiece, while Argentina’s attack has leaned heavily on Messi to provide the spark. As a broader measure of squad quality, Transfermarkt values England’s World Cup roster at €1.36 billion, with Bellingham leading the way at €130 million, compared to Argentina’s €807 million squad valuation, with Julian Alvarez’s €100 million price tag the highest on their books.
Terry did acknowledge, however, that squad value does not tell the whole story. Despite England’s edge on paper, he conceded that Argentina’s experience in deep tournament runs at the World Cup and Copa América could prove decisive. “But the experience they have at these later stages in the competition could kind of serve them well,” he concluded.
Argentina players pose for a photo prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final.
Only Kane, John Stones, Jordan Pickford, and Marcus Rashford remain from the England squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semifinals, where they fell 2-1 to Croatia. Argentina, by contrast, have won their last four major finals, including the Finalissima against Italy, and that battle-hardened core represents one of the biggest challenges England’s less experienced players will face in the later stages of a major tournament.
Terry speaks out over Messi
At 39 years old, Messi has once again proven to be Argentina’s driving force, particularly with the rest of the attack struggling to contribute consistently. Of Argentina’s 17 goals in the tournament, eight have come from Messi, and despite going scoreless against Switzerland, he delivered an assist that moved him to the top of the competition’s assists chart.
Terry had nothing but admiration when the conversation turned to the Argentine captain: “He will be one of the top players that kind of turn up on the big occasions, and he certainly does that. When you look at them against Egypt and you think they’re out, but with him on your side, when you got someone like that, I can only compare that to a Hazard at Chelsea.“
The former England defender went on to describe Messi’s effect on Argentina as a whole. “When you always know you’re in with a chance of coming back in the game, whether you go 1-0 or 2-0 down, and these guys are just incredible and he’s that for Argentina,” Terry said.
While Spain have been one of the most solid teams at the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal has failed to make an impact in front of goal. Nevertheless, Rodri Hernandez has advised the 19-year-old star to calm down a bit just before Spain's match against France.
Spain have remained one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup, shining through their collective performances. Although Lamine Yamal has been key to the team’s overall play, he has failed to make an impact in front of goal, drawing heavy criticism. In response, Rodri Hernandez decided to praise the 19-year-old star for his collective impact ahead of their clash with France, but also asked him to calm down a bit.
“I think he needs to calm down a bit, that anxiety that sometimes he has to prove himself. He’s a very important player for us because of what he does with and without the ball, and he’s a very intelligent guy. It’s true that he’s 19 years old and that we have to calm him down at certain moments of the game,” reveals Rodrigo Hernandez in the latest mixed zone.
Far from trying to publicly criticize Lamine, Rodri is looking to take him away from the pressure of having to score or “meet expectations.” As he is not a center forward, Yamal does not base his game on producing goals, but on creating imbalance and breaking defensive lines. Therefore, focusing only on proving his goalscoring ability causes him to lose his greatest strength: Enhancing the team’s collective play.
Lamine Yamal addresses criticism of his low scoring average
After his outstanding season with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to finish as the tournament’s top scorer. However, he has managed to score just one goal and has not recorded any assists in six matches. Amid criticism from the fans, the 19-year-old star has decided to respond to his lack of goals, echoing the opinion of Rodri Hernandez.
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain
“If we win the World Cup, I think nobody will remember how many goals I scored or how many I didn’t. If we win, we’ll all be happy, that’s all I want. I know that with my movement I draw a lot of opponents away; I can create space for a teammate. Anything I can do to help, even if I don’t touch the ball in a play, will be a positive. I think everyone’s obsessed with scoring goals,” says Lamine Yamal, via COPE.
Lamine Yamal’s biggest World Cup opportunity arrives vs. France
For the first time in several years, Spain have reached the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. However, they will not have it easy, as they are set to face France, a top contender that have played two consecutive finals. While securing victory will be a major challenge, Lamine Yamal has to see it as the best opportunity to silence the criticism surrounding his name.
If he manages to score and/or provide an assist against France, Lamine Yamal could silence the doubts surrounding his name by leading Spain to victory. Facing a team that usually dominates possession, the 19-year-old star needs to shine on the counterattack, finding spaces in the opposition’s solid defense. In addition, he could have the chance to play in the 2026 World Cup final, leading Spain to victory after a 16-year drought.
Every four years, the World Cup captivates audiences around the globe and provides a showcase of the world's best soccer players on the biggest stage. What comes from that, for players, is more viewership, more Instagram followers, and money.
FIFA has continuously increased the prize money available for teams to take their chunk out of, depending on when they are eliminated in the tournament.
This year, a team that was eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup earned more than Brazil did for winning the 2002 tournament.
Here's the rundown on how much each team earned during their 2026 World Cup campaign.
FIFA has allocated $655 million in prize money for the 2026 World Cup in North America, according to the organization.
That present-day sum is a staggering increase of $215 million from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the previous edition charting as a $40 million increase from 2018. In 2014, $358 million was divided at Brazil's World Cup.
The trend has been a consistently higher prize pool with each edition of the World Cup. That has continued in 2026, and will likely carry on in the future.
How much prize money will the 2026 World Cup winners get?
FIFA confirmed in December 2025 that the 2026 World Cup champions were to receive a record $50 million in prize money.
That is an increase of $8 million compared to 2022 and continues a trend that has seen the winners' pay packets increase massively over the past 40 years.
Prior to 2006, World Cup-winning teams never pocketed more than $10 million, with 1982 champions Italy traveling home with a mere $2.2 million for their trophy-hoisting efforts.
In 2002, there was a big push from national teams for FIFA to increase the prize money on offer, with growing World Cup revenue ensuring such profits have been handed down to successful sides since.
World Cup 2026 prize money breakdown: How much has each team made?
Regardless of where a team finished at the 2026 World Cup, each participating country will walk away with a significant sum of money.
Simply qualifying for the 2026 World Cup earned each team $1.5 million as a participation fee. Once at the tournament, however, each team was able to boost its finances earned through progressing further along in the tournament.
Here is a breakdown of all earnings depending on a team's eliminated round, according to FIFA:
2026 Finish
Prize money (USD)
Group stage
$9 million
Round of 32
$11 million
Round of 16
$15 million
Quarterfinals
$19 million
Fourth place
$27 million
Third place
$29 million
Runner-up
$33 million
Winner
$50 million
How much has each country made at 2026 World Cup?
Nation
Prize Money at World Cup 2026 (USD)
Argentina
TBD
England
TBD
France
TBD
Spain
TBD
Morocco
$19 million
Norway
$19 million
Belgium
$19 million
Switzerland
$19 million
Brazil
$15 million
Canada
$15 million
Colombia
$15 million
Egypt
$15 million
Mexico
$15 million
Paraguay
$15 million
Portugal
$15 million
USA
$15 million
Algeria
$11 million
Australia
$11 million
Austria
$11 million
Bosnia and Herzegovina
$11 million
Cape Verde
$11 million
Croatia
$11 million
DR Congo
$11 million
Ecuador
$11 million
Germany
$11 million
Ghana
$11 million
Ivory Coast
$11 million
Japan
$11 million
Netherlands
$11 million
Senegal
$11 million
South Africa
$11 million
Sweden
$11 million
Curacao
$9 million
Czechia
$9 million
Haiti
$9 million
Iran
$9 million
Iraq
$9 million
Jordan
$9 million
New Zealand
$9 million
Panama
$9 million
Qatar
$9 million
Tunisia
$9 million
Turkey
$9 million
Saudi Arabia
$9 million
Scotland
$9 million
South Korea
$9 million
Uruguay
$9 million
Uzbekistan
$9 million
How much money do players make at the World Cup?
Players make a portion of the team's sum of money depending on the stage at which they are eliminated from the World Cup. Base salaries can differ between national teams and the quality of player, but all players receive a portion of money regardless.
In 2022, it was reported that Australia paid each of its players AU$226,000, with an extra $290,000 earned for reaching the knockout stages.
After the 2026 World Cup, Team USA made headlines for splitting up their tournament earnings evenly between their men's and women's national teams, according to ESPN.
How does World Cup 2026 prize money compare to the 2027 Women's World Cup?
While the figure is already known for the 2026 World Cup, the Women's World Cup in 2027 does not have a publicly known figure for prize money just yet.
While it is almost six times less than what was offered at the men's 2026 World Cup, it is a sizeable amount more than the estimated $30 million at the 2019 Women's World Cup. Expect a continuously increasing number as well for the female players.
In France's most recent victory over Morocco, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to start Manu Koné in midfield. Despite his impressive performance, Aurélien Tchouaméni is reportedly expected to return to the starting lineup.
Maintaining an attacking approach, France have remained one of the top contenders at the 2026 World Cup. To defeat Morocco in the quarterfinals, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to make a change in midfield, opting for Manu Koné alongside Adrien Rabiot. Although he emerged as one of the team’s best players, he could return to the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni is reportedly expected to return to the starting lineup against Spain.
According to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps has decided to bring Tchouaméni back into the lineup. During a training session before facing Paraguay, he was diagnosed with a minor muscle injury, leaving him out of the previous two games. Even if Koné performed very well in midfield, head coach believes that Aurélien can provide more balance in midfield, as he has already been fully recovered.
While Aurélien Tchouaméni was not coming off his best season with Real Madrid, he established as a starter for France throughout the 2026 World Cup. Without being the team’s most eye-catching player, he has managed to be key in the high press, controlling the tempo of the game. In addition, he has developed a strong understanding with Adrien Rabiot, who plays more as a box-to-box midfielder, moving with freedom while remaining solid defensively.
Report: Deschamps makes little changes to France’s starting XI vs Spain
France will face Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. After Tchouaméni returned to full fitness, they no longer have any absences in the roster, as Kylian Mbappé’s physical issues are not considered serious. As a result, head coach Didier Deschamps has reportedly decided to stick with his tactical approach, making only one change by bringing Aurélien back into midfield, as he looks to lead France to a third consecutive World Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
In case of keeping a similar lineup, Les Bleus could lineup as follows: Mike Maignan, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
France’s path to beating Spain may start in the midfield
Spain are one of the most dominant teams at the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they possess outstanding goalscoring quality, but their midfield also controls the tempo of the game. Because of this, France will have greater difficulty imposing their style of play, as Spain will approach the match offensively. With that in mind, Didier Deschamps will need to dominate the opposition’s midfield in order to pursue victory.
If France manage to control the midfield, they would force Spain to play in transition. Without their wingers at their best, Luis de la Fuente’s team would lose the strongest part of their game: their collective build-up play. As a result, Rabiot and Tchouaméni need to be at their best, but Ousmane Dembélé will also need to contribute in order to put their opponent to sleep and control the game.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
After shining against Belgium, Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where they will face France. Ahead of the match, young defender Pau Cubarsí revealed that he is not afraid of facing Kylian Mbappé, while analyzing their upcoming showdown.
Spain have remained highly competitive throughout the 2026 World Cup, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament. After their recent victory over Belgium, they secured a place in the semifinals, where they will face France. While many fans have serious doubts about their chances of winning the matchup, Pau Cubarsí revealed that he is not afraid of facing Kylian Mbappé, while analyzing their upcoming encounter.
Despite being only 19 years old, Pau Cubarsi already has considerable experience at the top level in Europe. Showing confidence in his talent, he remains confident ahead of his matchup against Kylian Mbappé. “Not scare us, no, but everyone knows the qualities he has. Even if he’s not involved in the game, he can change it with one quick play. He’s unique, just like Lamine. We have to stay alert for the full 90 minutes,“ he said in an interview with Diario AS.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Cubarsí has remained an undisputed starter for head coach Luis de la Fuente. While Pedri, Lamine, and others have received the praise, the young defender has been key to stopping opponents’ progressions and preventing the team from conceding many goals. Moreover, he has already faced Mbappé on several occasions, proving that it is not impossible to stop his goalscoring progression.
Kylian Mbappé is in outstanding goalscoring form, having scored eight goals in six matches, making him the tournament’s top scorer alongside Lionel Messi. With that in mind, Pau Cubarsí faces the toughest challenge of the tournament: Stopping his outstanding form. As Mbappé is a very physical striker, the young defender will need a collective strategy, as Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué also pose a clear threat in France.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2025.
Spain hold the edge over France in recent encounters
France have established one of the most competitive sporting projects in the world. Head coach Didier Deschamps has opted for a deep attacking unit, something similar to Luis Enrique’s PSG. Even though they have dominated soccer in recent years, Spain have been one of the few national teams capable of competing with them. In their most recent meetings, Spain have come out on top.
The last meeting between Spain and France took place on June 5, 2025, in the UEFA Nations League. There, Luis de la Fuente’s team secured a 5-4 victory, advancing to the tournament final. Before that match, they had faced each other in the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024, where Spain also defeated France and went on to win the tournament. With that in mind, Pau Cubarsí has one thing clear: they already know how to beat France, so there is no fear.
Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
Despite coming off an incredible season, Casemiro decided to leave Manchester United, forcing the club to make drastic changes in midfield. As a result, the Red Devils have already secured his replacement, signing Andrey Santos for $67 million.
Even though Casemiro is coming off an impressive season, he decided not to renew his contract with Manchester United, leaving as free agent. The veteran midfielder has not yet signed with any club, but the Red Devils have moved to strengthen their midfield. Despite the 2026 World Cup still being underway, the Red Devils have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for $67 million.
Manchester United have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects, he has been offered a contract until 2031, along with a unilateral option for an additional year. While the Red Devils did not disclose the financial details, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the deal was completed for $67 million, along with a 10% sell-on clause in favor of the Blues.
During the 2025-26 season, Andrey did not become an undisputed starter for Chelsea, but he still played a significant role. Across 43 appearances, he scored three goals and provided four assists. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo ahead of him, the Brazilian was destined for a secondary role. As a result, his move to the Red Devils appears to be the ideal opportunity to establish himself in European soccer.
Unlike at Chelsea, Andrey Santos will find the ideal opportunity at Manchester United to play an important role. With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave soon, the young Brazilian appears to be arriving as a regular midfield option, serving as the team’s stopper. At just 22 years old, he has the perfect opportunity to establish among the Premier League elite under head coach Michael Carrick.
Andrey Santos hails Michael Carrick as the ‘perfect’ coach
Throughout his tenure at Chelsea, Andrey Santos never had a head coach who fully committed to his talent. As a result, his move to Manchester United appears to be the perfect opportunity, as head coach Michael Carrick considers him a key part of both the club’s present and future. During his official presentation, the 22-year-old midfielder decided to praise Carrick, making it clear that he is the perfect coach for his professional career.
“Everything about Manchester United is special. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams,” reveals Andrey Santos, via Manchester United website.
With only Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount in midfield, Andrey is expected to play a very important role during the 2026-27 season. Carrick has consistently shown a strong commitment to developing young talent, something that will be key to the Brazilian’s growth. Unlike other young foreign players, he has already played in the Premier League with two clubs, so he understands how to play in the league and that will be crucial to his adaptation.
Andrey Santos of Chelsea celebrates scoring a goal.
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Norway forward Alexander Sorloth has received severe online abuse following the team's World Cup quarter-final exit against England on Saturday, manager Stale Solbakken said.
The abuse started after Sorloth opted to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Erling Haaland during a crucial two-on-one counter-attack while Norway were leading 1-0. His shot was blocked and England equalised minutes later, going on to win 2-1 after extra time.
Sorloth's partner, Lena Selnes, shared screenshots on Instagram revealing a barrage of hostile messages, including comments urging the striker to take his own life.
"It is tragic," Solbakken told a press conference in Miami. "That is the world we live in. I tell the boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this."
"There is nothing more to say about it other than it is completely devoid of sense on every possible level."
Sorloth, 30, who plays for Atletico Madrid, defended his decision after the match, explaining that England defender John Stones had closed down the passing lane to Haaland.
"The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling," Sorloth said. "But it felt like the pass wasn't there, so I went to shoot."
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England men’s national soccer team captain Harry Kane has sparked backlash after revealing he’s played golf with Donald Trump.
Kane, whose six goals have helped fire England into Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, disclosed the round with the president during a news conference on Friday ahead of England’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Norway.
The Bayern Munich striker was asked by The Daily Telegraph how he fared against Trump on the golf course. Watch the exchange here.
“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane said. “Yeah, we played about 18 months ago. He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach, so, yeah, when the president invites you somewhere. It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.”
England captian Harry Kane, left, has drawn criticism after it emerged he played golf with Donald Trump, right. Etsuo Hara via Getty Images / Bloomberg via Getty Images
Kane added that Trump’s golf game is “pretty good to be honest with you” and said: “I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah, a unique experience,” Kane added. “But, yeah, was just grateful that he just invited me down to play, for sure.”
Trump, who turned 80 in June, has long faced accusations of cheating at golf, including from sportswriter Rick Reilly, who devoted an entire book to the subject.
Trump praised Kane on Truth Social last week, calling him “a GREAT player!!!” before later revealing the pair had played golf together.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have also been criticizedin recent months following visits to the White House and photo ops with the president.
If England end up defeating Messi’s reigning champions Argentina and then go on to win the World Cup against either Spain or France, Trump will hand Kane the trophy.
There's no way @Erling would agree to meet Trump let alone play golf with him.... poor PR judgement from Harry Kane....
It’s incredibly disappointing that he said yes to Donald Trump. He’s not just the President. He’s amongst one of the most corrupt, grotesque individuals on the planet. So many crimes and so much evil yet the captain of England still wanted to spend a day with him. **** off Harry.
Argentina’s preparations for their blockbuster World Cup semi-final against England have taken an unexpected turn, with the reigning champions making a special request regarding the kit they will wear in Atlanta.
The decision may seem like a minor detail compared with team selection and tactics, but shirts often carry emotional and historical meaning in international football.
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With Argentina and England sharing one of the World Cup’s most famous rivalries, the choice of colours has already created another talking point before Wednesday’s meeting.
Argentina await FIFA decision over blue kit
According to journalist Gastón Edul, Argentina have requested permission to wear their blue away jersey against England.
A final decision is expected on Tuesday, just one day before the two teams compete for a place in the World Cup final.
Argentina have worn the blue strip only once during this tournament, in their 3-1 group-stage victory over Jordan.
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England have been designated as the home team for the semi-final, which provides a practical explanation for Argentina’s request, although the traditional light-blue-and-white shirt would not necessarily create a major colour clash.
There may also be a superstitious element. Argentina wore darker away colours during their famous World Cup victories over England in 1986 and 1998, creating a possible sense of good fortune around the shirt.
The Football Association has confirmed that England and Argentina will meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15th July, at 8pm BST.
England reached the last four by beating Norway 2-1 after extra time, while Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 following another extended quarter-final.
The kit request adds another fascinating layer to an already enormous match.
Argentina are usually instantly recognisable in their striped home shirt, but the dark-blue jersey carries its own history against England.
Ultimately, the colour will not decide the result. Tactics, fitness and handling the pressure will matter far more.
Still, football is full of rituals, and if Argentina believe the blue shirt gives them even a small psychological lift, it is understandable that they want to wear it.
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Senegal have terminated the contract of head coach Pape Thiaw after the country's elimination in the 2026 World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that it had parted ways with the 45-year-old coach, who had been on the job since 2024.
"It was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff," the federation said in a news release.
"After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football."
On July 1 in Seattle, Senegal lost to Belgium 3-2 in the round of 32, considered a failure by the federation. Thiaw's side held a 2-0 lead in the 86th minute, then allowed two late goals and a penalty in extra time to be eliminated.
In Group I action, Senegal defeated Iraq but lost to Norway and France. They advanced to the knockout stage as one of the eight third-place finishers, thanks to their five-goal win over Iraq.
More than 25% of the World Cup coaches have been fired or resigned since the their teams were eliminated.
In addition to Senegal, coaches from these countries are out of a job: Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, South Korea, Tunisia, Scotland and Uruguay.
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There was a brief moment of tension in the aftermath of England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway on Saturday when Jude Bellingham pushed back against criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel.
"Yeah, well, whatever," the midfielder said after learning that Tuchel had described England's performance as "sloppy" despite their extra-time victory.
Bellingham, whose two goals sent England into the semi-finals, was quick to defend his team mates after another gruelling evening in punishing conditions.
The exchange offered a glimpse of the differing perspectives of a demanding coach unwilling to overlook flaws in England's display and a star player focused on the resilience that carried the team into the last four.
Tuchel surprised many with his blunt assessment after England battled past Norway in sweltering Miami conditions. While delighted to reach the semi-finals and full of praise for the players' mentality, the German said he was unhappy with almost every aspect of the performance.
"The result is fantastic. We are in the last four. It's amazing but I'm not happy with the performance," Tuchel said, describing England as sloppy, error-prone and fortunate to progress.
Bellingham, however, viewed events through a different lens.
The Real Madrid midfielder pointed to the draining heat and the quality of Norway's attacking threat, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, suggesting the task had been tougher than Tuchel's post-match verdict implied.
"Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Erling Haaland, Odegaard, (Antonio) Nusa, (Alexander) Sorloth," Bellingham told reporters. "That's not an easy team to play against."
It is not the first time friction between the pair has become public.
Tuchel caused controversy just over a year ago when he described elements of Bellingham's on-field behaviour as potentially "repulsive" to some viewers while discussing the player's fiery temperament.
The England manager later apologised, insisting the word had been used unintentionally and that there was no hidden criticism of the midfielder.
Questions also surfaced before the World Cup over Bellingham's role after Tuchel suggested places in his starting lineup were not guaranteed, even for England's biggest names.
Yet any debate over Bellingham's importance has been emphatically settled on the pitch, as England would not be preparing for a semi-final were it not for the 23-year-old.
He has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments, rescuing his side with two goals against both Norway and Mexico, and producing the kind of performances that have underlined his status as one of the tournament's outstanding players.
And Tuchel, despite his frustration with England's overall display, was unequivocal in his praise of Bellingham after the match.
"Enough said. He does it every single match," the coach said. "World class."
England's World Cup campaign continues with a heavyweight semi-final against champions Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Successful tournament teams do not always need perfect harmony. They do, however, need players capable of deciding matches when everything else breaks down.
England have one in Bellingham, and as they move into the final four, that will matter more than any disagreement with his manager.
Jun 1, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds the World Cup trophy while he speaks during the grand opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup international broadcast center at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured the largest field of teams yet, featuring 48 teams compared to the 32 teams previously involved in the tournament. However, it sounds like further expansion could be in the cards.
During a recent interview, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that after this World Cup, which is set to conclude next week, FIFA will look into the possibility of further expanding the field.
Possible Expansion?
During a recent interview with Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino was asked about the possibility of expanding the field to 64 teams after the recent expansion from 32 teams to 48 teams. Infantino certainly did not rule it out.
“This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” Infantino said via ESPN. “When you organize a World Cup, it’s important that you organize it for the whole world. It’s not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.
“We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it’s getting higher and higher everywhere in the world. If you don’t give smaller countries the chance to participate in the World Cup, they also lose the incentive to keep improving.”
Back in March 2025, South American confederation CONMEBOL proposed expanding the field to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, which marks the World Cup’s centenary.
“We believe in a historic 2030 World Cup. We want to call for unity, creativity and believing big. Because when football is shared by everyone, the celebration is truly global,” CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez said at the time.
What would it look like?
If the 64-team proposal were to be approved, the expanded tournament would double the number of matches played during the previous 32-team format that was used from 1998 to 2022.
A 64-team World Cup would feature 128 matches, whereas the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022 included 64 matches. This year’s expanded tournament will feature 104 matches.
The biggest benefit to an expanded field would be a cleaner system for teams advancing to the knockout round. In this tournament, eight third-place teams advanced out of the group stage and made the knockout round, using various tiebreakers.. Under an expanded 64-team format, no third-place teams would advance.
France and Spain will be clashing in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with stars in every single line of the pitch.
France and Spain have been drawn to clash in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with only one nation advancing to the final at MetLife Stadium. The game is set for Tuesday, July 15th, at Dallas Stadium, and both sides boast star power at every position.
Kylian Mbappe is chasing history once again, looking to reach his third consecutive World Cup final with his goal tally sitting at 20, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21. A commanding 2-0 win over Morocco sent Les Bleus through in what has been a near-flawless tournament run under Didier Deschamps.
On the other side, Lamine Yamal will be turning 19 ahead of the match, looking to cap a historic first World Cup. Spain arrive having claimed Euro 2024, though they fell short in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, and will be hunting a second World Cup star to add to their 2010 triumph in South Africa. The semifinal sets up compelling head-to-head battles across every position on the field.
GK: Mike Maignan vs Unai Simon
Mike Maignan (L) and Unai Simon (R). (Justin Setterfield & Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Mike Maignan has established himself as Hugo Lloris’s successor between the posts for France, and while he has not been tested frequently, he has responded with crucial saves when called upon. Unai Simon, meanwhile, has set a remarkable record, going 649 minutes without conceding in this World Cup, surpassing Italy’s Walter Zenga as the goalkeeper with the most consecutive minutes without a goal allowed in the competition’s history.
RB: Jules Kounde vs Pedro Porro
Jules Kounde (L) and Pedro Porro (R). (Al Bello & Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Jules Kounde has retained his place as France’s starting right back since the 2022 World Cup, taking on a more disciplined defensive role with the national team than he typically plays at Barcelona. Pedro Porro, meanwhile, has been one of Spain‘s most dynamic contributors going forward, capping his tournament with his first international goal in the group stage win over Austria.
RCB: Dayot Upamecano vs Pau Cubarsi
Dayot Upamecano (L) and Pau Cubarsi (R). (Dan Mullan & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Dayot Upamecano has been a cornerstone of France’s defense since the 2022 World Cup, combining physical dominance with composure on the ball. Pau Cubarsi, despite his youth, has been one of the most technically gifted center backs in the tournament, ranking among the leaders in key passes per game from the heart of Spain’s backline.
LCB: William Saliba vs Aymeric Laporte
William Saliba and Aymeric Laporte. (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
William Saliba barely featured at the 2022 World Cup, but with Raphaël Varane retired, the Arsenal defender has stepped into the role of one of the world’s best, having also reached the UEFA Champions League final during the 2025-26 club season. Aymeric Laporte made his way back into the Spain squad after missing the Nations League Final Four and has formed a commanding partnership with Cubarsí at the back.
LB: Lucas Digne vs Marc Cucurella
Lucas Digne (L) and Marc Cucurella (R). (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Lucas Digne began the tournament as a backup behind Théo Hernández, but his technical quality and clinical left foot have earned him the starting spot under Deschamps, a role he also impressed in while helping Aston Villa win the Europa League. Marc Cucurella, on the other hand, is firmly established as one of the best left backs in the world, having recently completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Chelsea.
CDM: Manu Kone vs Rodri
Manu Kone (L) and Rodri (R). (Mattia Ozbot & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Manu Kone stepped into a more defensive midfield role with France amid Aurelien Tchouaméni’s fitness struggles and has responded with composure and character despite not being a first-choice starter coming into the tournament. Rodri, by contrast, is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders on the planet and leads all players in this World Cup with 99.5 completed passes per game.
CDM: Adrien Rabiot vs Pedri
Adrien Rabiot (L) and Pedri (R). (Justin SetterfieldMichael Steele/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot has been a consistent presence in France’s midfield since the 2022 edition, bringing a physically imposing box-to-box profile that bridges the gap between defense and attack. Pedri is an entirely different kind of player, a creative force who is nearly impossible to dispossess and has a knack for unlocking defenses with incisive through balls.
CAM: Michael Olise vs Dani Olmo
Michael Olise (L) and Dani Olmo (R). (Kevin C. Cox & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Michael Olise has been one of the breakout performers of the tournament after a stellar 2025-26 season at Bayern Munich, and his transition to a more central role for France has been seamless, with five assists leading all players at this World Cup. Dani Olmo operates in the space behind the striker, combining intelligent forward runs into the box with the technical quality to finish chances.
RW: Ousmane Dembele vs Lamine Yamal
Ousmane Dembele (L) and Lamine Yamal (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has backed up his Champions League triumph with a dominant World Cup, contributing five goals and two assists as one of France’s most dangerous attackers. Yamal, who finished as Ballon d’Or runner-up, arrived at the tournament still working his way back from a significant injury and has not yet hit his ceiling, with just one goal to his name against Saudi Arabia.
ST: Kylian Mbappe vs Mikel Oyarzabal
Kylian Mbappe (L) and Mikel Oyarzabal (R). (Mattia Ozbot & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Mbappe has reaffirmed that the World Cup is the stage where he thrives most, already at eight goals in this edition and 20 for his career at just 27 years old, with history firmly within his reach. Mikel Oyarzabal is not a traditional number nine, but the Real Sociedad forward has been one of La Roja’s most effective weapons, using his sharp movement and technique to drag defenders out of position and create space for teammates.
LW: Desire Doue vs Alex Baena
Desire Doue (L) and Alex Baena (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Harry How/Getty Images)
Desire Doue has emerged as one of PSG’s most exciting young talents and carried that form onto the international stage, combining elite dribbling ability with explosive pace on France’s left flank. Alex Baena has stepped into a starting role on the opposite side for Spain, bringing creativity and unpredictability in the absence of a fully fit Nico Williams.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain.
A young woman who trolled Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo during the last World Cup has remade her video following the team’s elimination at this year’s tournament.
After the Portuguese national team was eliminated by Morocco in the quarter finals of the 2022 World Cup, a Moroccan girl went viral for teasing Ronaldo’s emotional response to the loss.
“The Portugal airport is that way,” she said. “And where’s Ronaldo? He’s crying in his car. Poor Ronaldo.”
Fast forward to Monday (July 6), and the Portuguese soccer team, led by Ronaldo, lost to Spain. Ronaldo was emotional again, so it was the perfect opportunity for the young lady to remake her viral video using her original audio.
Moroccan girl who went viral last World Cup for her “Portugal airport is that way” “Poor Ronaldo” video has created a 2026 version after they were eliminated again. pic.twitter.com/KIjcIIvIfn
Ronaldo’s latest L in the World Cup will be his last, according to an announcement he made after Portugal’s loss to Spain. During a post-game interview with reporters, directly after wiping tears from his eyes as he applauded fans for watching the game at Dallas Stadium, Ronaldo confirmed to reporters that he wouldn’t be back at the World Cup.
"I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," he said. "As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward. It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, also released a statement about Ronaldo’s impact on the team.
"I arrived with Portugal at a time with a lot of confusion and doubts about Cristiano, and he's been a role model, not just with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his commitment, how he experiences football. He's an example, we have to celebrate him,” Martínez.
"We're talking about an icon in football,” he added. “There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup. He wanted to win it, as a player, a captain, on a human level, we'll all take it with us forever. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman."
Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero have reportedly received a positive injury update as both Argentina stars will be fit to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes both left the field during Argentina‘s thrilling win over Switzerland with physical concerns, setting off alarm bells ahead of the semifinal. However, reports now indicate that both players will be fit to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal.
Romero had already been managing a recurring issue with his right knee earlier in the tournament, but recovered to start against Cape Verde and play through extra time against Egypt. Against Switzerland, however, he was forced off at halftime of extra time, with cameras catching him in visible discomfort on the turf.
Paredes faced a similar situation, earning his place in Argentina‘s starting lineup before being seen limping in the second half of extra time following a defensive clearance. He signaled to the bench to be replaced, exiting in the 110th minute for forward Jose Manuel Lopez, who immediately made an impact by assisting Julian Alvarez’s decisive 2-1 goal.
According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, both Romero and Paredes will be available for Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against England. Both players came off with cramps rather than structural injuries, and the minor nature of the discomfort means neither is expected to miss training ahead of the match.
Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates with Leandro Paredes #5 after scoring.
Lionel Messi also raised concern
Beyond the two substitutions, cameras also picked up a cut around Lionel Messi’s eye, sustained from a challenge by Granit Xhaka in the second half and requiring medical attention on the sideline.
Despite the pain, Messi played the full 120 minutes and was spotted in the mixed zone afterward with his vision partially affected by the swelling. The cut has since been treated and is not expected to pose any concern ahead of the England game.
Paredes on Switzerland’s red card
Paredes was also at the center of one of the match’s most controversial moments, when referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked the wrong player before correcting himself and sending off the Swiss player who was already on a yellow card after Breel Embolo appeared to simulate a foul. For Paredes, the call was straightforward.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Paredes was direct when asked about the incident: “I don’t see where the controversy is. The rules are clear. The opposing player simulated, I didn’t touch him. The decision was correctly made.”
With Marcelo Bielsa's resign after a disastrous 2026 World Cup, legend Diego Forlan is set to be appointed as next Uruguay's national team head coach
Uruguay‘s 2026 World Cup campaign stands as one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments, ending in a shocking group-stage exit. With Marcelo Bielsa stepping down from the head coaching role, Diego Forlan is now set to take over and lead La Celeste into the next cycle.
Tipped to challenge Spain for top spot in Group H, Uruguay’s campaign collapsed under the weight of a defeat to La Rojaand back-to-back draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, with the latter one advancing as the second-placed team in the group. Following one of the most stunning early exits in recent Uruguayan football history, Bielsa announced his resignation at a lengthy press conference, leaving the position open.
Uruguay Football Federation president Ignacio Alonso confirmed the development in an interview with Teledoce: “If an agreement is reached with Diego Forlan in the coming hours, he will be the coach of the Under-20 national team and for the upcoming friendly matches. He is enthusiastic, although there are still a few details left to finalize.“
The original plan had been for Forlan to take charge of the Uruguay Under-20 side ahead of the South American Championship in January 2027. With AUF elections scheduled for later this year, however, committing to a long-term senior project was not a viable option for either party.
Jose Maria Gimenez of Uruguay shows dejection after the 0-1 defeat and elimination against Spain.
Given those circumstances, Forlan will serve as interim head coach of the senior national team until March 2027. Whether the arrangement is extended beyond that point will depend entirely on the AUF and whoever holds the federation presidency following the elections.
Within that window, Forlan, Uruguay’s third all-time leading scorer with 36 goals and an icon of the country’s memorable 2010 World Cup run, will oversee the September, October, and November international windows, which include 2030 World Cup qualifying fixtures, as well as March 2027 friendlies. In total, the former Manchester United and Villarreal forward will be in charge for eight matches.
Forlan on Uruguay’s World Cup
Heading into the World Cup, the expectation was that Spain and Uruguay would battle it out for top spot in Group H, with second place likely leading to a Round of 32 clash against Argentina. Instead, just two points from three games sent La Celeste home without even qualifying as one of the best third-placed nations.
Forlan has had two previous spells in senior management, taking charge of 11 matches at Peñarol in 2020 and 12 at Atenas de San Carlos in the Uruguayan Second Division in 2021. But when asked about replacing Bielsa during an appearance on La Casa del Kun, the ESPN show hosted by Sergio Agüero, the former forward did not hesitate: “Sure, of course I’d go. Do you have any idea how fast I’d accept?“
Beyond his eagerness to take the job, Forlan was candid about the state of the national team, suggesting the problems ran deeper than the tournament itself: “I prefer a Uruguayan coach, because we have them, although I didn’t dislike the choice of Bielsa. Given where we stand right now, it’s not the time to be tossing around names. Unfortunately, we were already coming in with internal problems; we didn’t arrive in the best shape.”
Diego Forlan on the red carpet prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
While the match was closely contested, England defeated Norway 2-1, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Unexpectedly, Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, scoring a brace that saw him join an exclusive list of players to score braces in consecutive World Cup matches.
England and Norway faced off in one of the most competitive matches of the tournament, with the game being decided in the final minutes of extra time. Even though Harry Kane is the team’s biggest star, Jude Bellingham emerged as the most important player, scoring a crucial brace to seal the victory. As a result, the 23-year-old star has joined an exclusive list of players to score braces in consecutive World Cup matches.
According to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, via X, Jude Bellingham has joined Kylian Mbappé, Diego Maradona, Garrincha, Pelé, Sándor Kocsis, and Silvio Piola as the only players to score braces in two consecutive World Cup knockout-stage matches. With these performances, the 23-year-old star has established as England’s most important player alongside Harry Kane.
Following a rather inconsistent season at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham arrived at the 2026 World Cup amid criticism. Playing in a more attack-oriented role, he has rediscovered his best form. Across the six matches he has played, he has scored six goals and provided one assist, matching Harry Kane as England’s most productive player.
Without being a creative midfielder or a playmaker, Bellingham has found his best position on the field, close to the goal. His performances at the 2026 World Cup send a clear message to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid: He needs to play close to the center forward. Despite his great performances, Jude still has a lot to do in the tournament, as he faces Argentina, the reigning champions, looking for another performance that validates his great level.
Bellingham scored in extra time
Kane is the key to Jude Bellingham’s resurgence with England
Jude Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. However, he is coming off two difficult seasons at Real Madrid, which seemed to leave him without a specific role. In response, Thomas Tuchel has found the key to maximizing the performances of the 23-year-old star: Harry Kane. By forming a solid attacking partnership, the two constantly improve each other, creating space and drawing defenders out of position.
As Kane usually drops deep to receive the ball and act as a playmaker, Jude often ends up as the center forward. The veteran striker tends to create a lot of space with his freedom of movement, something Bellingham takes great advantage of. With space to shoot, he has rediscovered his goalscoring instinct, playing more as a second striker rather than an attacking midfielder.
At Real Madrid, Jude will not have the same system to shine. Kylian Mbappé is the center forward, being a more physical and goalscoring profile than a creative one. Because of this, Bellingham would have to adapt his profile once again, while always looking to stay close to the box. However, Jose Mourinho has the difficult task of creating a partnership between the Frenchman and the Englishman, something that will be key to maximizing their performances.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England holds of Torbjorn Heggem #17 of Norway.
After Norway's World Cup elimination against England, Elring Haaland's father Alfie hit out at the referee Clement Turpin.
Erling Haaland‘s 2026 World Cup run came to an end in the quarterfinals as England secured their place in the semifinals. In the heated aftermath of a controversy-filled match, the Manchester City striker’s father, Alfie Haaland, directed his frustration squarely at the referee over Norway‘s eliminatio.
As the elimination sank in, Alfie Haaland, who was in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his displeasure. Responding to a Fabrizio Romano post highlighting Jude Bellingham‘s match-winning brace, he kept it short and pointed: “Well done Bellingham and referee.”
He followed that up by responding to a post from journalist Henry Winter, going further with his criticism. “Saved by the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today,” he wrote, making clear his belief that referee Clement Turpin had played a significant role in Norway’s elimination.
Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute, but Jude Bellingham had other ideas, equalizing in the 47th minute before completing the comeback with a goal in the 93rd minute of extra time to send England through.
The World Cup match was far from free of controversy, however. Turpin disallowed a Norway goal from Torbjorn Heggem in the 57th minute, with the score still level at 1-1, ruling that Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson off the ball, ordering the corner to be retaken.
At his post-match press conference, head coach Ståle Solbakken relayed what his players had told him about the incident: “I can’t say anything about that because FIFA. If there’s no been no sound or there has been no (reading) in the chip, what can I say against that? But the ball drops down straight from heaven says everyone, including Orjan (Nyland), who is the goalie, including the guy who is going to receive the ball. I saw another way just then, so I wonder also what happened. I think it’s pretty clear that it did and it was a strange thing.“
After Lamine Yamal claimed that France should be the ones afraid of Spain, defender Ibrahima Konate issued a straight response: "He can say whatever he wants."
France and Spain meet in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, July 15th, and Lamine Yamal has already turned up the heat ahead of kickoff. Les Bleus defender Ibrahima Konate was asked about the Spanish star’s comments and did not hold back: “He can say whatever he wants.”
Fresh off Spain’s win over Belgium, Yamal wasted no time setting the tone for the semifinal: “If anyone should be afraid, it’s them—we’ve eliminated them. We are two great teams, for me the two best, but we have absolutely no fear. Since the World Cup started, everyone has been waiting for this game, and I really wanted it to get here. We are the two best national teams in the World Cup. With absolutely no fear, if anyone can go into a match against France with confidence, it’s us.“
The Barcelona teenager was also pointing to recent history, with Spain having beaten France in both the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 Nations League final. The margins were tight each time, 2-1 and 5-4 respectively, but the results went Spain’s way on both occasions, and now the two sides meet again at the same stage of a major tournament.
Konate replies to Yamal
While Yamal is experiencing his first World Cup, several of his French opponents are either already world champions from 2018 or carry the memory of falling short in the 2022 final. Konate belongs to the latter group, and he responded to the Spanish teenager’s remarks with measured firmness.
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring against France in the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinals.
Speaking Sunday at a press conference at Bentley University, Konate was asked whether France were intimidated by Yamal’s words: “No, no, no… In all honesty, we don’t listen to what’s being said. You shouldn’t be afraid of anyone; we need to remain humble and not fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the competition.“
The newly minted Real Madrid defender, who will face Yamal as a club rival in La Liga next season, closed with a pointed message of his own. “Now, he can say whatever he wants, we are going to try to prepare the best we can. And at the end of the match, we’ll see who it favors,” Konate added.
France’s record against Spain
Over the past decade, France and Spain have established themselves as two of the most dominant nations in world soccer, neither dropping out of the FIFA top 10 throughout that stretch. In head-to-head meetings, however, Spain has had the upper hand when it mattered most.
The two sides have met four times in the last ten years, with Spain winning three of those encounters to France’s one. Les Bleus’ lone victory came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, a 2-1 win, while Spain’s most recent triumph in that 2017 friendly, 2-0, completed the overall picture in their favor.
Since Yamal’s arrival in the Spanish setup, La Roja has extended that dominance, beating France in both the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 Nations League final. Adding to France’s concern is Yamal’s personal record in head-to-head elimination games against Kylian Mbappe, with the young winger having won all five of their meetings in knockout competition.
Ibrahima Konate of France (L) and Lamine Yamal (R) of Spain.
After the success of the first-ever 48-team World Cup this summer, FIFA will examine yet another expansion to its quadrennial tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Swiss media outlet Bluewin that the potential for a 64-team tournament in 2030 “will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” according to a report in The Athletic. The 2030 World Cup is slated to be held across six nations and three continents, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay scheduled to host one match a piece at the start of the competition to commemorate the inaugural World Cup, hosted 100 years prior in Uruguay. The remainder of the planned 48-team tournament would take place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
However, an expansion to 64 teams could chance that calculus, potentially allowing Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to each host an entire group for the tournament, rather than just a single match.
“Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup,” Infantino said. “You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high—and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world.”
The FIFA president added: “If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”
It’s unclear whether the World Cup would permanently expand to 64 teams, or if FIFA would choose to expand the tournament just once to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup. A 64-team format would make for a neater group stage in which the top two finishers in 16 groups advance to the Round of 32. One criticism of this year’s 48-team format was that an entire group stage was played just to eliminate 16 teams, with the top eight third-place finishers advanced to the knockout rounds. A 64-team field would mark a return to how the World Cup group stage typically operated, just with more groups.
Assuming FIFA were to pick this format (16 groups of four teams with the top two finishers advancing from each), the World Cup would expand from 104 games under the 48-team field, to 128 games in a 64-team field. In other words, FIFA would be creating 24 games of additional inventory to sell to broadcast partners across the globe.
As most already know, FIFA will be going to market shortly after this World Cup ends with U.S. broadcast rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. While FIFA have not yet formally approached media companies for bids, there are a laundry list of broadcast networks and streamers that will be interested in securing rights. Incumbents Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) will certainly look to retain rights, though Telemundo parent NBCUniversal reportedly isn’t interested if the price per tournament approaches $2 billion. Netflix, YouTube, Apple, and Disney have all also been listed as interested suitors. FIFA, for its part, could also choose to sell English-language and Spanish-language rights together, should a company put in a compelling enough offer.
The expanded format, however, could pave the way for FIFA to split World Cup rights among multiple partners. With robust interest from both streamers and linear networks, and the likelihood that television consumption will still be substantially fragmented between those two distribution methods come 2030, FIFA may be wise to split its inventory among multiple partners that together can offer a mixed approach.
Added inventory from a 64-team format helps that cause. Prospective partners could be more amenable to sharing a larger tournament, since even a 50-50 split would grant them rights to 64 games each. For reference, the old 32-team format featured just 64 games in its entirety.
Prior reports suggest that media companies are expecting FIFA to command between $1.5 billion and $2 billion for the 2030 tournament. That’s more than triple the price Fox is paying for this year’s World Cup ($485 million), though that price is not at all indicative of the true market rate this World Cup would’ve garnered in a competitive bidding process.
Whether that $1.5 billion to $2 billion range is what media companies are genuinely expecting, or it’s simply a range FIFA would like to get out there in public, one thing is certain: adding 16 more teams and 24 more games to the tournament will definitely sweeten the pot for prospective media partners.
How likely it is that FIFA shift to 64 teams in 2030 is another question entirely. Two confederations, CONCACAF and UEFA, have already laid out full qualifying schedules for the next World Cup cycle, and those schedules are predicated on a 48-team field. 2030 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF begins in September 2027, meaning any expansion decisions by FIFA would likely need to be made in relatively short order.
Of course, FIFA will need to know exactly what it’s selling anyway before approaching potential broadcast partners to submit bids. And if reports of FIFA’s plans to strike while the iron is hot after a successful 2026 World Cup are true, it’ll want to make a decision on 64 vs. 48 before long.
Despite the victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel decided to be self-critical of his team's performances. In response, Jude Bellingham reacted emphatically, sparking controversy. As a result, the head coach decided to clarify his statements while maintaining his stance.
While they arrived as a top contenders, England struggled to defeat Norway, needing extra time to secure the victory. Acknowledging the problems his team has been dealing with, Thomas Tuchel was highly self-critical. Jude Bellingham responded emphatically, making his frustration clear. As a result, the head coach later clarified his statements, maintaining his perspective while trying to soften his tone.
Despite their victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel revealed that he was not happy with his team performances, denoting that there are aspects to work on. “The result is fantastic, being in the last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we made life very, very difficult with the way we played, sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough,” he said in the post-game interview.
Unlike Tuchel, Bellingham made it clear that he was proud of England’s overall performance. When asked about Tuchel’s criticism, he replied: “Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth. That’s not an easy team to play against,” he said in the post-game interview.
In an effort to avoid controversy and tension in the locker room, head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to clarify his comments. “I am impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief…but I am also soccer coach. I think that we can play better. In general, I think it was not a high- level game. I think that we had better games… I am not saying that we are lucky to win, but we are lucky in decisive moments,” he said in today’s press conference.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
Tuchel’s approach has England hopeful for World Cup semifinal
Far from regretting his comments, Thomas Tuchel made it clear that England need to improve their performances while also emphasizing how proud he is of his team’s commitment. As a result, the fans remain hopeful, as the team’s displays have disappointed many. Facing a top contender like Argentina, England need to regain control of matches with a clear tactical identity that does not rely on individual performances.
With a roster full of talent, England have struggled to win every knockout-stage match. Without imposing a dominant style of play, they have suffered defensively, conceding four goals in their last three matches. If they want to reach the 2026 World Cup final, they need to control the midfield, as that would significantly limit Argentina.
Tuchel’s team need to be efficient on the counterattack, taking advantage of Argentina’s defensive issues. That is why Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka need to be at their best and improve their goalscoring and creative impact. Pushing for tactical adjustments and a better performance on the pitch, England are aiming to reach the final under the high standards of Thomas Tuchel, who is striving to get as close to perfection as possible.
Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England and Jude Bellingham.
In a highly competitive match, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Although Lionel Messi did not score, he did provide an assist, becoming the tournament's all-time leading assist provider. Here it is the full assist ranking.
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, showcasing their resilience and goalscoring power in clutch moments. Although Lionel Messi has been the team’s leading goalscorer, he did not find the net in the most recent 2026 World Cup match. Nevertheless, he still made the difference by providing an assist to Alexis Mac Allister. As a result, the 39-year-old star became the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider.
According to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading assist provider in World Cup history. After assisting Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina’s first goal against Switzerland, he reached 11 assists, becoming the outright leader in this category. At 39 years old, he is expected to continue expanding his legacy in the tournament, with the match against England and a potential World Cup final still ahead of him.
Despite being 39 years old, Messi is delivering a historic performance at the 2026 World Cup. Tied with Kylian Mbappé, the two lead both the goalscoring chart of this edition and the all-time goalscoring chart in World Cup history. While the Frenchman is at the peak of his career at 27 years old, the Argentine star is playing in one of the final seasons of his career. Therefore, his performances are even more remarkable.
How does the full all-time assist ranking look?
Lionel Messi has a golden opportunity to further expand his legacy in World Cup history. If he scores or provides an assist against England, he could extend his lead as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer and all-time leading assist provider. After reaching 11 assists, Messi has surpassed numerous legends, including Fritz Walter, Raymond Kopa, Uwe Seeler, and Diego Maradona. Here is the all-time World Cup assist ranking.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Name
Assists
1. Lionel Messi
11
2. Fritz Walter
10
3. Raymond Kopa
8
4. Uwe Seeler
8
5. Diego Maradona
8
Messi joins Mbappé as World Cup history’s only 10+ goal contributors
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has already recorded 8 goals and 2 assists for Argentina. Despite being in outstanding form, he has not been the only player to shine at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has also imposed as one of the standout performers, registering 8 goals and 3 assists. As a result, the two have become the only players in World Cup history to record 10 + goal contributions in two different editions of the tournament.
At the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Messi and Mbappé have both reached and/or surpassed 10 goal contributions, becoming the only players in the tournament’s history to achieve this feat, reveals MisterChip, via X. While the Frenchman recorded 10 in the first edition and 11 in the second, the Argentine legend registered 10 goal contributions in both tournaments.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match.
Despite the growing doubts surrounding the expansion to 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup has been competitive, thrilling fans around the world. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that they are already considering a possible expansion to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.
FIFA decided to change the World Cup format for the 2026 edition, expanding to 48 national teams. Despite the growing doubts, the tournament has been highly competitive. Far from being satisfied, Gianni Infantino revealed that they are reviewing the possibility of expanding once again to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.
“That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees (expanding it to 64 national teams) after this World Cup. When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the whole world—not just Europe and South America… If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving,” reveals Infantino, via BlueWin.
Not only does Infantino consider this proposal a strong possibility, but so does CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. In an interview in November 2025, he revealed that his dream would be to see the tournament played with 64 national teams. However, this does not mean the change has been approved, as internal discussions are still ongoing.
Unlike Domínguez and Infantino, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is not entirely convinced that expanding the World Cup format to 64 teams is the right decision. During a UEFA media conference in Belgrade in April 2026, he revealed that he considers it a bad idea, as it would significantly affect the qualification process. Therefore, FIFA still has important discussions to hold before adjusting the format once again.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump
China and India: Potential key markets for FIFA
Throughout the past few years, FIFA has decided to make numerous changes to soccer. Beyond the adjustment to 48 national teams at the World Cup, they have introduced changes to the rules. In addition, technology has taken on an increasingly important role. However, the possible expansion to 64 national teams could be a more commercial move, one that could have a positive impact on the sport in India and China, two key markets.
Both China and India are among the most populous countries in the world. Despite this, neither of them has played in a World Cup edition, meaning that commercial rights in those markets tend to be relatively low. With the expansion of the tournament format, they could have a greater chance of qualifying for the first time in history, representing a significant commercial shift.
This does not mean that FIFA is considering the change to a 64-team World Cup because of including China and India. However, this adjustment would have, as its main consequence, their possible qualification. If they manage to qualify, both countries could become more interested in television rights, sponsorships, and more, boosting the tournament. In addition, this could make investment in soccer in these countries grow, benefiting the sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match.
After an important victory over Switzerland in the final minutes, Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. They will face England, in a highly competitive clash. With that in mind, Lionel Messi reflected on the upcoming encounter, recalling that famous 1986 clash.
Argentina have managed to become one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Even though they had to go to extra time, they managed to defeat Switzerland, reaching the semifinals in convincing fashion. There, they will face England in a match that brings back memories of the historic 1986 encounter. With that in mind, Lionel Messi decided to reflect on the upcoming clash, making his position clear.
“Obviously, I remember everything (about the 1986 match between Argentina and England) through videos and photos. As Argentines, we constantly watch it. But I think this group is used to playing these kinds of matches. To playing games no matter who the opponent is. Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse. Personally, it will be the first time I’m going to play against them,” Lionel Messi said in the mixed zone after the match.
Lionel Messi has played 205 matches for Argentina but has never faced England. Despite the tensions that exist between the two national teams, the 39-year-old star has chosen to stay away from any historical narrative, a perspective that differs from that of many fans and Argentina legends. Instead, he has emphasized that Thomas Tuchel’s team are a powerhouse and that Argentina’s focus is simply on defeating them.
Unlike previous editions, the rivalry between Argentina and England is purely soccer-related on the pitch. With both teams having struggled to reach the semifinals, the match appears to be more evenly balanced than expected. As a result, Lionel Messi’s team could once again depend on individual talent to make the difference. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that the team still needs to improve.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Argentina.
Argentina vs England: Revisiting their latest World Cup encounters
Argentina and England have faced each other five times in World Cup history. There is a 40-year gap between their first and most recent meeting. Although political tensions fueled the rivalry, the two sides have not faced each other in 24 years, making this encounter particularly significant. In their first meeting in 1962, England claimed a 3-1 victory, a result they repeated in 1966, proving to be the clear favorites.
After several years without a victory, Argentina defeated England at the 1986 World Cup in the so-called “Match of the Century,” where Diego Maradona delivered a legendary performance. They then defeated England again at the 1998 World Cup, winning on penalties in the Round of 16. However, Argentina lost their most recent meeting, which came at the 2002 World Cup, meaning the overall record does not favor Lionel Messi’s team.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final.
The biggest World Cup to ever take place sees 48 nations battling to be crowned the best international team in world soccer.
They'll be 104 matches taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico as the co-hosts aim to put on a true spectacle that'll culminate with the winner being crowned on July 19.
Soccer fans won't have to look too hard to find the matches on TV or their live streaming services, but with so many games across four time zones there's still plenty of room for error.
The Sporting News is on hand to bring you all the details about the tournament, including how to tune in, and an overview of the match schedule.
The broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada are owned by Bell Media, who will air all matches in English on TSN and CTV, and in French on RDS.
All 104 matches of the tournament will be televised in Canada, with streaming available on both CTV GO and TSN GO. Audio commentary will also be broadcast on TSN Radio.
TSN channels set to air games in English include TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.
TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on demand content.
The biggest World Cup to ever take place sees 48 nations battling to be crowned the best international team in world soccer.
They'll be 104 matches taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico as the co-hosts aim to put on a true spectacle that'll culminate with the winner being crowned on July 19.
Soccer fans won't have to look too hard to find the matches on TV or their live streaming services, but with so many games across four time zones there's still plenty of room for error.
The Sporting News is on hand to bring you all the details about the tournament, including how to tune in, and an overview of the match schedule.
FOX is the main English-language FIFA broadcast partner in the United States, and will have the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
The broadcaster has announced that all 104 matches of the tournament will be televised throughout the competition. 69 matches from the competition will air on the main FOX network channel, while 35 others will be televised on FS1.
For Spanish-language coverage, all 104 matches will stream live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo.
All those channels, both English and Spanish, are available to stream in the United States on fubo, who are offering a FREE trial for new users.
Every match will also stream live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
The FIFA World Cup is considered the most illustrious competition on the global football calendar.
Held every four years, winning the World Cup is believed to be the pinnacle achievement of a player's career, as winners are painted as international heroes.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, joint-hosted across North America by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the biggest of its kind, expanding to 48 teams, the largest-ever field in this tournament's storied history.
The Sporting News brings you all the details about the upcoming tournament, including how to tune in, key dates for the competition, and an overview of the match schedule.
How to watch World Cup 2026: TV channels, live streams
The broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada are owned by Bell Media, who will air all matches in English on TSN and CTV, and in French on RDS.
All 104 matches of the tournament will be televised in Canada, with streaming available on both CTV GO and TSN GO. Audio commentary will also be broadcast on TSN Radio.
TSN channels set to air games in English include TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.
TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on demand content.
Key dates for World Cup 2026
Here are all the most important dates for World Cup fans to know during the tournament:
June 11: Opening match of the 2026 World Cup
July 19: 2026 World Cup final
Here is an overview of the World Cup match schedule:
With the quarterfinals being history, the 2026 World Cup will be the first edition in history with the four ranked teams in the top of the FIFA Ranking qualified to the semifinal round.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals are complete, and the final four have been decided. In a historic first, the four remaining teams are the same four nations that occupied the top spots in the FIFA Rankings entering the tournament.
France opened the quarterfinal round on Thursday with a commanding 2-0 win over Morocco, followed by Spain edging Belgium 2-1 on Friday. Saturday closed out the bracket, with England defeating Norway 2-1 and Argentina dispatching Switzerland 3-1.
While the sport’s heavyweights tend to advance deep into the tournament, this marks the first time in 23 editions of the World Cup that the four semifinalists are all ranked inside the top four of the FIFA Rankings. Despite some shuffling of positions throughout the competition, all four nations remained within that elite group both before and after each update.
FIFA Ranking positions prior to World Cup
Argentina: 1877.27 points.
Spain: 1874.71 points.
France: 1870.70 points.
England: 1828.02 points.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina.
FIFA Ranking’s Top 4 after latest update
France: 1948.97 points.
Argentina: 1943.47 points.
Spain: 1934.79 points.
England: 1889.42 points.
No new World Cup champion in 2026
With the semifinal pairings set as France vs Spain and England vs Argentina, the stakes could not be higher. One thing, however, is already guaranteed: this World Cup will not produce a first-time champion, a rare occurrence in the competition’s history.
With all four remaining nations being former world champions, this will be just the third time in World Cup history that every semifinalist has previously lifted the trophy. The only other editions where that was the case were 1970, featuring Brazil, Italy, West Germany, and Uruguay, and 1990, with Argentina, West Germany, Italy, and England.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina, Kylian Mbappe #10 of France, and Harry Kane #9 of England.
The manager of Norway described why Erling Haaland left the match early against England.
It was a great run at the 2026 World Cup for Norway until England beat them 2-1 after extra time. However, the main doubt after the elimination was Erling Haaland‘s exit before the second half of extra time, which Ståle Solbakken explained was mainly due to fatigue.
Solbakken said: “It was not a tough decision because he was finished and maybe I should’ve taken him out 10 minutes before. He obviously had a tremendous World Cup.” The manager also revealed that Haaland was dealing with a “dead leg.”
This loss may not have been unexpected with all the quality England put on the field, but it certainly hurts more because Norway had been ahead. Even with the quarterfinal elimination, the team achieved the best World Cup run in its history.
After the qualification against Switzerland, head coach Lionel Scaloni delivered a grounding message ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England: "We have to be realistic, we have to be better."
Argentina secured a hard-fought place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a 3-1 win over Switzerland, setting up a blockbuster clash with England. Despite the emotion of the moment, head coach Lionel Scaloni kept his feet firmly on the ground, delivering a candid message to his squad.
In his post-match interview, Scaloni was honest about the difficulties Argentina faced at Arrowhead Stadium: “The truth is that today we suffered. We knew they were a very physical team, and we weren’t able to get out of certain situations. We have to be realistic, we need to be better.“
He also took a moment to acknowledge the significance of reaching another semifinal, while quickly shifting focus to what lies ahead. “It is historic. It doesn’t matter whether it’s England or Norway, we are going to face a team that has a great coach. Now we need to recover. That is the important thing,” he concluded.
Scaloni also reflected on how the red card changed the game for Argentina, stating that “the luck was on our side tonight” since from that moment, the team recovered the momentum and the spaces to attack once again.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland gets sent off.
Scaloni also highlighted the turning point for his team being in the 72nd minute, when Breel Embolo got sent off with his second yellow card. The action came after the “mistaken identity” protocol was triggered, with referee Joao Pinheiro overturning his decision, removing the yellow card from Leandro Paredes and then sending off the Swiss player in a controversial play.
Julian Alvarez on the win
With the match locked in a stalemate, Alvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning finish into the top corner to make it 2-1 in extra time for Argentina, and put Switzerland on the back foot. Lautaro Martinez then added a third to put the result beyond doubt.
Reflecting on his first goal of the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez was visibly emotional: “Very happy! We kept trying until the end; things got difficult. There is always a lot of talk, but we have to focus on our own things, on what we do day to day. The group is in a good place, now it’s time to rest and think about the next one. We would have preferred to win it earlier, but we know it’s not easy. There are two more left and we are going to go for it all.“
The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup have wrapped up, and the four remaining teams now know where and when they'll face off for a place in the final.
The quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup has delivered its final four, and the road to the title has never been clearer. Across four matches spread over three days, the tournament trimmed its final eight down to the semifinalists who will battle for a place in the championship game.
France were the first side through, dispatching Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium, with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele sealing the tournament’s first semifinal spot.
A day later, Spain followed them into the last four with a 2-1 win over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, a match settled by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute rebound after Fabian Ruiz’s opener and Charles De Ketelaere’s equalizer had cancelled each other out.
The final two semifinal berths were decided on Saturday, where England needed a stoppage-time equalizer and a Jude Bellingham extra-time winner to get past Norway, while Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 3-1 win over Switzerland to reach the semifinals.
The date, kickoff time and stadium for the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup match between England and Argentina.
The second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup was set, with England becoming the first team to qualify after beating Norway, while Argentina reached it after defeating Switzerland to set up one of the tournament’s biggest matches with a place in the final on the line.
This match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15. What comes after this match is the biggest prize in international soccer, as the winner will advance to the final with the chance to lift the trophy.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Atlanta Stadium, where another packed crowd is expected for a semifinal between two teams dreaming of reaching the last match of the competition.
Their previous matches
The paths taken by these teams to reach the semifinals have been impressive. England finished first in Group L with a victory over Croatia, a draw against Ghana and a win over Panama, while Argentina won Group J with victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Jude Bellingham scored two goals for England in the quarterfinals (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for Rexona)
England advanced to the semifinals after defeating DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 before beating Mexico 3-2 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men, and then overcoming Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals.
Argentina reached this stage after beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time before coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time.
Their furthest World Cup run
England won the World Cup in 1966 as their best run, while Argentina are three-time World Cup champions and have also finished as runners-up three times.
FIFA explained the controversial goal that England scored to level the match against Norway.
FIFA has moved to defend the officiating in England’s dramatic World Cup quarterfinal victory over Norway, addressing a controversial passage of play that saw Jude Bellingham’s equalizer stand despite replays appearing to show the ball striking an overhead camera cable moments earlier.
The incident unfolded in the first half at Miami Stadium, where Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland sent a goal kick upfield that appeared to clip one of the suspended cables connected to the stadium’s robotic skycam system, altering its trajectory before it dropped to Elliot Anderson.
After Anderson got the ball, England worked the ball forward and two passes later it found Bellingham, who finished emphatically to make it 1-1 just before halftime.
Norway’s players and coaching staff, including manager Stale Solbakken, immediately protested to the officials, arguing the ball should have been ruled out of play once it made contact with an object outside the field of play.
Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball. pic.twitter.com/gYf9ukfveT
Referee Clement Turpin allowed play to continue without a VAR intervention, and FIFA later confirmed why. According to the governing body, the tournament’s connected match ball is fitted with a sensor that registers even minimal contact, and a check of that data showed no anomaly, or “peak,” at the moment in question, meaning there was no recorded evidence the ball had struck the cable at all.
England awaits for rival
Having sealed their place in the last four, England now know only half of the equation. The Three Lions will face the winner of Argentina and Switzerland, who meet at Kansas City Stadium for the tournament’s final semifinal spot. England’s semifinal is set for Wednesday, July 15, at the Atlanta Stadium.
The other half of the bracket is already decided. France and Spain, both already through, meet a day earlier, on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium, in a rematch of the 2024 Euro semifinals that will produce the first finalist of this tournament.
Set to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, Johan Manzambi will be one of the main absences for Switzerland national team.
Switzerland faces Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 12th, with a semifinal spot on the line. However, heading into one of the toughest challenges of their 2026 World Cup run, La Nati will be without one of their standout performers.
Manzambi has been ruled out of the quarterfinal against Argentina due to a knee injury. The Swiss midfielder picked up the problem during a training session that kept him out of the Colombia match, and he has been unable to recover in time to face the Albiceleste, with head coach Murat Yakin leaving him off the substitution bench entirely.
Yakin addressed the situation at Friday’s press conference, acknowledging the efforts made to get him ready: “We tried everything that we could to get him back, unfortunately, he’s unable to perform tomorrow.”
He issued an update on the player’s status, and how the team is affected over his absence. “Johan Manzambi is in a lot of pain. It was a shock to all of us. This momentum was on his side, and there is so much joy when he plays football,” Yakin concluded.
Manzambi Johan #9 of Switzerland stretches during a training session.
In his absence, Switzerland will line up with Dan Ndoye and Fabian Rieder on the flanks, while Djibril Sow steps into the attacking midfield role Manzambi would have occupied behind striker Breel Embolo.
Manzambi, Switzerland’s breakout star of the 2026 World Cup
Manzambi began the World Cup on the bench but quickly forced his way into Yakin’s plans with a series of eye-catching performances. He scored a brace in the 4-1 group stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, then added a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory over Canada, contributing to both goals.
He carried that form into the Round of 32, providing the assist for Breel Embolo’s opener in a 2-0 win over Algeria. The knee injury brought his remarkable run to a halt, ruling him out of both the Colombia quarterfinal qualifier and now the match against Argentina.
His performances have already had a tangible impact on his career, however. According to The Athletic, Newcastle United and Freiburg have reached an agreement for the midfielder to join the Premier League side in a deal worth in the region of £50 million ($67 million).
Argentina face Switzerland in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Lautaro Martinez will begin the match from the bench.
Argentina face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Kansas City Stadium, and manager Lionel Scaloni opted to leave Lautaro Martinez out of his starting eleven.
This time, Scaloni again chose Julian Alvarez to line up alongside Lionel Messi up front, keeping the same forward pairing that started Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt in the Round of 16.
The decision is purely tactical rather than fitness-related — Martinez is fully available from a physical standpoint and remains an option to be introduced from the bench if the match calls for it.
Scaloni’s ongoing attacking dilemma
The question up front is something Scaloni has been weighing since the start of the tournament. While Alvarez had been Argentina‘s starting striker in the matches leading up to the World Cup, he arrived at the tournament managing an ankle issue that limited his preparation, keeping him out of the starting lineup for Argentina’s first two group games, against Algeria and Austria.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina. (Getty Images)
In his place, Martinez took over the striker role alongside Messi, and the Inter Milan forward started in each of Argentina’s first four matches. However, the forward managed just one goal and one assist before Alvarez took over for the Round of 16 clash against Egypt.
Alvarez brings a different set of qualities to Argentina’s attack, with more pace that allows him to roam across the entire front line, unlike Martinez, who tends to operate through the center.
That’s why, for this match against Switzerland, Scaloni opted to stick with Alvarez’s attributes and keep the same forward line that got the job done against Egypt.
With Argentina set to clash against Switzerland, questions are rising over the presence of Lionel Messi in the game.
Argentina faces Switzerland on Saturday, July 12th, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. With the defending champions looking to reach the semifinals, the central question heading into the match is whether Lionel Messi will be on the field from the start.
Lionel Messi has been included in the starting lineup against Switzerland. Having played every minute of every game at this World Cup, including the full 90 against Egypt, the Inter Miami star is fit and available with no concerns heading into the quarterfinal.
Argentina arrive on the back of one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament, completing a 3-2 comeback against Egypt that began in the 79th minute, the latest in World Cup history. Switzerland, meanwhile, advanced through a penalty shootout against Colombia after 120 goalless minutes.
La Nati also provide Argentina with a favorable omen. The two sides last met at the 2014 World Cup, when the Albiceleste edged them 1-0 in the Round of 16, and Switzerland hold the added distinction of being the first team against whom Messi scored a hat trick in an Argentina shirt. With five wins and two draws in the all-time head-to-head, the Europeans will be eager to finally end that streak.
Lionel Messi and Ricardo Rodriguez will meet again in an Argentina-Switzerland game after 2014.
Scaloni fields an unchanged lineup
Throughout his successful tenure, Lionel Scaloni has consistently tailored his lineups to specific opponents, rarely naming the same starting XI in back-to-back matches. Against Switzerland, however, that pattern will be broken.
At Friday’s press conference, Scaloni left the door open for an unchanged side: “Well, I’ve already done that a few times. It wouldn’t be crazy if I field the same team, just as it wouldn’t be crazy if there’s a change or two. In principle, they would play very similarly to the other day. Beyond how crazy the match turned out to be, in terms of the actual play, the team did some very good things. I liked it.“
Confirmed lineups for Argentina and Switzerland
Argentina’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez. Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Switzerland’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka; Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Dan Ndoye; Breel Embolo. Head coach: Murat Yakin
Switzerland face Argentina in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The final quarterfinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Kansas City Stadium, where Switzerland and defending champions Argentina meet for a place in the semifinals.
Switzerland head into this match ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,710.88 points, a position they’ve earned throughout the tournament. Murat Yakin’s men went unbeaten across their four matches so far, opening with a draw against Qatar on Matchday 1 before picking up wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to close out the group stage.
They then cruised past Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and needed a penalty shootout to see off Colombia in the Round of 16 following a goalless draw.
Standing in their way is an Argentina side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,925.15 points. Lionel Scaloni’s men topped Group J with a perfect nine points, then survived an extra-time scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 before pulling off a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Switzerland players react during the penalty shootout vs Colombia. (Getty Images)
Switzerland chasing history
Beyond the ranking gap, there’s a bigger prize on the line for Switzerland,as a win would send them into the semifinals for the first time since 1954, snapping a 72-year drought at this stage of the tournament.
Argentina and Switzerland’s head-to-head record
History strongly favors Argentina heading into the quarterfinal clash. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting. The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, where Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-0 at the group stage.
The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with a strike from Angel Di Maria sending them through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final that year.
For the last two World Cup quarterfinal rounds played on Saturday, FIFA will be holding a minute of silence.
The final two quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup take place today, July 11th, with Norway facing England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and Argentina taking on Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Before both matches begin, a minute of silence will be observed.
FIFA has announced that the tribute is being held in honor of Jayden Adams, the South African footballer who participated in this World Cup and passed away on Saturday, July 11th, after returning to his home country.
FIFA’s official statement confirmed the protocol: “M99 (Norway-England) and M100 (Argentina-Switzerland): a minute of silence will be observed in both matches in memory of Jayden Adams, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 25. The South African midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut during this tournament, playing three matches as Bafana Bafana qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history.”
A midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, who featured in the most recent FIFA Club World Cup, Adams earned his place in the national team through his performances at club level. The news of his passing broke on Saturday morning, with the cause of death not yet made public.
Jayden Adams #23 of South Africa looks on during a training session.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute on social media: “It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign. My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.“
Jayden Adams at the 2026 World Cup
Adams was part of South Africa’s starting lineup for the tournament opener against Mexico, one of the most anticipated games of the opening round. He was substituted off in the 61st minute for Themba Zwane in a match that ended in a 2-0 defeat for Bafana Bafana.
Before the second group game against Czechia, Adams received the devastating news that his grandmother, Marianna, had passed away. He chose to play through the grief, starting the match before being taken off at halftime in a game that finished 1-1.
For the final group stage fixture against South Korea, Adams came on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory that sealed South Africa’s place in the Round of 32. Their knockout run ended there, falling 1-0 to Canada in a match Adams did not feature in, bringing his World Cup to a close in what would prove to be the final chapter of his life.
Argentina enter this match ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,925.15 points. They are two spots lower than the June 11 update, with only France and Spain ahead of them after advancing to this round by winning Group J with victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
The team has continued to prove why they are among the best by beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland’s ranking
This should be a difficult match for Argentina as Switzerland also arrive after improving their position. Their rivals are currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,710.88 points, five spots higher than the June 11 update.
Gregor Kobel was very important for Switzerland in the penalties (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Their campaign began with a first-place finish in Group B after drawing with Qatar and beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada. Switzerland then defeated Algeria 2-0 before drawing 0-0 with Colombia and advancing on penalties in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland have remained among the world’s most competitive teams for several years with consistently strong rankings. They reached their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 3rd in 1993, while their lowest came in 1998 when they dropped to 83rd.
Argentina’s highest ranking
Argentina’s place among the best teams in the world has been built by generations of great players. They reached the top of the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in 2007 and have returned to 1st on several occasions since, while their lowest position was 24th in 1996.
England face Norway in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Jarell Quansah won't be available for this match.
England face Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and Jarell Quansah won’t be involved at all for manager Thomas Tuchel — the defender is serving a suspension rather than being left out by choice.
Quansah received a red card in England‘s victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, after a video review determined that he had made a sliding tackle with his cleats leading, which resulted in an automatic two-game suspension.
That suspension rules him out of the quarterfinal clash and would also keep him sidelined for a potential semifinal, should England advance past Norway, where they would clash with the winner of the game between Argentina and Switzerland.
How Tuchel plans to cover the gap at right-back
With Quansah unavailable, Tuchel is shifting Ezri Konsa out to right-back to fill the void left behind. At center-back, John Stones returns to the starting lineup for the first time since England’s tournament opener against Croatia, partnering Marc Guehi, who passed his fitness test this week after battling a hamstring issue.
Ezri Konsa of England. (Getty Images)
The reshuffle leaves England’s backline looking notably different from the one that started the win over Mexico, but it’s the closest thing to a like-for-like swap Tuchel has available with Quansah unavailable, while Reece James and Djed Spence are only fit enough for a place among the substitutes.
England’s confirmed lineup
For this crucial game, the German manager has already confirmed the team that will take the field at Miami Stadium in search of a place among the final four teams of the 2026 World Cup.
England’s starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
Once Norway's lineup against England was unveiled, the exclusion of Antonio Nusa raised some eyebrows among fans.
Norway are in the midst of a historic World Cup run and will look to extend it to the semifinals when they face England in the quarterfinals. However, the absence of Antonio Nusa from the starting lineup was one of the first talking points when the teams were announced.
Nusa has been dropped from the starting XI by head coach Stale Solbakken following an underwhelming performance in the Round of 16 against Brazil. The RB Leipzig winger was unable to make his mark on that match, and Solbakken has decided to make a change on the left flank as a result.
Andreas Schjelderup gets the nod in his place. The Benfica forward was the standout substitute against Brazil, coming off the bench to deliver two assists for Erling Haaland and effectively deciding the match, a showing that has earned him a start against England.
Nusa had been a near-permanent fixture in Solbakken’s starting lineup throughout the tournament, with his only substitute appearance coming in the group stage against France, when qualification was already secured and rotation was expected. But his exit at halftime against Brazil opened the door for Schjelderup, who made the most of his opportunity and has not looked back.
Antonio Nusa #20 of Norway competes for the ball against Matheus Cunha #9 and Danilo #13 of Brazil.
Nusa could miss an eventual semifinal
His place on the bench is not necessarily a long-term concern, as Solbakken regularly rotates his attacking line and Nusa is likely to see minutes at some point against England. The more pressing issue, however, is the disciplinary risk he carries into this match.
Nusa is the only Norway player currently one booking away from a suspension, having been shown a yellow card in the Round of 32 against Ivory Coast. A caution against England would rule him out of a potential World Cup semifinal against either Switzerland or Argentina.
While Norway went ahead, England came back to earn a 2-1 victory with goals from Bellingham.
A great match was expected with a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup on the line as Norway and England faced off in the quarterfinals. In a hard-fought match, England came out victorious in extra time with two goals from Jude Bellingham.
In the first half, there were not many chances, with Norway taking the lead through a fantastic goal from Andreas Schjelderup. However, it was not enough to go into halftime ahead, as Bellingham equalized in stoppage time.
Not much happened in the second half except for a Norway goal that was disallowed after a VAR review because of a foul by Erling Haaland before the corner kick was taken. With neither team able to find another goal, the match went to extra time. Just when it started, a weak shot from Morgan Rogers forced Ørjan Nyland into a poor rebound, allowing Bellingham to score what ended up being the winning goal.
England face Norway in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Bukayo Saka will begin the match from the bench.
England face Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and manager Thomas Tuchel has once again opted to leave Bukayo Saka out of his starting eleven.
Tuchel is sticking with Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon on the wings, the same pairing that has featured heavily throughout the tournament, with Saka continuing to build up his fitness after arriving in North America still managing an Achilles tendon issue.
The Arsenal winger played through discomfort at the end of the club season to help his team win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, and Tuchel opted not to risk him from the start in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia either, handing that role to Madueke instead.
Saka has gradually gained rhythm off the bench since, even earning starts in the group-stage match against Panama and during the Round of 16 clash against Mexico, and while he’s now fit enough to play, the German manager has opted to hold him back for this matchup.
Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico competes for the ball against Bukayo Saka #7 of England. (Getty Images)
England’s other absences for the Norway clash
Saka’s situation isn’t the only selection headache facing Tuchel heading into the quarterfinal. Jarell Quansah is suspended for the match after picking up a red card in the Round of 16 win over Mexico, ruling him out of both the quarterfinal and a potential semifinal.
England will also be without Jordan Henderson, who is out for the remainder of the tournament after breaking his wrist in a freak accident, tripping over an advertising board during the team’s celebrations following the win over Mexico. The midfielder underwent surgery on the injury shortly after.
For this match, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James were also in doubt with various fitness issues, though the first two will start, while James is available off the bench.
With England facing Norway, the absence of both Reece James and Sjed Spence in the starting lineup raised some eyebrows among fans.
England face Norway on Saturday, July 12th, in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals at Miami Stadium, but Thomas Tuchel will be without his two recognized right backs from the start. The absence of both Reece James and Djed Spence from the lineup has understandably raised concern among England supporters.
James will not start after suffering a hamstring strain that has kept him sidelined for much of the tournament. Although he was able to take part in Friday’s training session, Tuchel has decided against rushing him back into the starting XI, unwilling to risk a setback in a quarterfinal.
Spence, meanwhile, has also been managing a minor injury that caused him to miss training sessions in the buildup to the Round of 16 against Mexico. He was able to contribute some minutes off the bench in that match, but remains short of full fitness and is not ready to start.
With both recognized options unavailable, Tuchel has turned to Ezri Konsa at right back to face Norway. While the Aston Villa defender has primarily been used as a center back at club and international level, he did cover the right back role earlier in his career, and Tuchel is now calling on that experience to fill one of England’s most pressing positional gaps.
Ezri Konsa #2 of England.
England’s right back headache
The problems at right back actually predate the tournament itself. Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury in training back in June, with Tuchel bringing in Trevoh Chalobah as a replacement, confident that the position was otherwise well covered.
That confidence was quickly tested. Reece James started all three group stage matches before a hamstring strain ended his run in the team, and he has yet to return for either of England’s knockout games against DR Congo and Mexico.
With James and Spence both short of full fitness and Quansah banned, Konsa has emerged as the only viable solution at right back. It is an experiment born out of necessity, and how it holds up against Norway’s attack remains to be seen.
While the national team had received encouraging updates before the match, uncertainty continued to surround the Arsenal star, leaving supporters wondering why he would not feature in one of England's biggest matches of the tournament.
Marcus Rashford has been included in England’s matchday squad for the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway, but the forward starts on the bench rather than in the starting XI. While many supporters expected the forward star to feature from kickoff, manager Thomas Tuchel has opted for a different tactical approach.
England enters the quarterfinal after a dramatic victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following its historic elimination of Brazil. With a semifinal place at stake, both national teams approach the contest carrying momentum. Rashford remains an important part of England’s plans despite not being selected in the starting lineup.
The Three Lions booked their place in the last eight by defeating Mexico 3-2 in one of the tournament’s most demanding matches. Playing the final 36 minutes with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, the European side showed resilience to protect its lead despite relentless pressure.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the opening half before Harry Kane added a penalty after the break. Although Mexico fought back with two late goals, England’s defense held firm to preserve the victory and extend its unbeaten World Cup campaign.
Round
Norway’s Results
England’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Won 4–1 vs. Iraq
Won 4–2 vs. Croatia
Group Stage Match 2
Won 3–2 vs. Senegal
Drew 0–0 vs. Ghana
Group Stage Match 3
Lost 1–4 vs. France
Won 2–0 vs. Panama
Round of 32
Won 2–1 vs. Ivory Coast
Won 2–1 vs. DR Congo
Round of 16
Won 2–1 vs. Brazil
Won 3–2 vs. Mexico
Norway, meanwhile, produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition by eliminating Brazil 2-1. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes, continuing his outstanding tournament after reaching seven goals in five matches.
Why Marcus Rashford is on the bench against Norway
Why isn’t Marcus Rashford starting for England against Norway?
The biggest reason behind Rashford’s absence from the starting XI is Anthony Gordon’s impressive displays during the tournament.
According to The New York Times, Tuchel has preferred Gordon on the left wing after the Newcastle United attacker produced standout performances, including his display against Mexico. Those performances helped Gordon move ahead in the current selection order as England prepares for the knockout clash.
Rather than making changes because of fitness concerns, Tuchel’s decision reflects the competitive battle for places across England’s attacking positions.
Rashford remains an important option
Although he starts among the substitutes, Rashford continues to play a significant role in England’s World Cup campaign.
The forward has already made valuable contributions during the tournament, including scoring against Croatia, demonstrating his ability to influence matches when called upon. His pace, direct running and finishing ability make him one of England’s most dangerous options later in games.
England heads to the Norway game in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with the possibility of reaching its best mark in the FIFA Rankings.
England entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup widely regarded as one of the strongest national teams of the tournament, and now, sitting just three wins away from glory, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as the Three Lions prepare to battle Norway in the quarterfinal round. Yet, despite putting together a highly impressive run in North America, their official positioning in the global FIFA world rankings has remained relatively stagnant.
England currently occupies the No. 4 spot in the official FIFA rankings, boasting 1,871.39 total points. The squad, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, actually entered the tournament already locked into that fourth-place position with 1,828.02 points, meaning their recent success has allowed them to comfortably maintain their distance from the chasing pack while failing to quite close the gap on the world’s top three nations.
As the historic birthplace of modern soccer and home to the pioneering Football Association, England is currently in an ideal position to rewrite its own international record books regarding the global leaderboard.
The Three Lions have climbed into the top three of the FIFA rankings on exactly three occasions in program history, achieving the feat in 2012, 2021, and most recently in 2023. Despite reaching those lofty heights, England has never managed to crack the top two spots, an institutional drought they will be incredibly eager to finally break by lifting the trophy this July.
Declan Rice #4, Harry Kane #9 and Elliot Anderson #8 of England celebrate the team’s 3-2 victory.
While Erling Haaland remains the top menace of a dangerous Norway squad, England still holds a definitive historical edge over their Scandinavian counterparts. Across 12 all-time meetings between the two European nations, England has claimed victory seven times, paired with three draws and just two losses, though this highly anticipated clash will mark their first-ever World Cup meeting.
England looking to end its legendary championship drought
England is firmly established as one of international soccer’s most historic brands, currently ranking fifth all-time for the most total matches played in World Cup history. However, during this year’s showcase, the primary objective for the Three Lions is simply putting an end to decades of tournament heartbreak.
In their lone World Cup final appearance, England delivered a clinical performance to secure a legendary 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany back in 1966, but the program has famously failed to return to the grandest stage ever since. The Three Lions came agonizingly close to snapping their broader trophy drought recently, but consecutive, heartbreaking defeats in the 2021 and 2024 Euro finals against Italy and Spain have only prolonged the nation’s wait for a major honor.
Norway face England in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Miami Stadium, where Norway take on England in a matchup that pits one of the tournament’s biggest overachievers against one of its most consistent heavyweights.
Norway entered the tournament ranked just 31st in the FIFA World Rankings, but their run through the knockout rounds has pushed their live position up to 19th, with 1,651.29points ahead of the quarterfinal clash.
After getting through Group I — one of the toughest in the draw alongside France and Senegal — Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 before producing the biggest result of their tournament, eliminating Brazil in the Round of 16 behind a brace from Erling Haaland.
England, meanwhile, sit comfortably inside the top five at 4th in the world, with 1,871.39 points, trailing Argentina, Spain and France among the teams still alive in the tournament.
Erling Haaland celebrates a goal for Norway vs Brazil. (Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel’s men won Group L without much difficulty, ground out a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the Round of 32 thanks to a Harry Kane brace, and followed it up with a 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Norway and England’s head-to-head record
Despite their long shared soccer history, Norway and England have never met at a World Cup before, making Saturday’s quarterfinal a first in the competition’s history. Across their 12 previous meetings — all friendlies or qualifiers — England hold a clear edge with seven wins, two losses, and three draws.
The Three Lions won the first five encounters comfortably, including a 6-0 rout in their first-ever meeting back in 1937, though Norway has pulled off a couple of famous upsets along the way, most notably a 2-1 win in Oslo in 1981. The two sides last met in a 2014 friendly, which England won 1-0 on a Wayne Rooney penalty.
Defending champions Argentina and an undefeated Switzerland are ready to leave it all on the pitch.
Gearing up for a massive Quarter-final battle this Saturday, defending champions Argentina and an undefeated Switzerland are ready to leave it all on the pitch. While the defending champion enters the clash as the favorite, the Swiss arrives unbeaten and determined to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Whatever the final score, the outcome will have enormous consequences for the road to the World Cup final.
La Albiceleste arrives in Kansas City after surviving two dramatic knockout matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side needed extra time to eliminate Cape Verde before producing an incredible comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Lionel Messi once again led the charge despite missing a penalty before scoring the equalizer, while Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround. The defending champion has now extended its unbeaten World Cup run while continuing its pursuit of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Switzerland has quietly put together one of its strongest World Cup campaigns in decades. Murat Yakin’s team topped its group beforedefeating Algeria and then eliminating Colombia via penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.
Date
Argentina’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Algeria
Group Stage
Win (3–0)
June 22, 2026
Austria
Group Stage
Win (2–0)
June 27, 2026
Jordan
Group Stage
Win (3–1)
July 3, 2026
Cape Verde
Round of 32
Win (3–2 AET)
July 7, 2026
Egypt
Round of 16
Win (3–2)
The Swiss have conceded only three goals throughout the tournament and have relied heavily on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, captain Granit Xhaka, and a disciplined defensive structure. However, the Rossocrociati will once again be without midfielder Johan Manzambi, whose knee injury continues to sideline one of the team’s most productive attacking players.
Date
Switzerland’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 13, 2026
Qatar
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 18, 2026
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 24, 2026
Canada
Group Stage
Win (2–1)
July 2, 2026
Algeria
Round of 32
Win (2–0)
July 7, 2026
Colombia
Round of 16
Draw (0–0, won 4–3 on penalties)
What happens if Argentina wins and Switzerland loses?
Should Argentina win in regulation, extra time, or penalties, the defending champion will book a place in the semifinals, where it will meet the winner of the England vs. Norway quarterfinal.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Victory would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first back-to-back World Cup champion in more than six decades. The semifinal would take place in Atlanta on July 15, leaving the Albiceleste just one victory away from another appearance in the World Cup Final.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
Unlike group-stage matches, this quarterfinal cannot finish as a permanent draw. If the teams remain level after regulation, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the semifinal place will be decided through a penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick
That possibility feels realistic considering Switzerland’s defensive organization and Argentina’s recent habit of producing late drama throughout the knockout rounds.
Current 2026 World Cup Playoff Bracket
The left side of the bracket is already locked in, while the right side will be determined by the final quarterfinal matches. [1, 2]
Tournament Round
Left Side of Bracket
Right Side of Bracket
Quarter-finals
France 2-0 Morocco Spain 2-1 Belgium
England vs. Norway Argentina vs. Switzerland
Semi-finals
France vs. Spain (July 14)
England/Norway vs. Argentina/Switzerland(July 15)
World Cup Final
Winner Semifinal 1 (July 19)
Winner Semifinal 2 (July 19)
What happens if Switzerland wins and Argentina loses?
A Swiss victory would immediately become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Not only would Switzerland eliminate the reigning world champion, but it would also secure its first-ever World Cup semifinal appearance, continuing what has already been one of the nation’s finest international tournaments.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland celebrates a goal vs Algeria.
Captain Granit Xhaka knows exactly what his team is facing. “I don’t know that we can stop Lionel Messi over 90 minutes. It’s going to be difficult. But we have to be smart, compact, close the gaps, and not give him too many spaces.”
Emiliano Martinez #23, Rodrigo De Paul #7, Lionel Messi #10 and Exequiel Palacios #14 of Argentina applaud fans.
Before the match is even played, the spotlight has shifted beyond tactics and results, as Paredes shared an emotional insight into what truly motivates the squad, while Argentina continues its quest to reach the semifinals.
Argentina is preparing for a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland, with Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes once again at the heart of the defending champion’s story. Before the match is even played, the spotlight has shifted beyond tactics and results, as Paredes shared an emotional insight into what truly motivates the squad, while Argentina continues its quest to reach the semifinals.
As Argentina gets ready for another high-pressure knockout clash, questions continue to surround its performances despite advancing through the tournament unbeaten. Dramatic comeback victories over Cape Verde and Egypt have kept Lionel Scaloni’s side alive, but they have also highlighted the resilience that has become a defining trait of this generation.
Although La Albiceleste entered the tournament as one of the favorites to retain the World Cup, the knockout rounds have tested every part of the squad’s character. After needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde, the defending champion looked to be heading home when Egypt established a two-goal lead in the Round of 16.
Instead, Scaloni’s players produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament. Lionel Messi scored the equalizer before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround, keeping the team’s World Cup dream alive and setting up a quarterfinal meeting with Switzerland.
Those performances have sparked debate over whether the team has relied too heavily on Messi throughout the tournament. While the captain has delivered eight goals and remains among the favorites for the Golden Boot, many observers believe the rest of the squad must shoulder more responsibility as the competition becomes increasingly difficult.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
2.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
5
2
Switzerland presents different kind of challenge
Unlike some of Argentina’s previous opponents, Switzerland is built around defensive discipline and organization. Led by captain Granit Xhaka, the team has frustrated opponents by limiting space in central areas while remaining patient throughout matches.
The Swiss squad has shown it can survive under pressure for extended periods, making it a dangerous opponent despite lacking the individual star power of Argentina. Another disciplined defensive display could force the defending champion into another tense knockout battle.
Still, history favors Argentina. The South American nation has never lost to Switzerland, winning both previous World Cup meetings, including a memorable 1-0 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 tournament.
Lionel Messi of Argentina (C) shakes hands with Granit Xhaka of Switzerland at 2014 FIFA World Cup
Leandro Paredes reveals what truly drives Argentina
While winning consecutive World Cup titles remains a historic objective, Paredes revealed another mission motivates the dressing room every single day. “We play so that Leo’s last match never arrives”, he admitted to Clarin.
“The national team’s willingness to represent an entire country, of this team that for me, as I always say, is a privilege to be a part of. We are here to help, for everyone to give what they can at any given moment, and I think we did that until the very end,” Paredes said.
Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes
He also spoke about the emotional connection between the players and Argentina’s fans. “There aren’t many words to describe what we go through, what we experience, what we feel when playing in this shirt. For me, it is a source of pride to be part of this national team; I have no other words because it truly is a pleasure,” he explained.
Lionel Messi (L) and Leandro Paredes of Argentina celebrate
Before kickoff in Miami, fans are eager to learn whether both superstar strikers will feature from the opening whistle and how each national team plans to approach the high-stakes showdown.
Norway is preparing for the biggest match in its modern soccer history as it faces England in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane expected to headline one of the tournament’s most anticipated battles. However, before kickoff in Miami, fans are eager to learn whether both superstar strikers will feature from the opening whistle and how each national team plans to approach the high-stakes showdown.
The quarterfinal brings together two sides whose journeys have captivated supporters for different reasons. Norway has emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. At the same time, England has continued its pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966, relying heavily on the leadership of Kane and the brilliance of Jude Bellingham.
Norway’s remarkable journey continues as England survives major tests
Few expected Norway to reach this stage when the tournament began. After ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup, the Scandinavian nation has embraced the occasion, advancing to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal after memorable victories over Ivory Coast and five-time champions Brazil.
The victory against Brazil became one of the defining moments of the tournament. Erling Haaland scored twice in the 2-1 triumph, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s deadliest finishers while helping Norway make history.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrating.
On the other hand, England has also experienced its share of drama during the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side produced an impressive 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico, overcoming difficult conditions and even playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal.
Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring a goal.
The Three Lions have now reached their 11th World Cup quarterfinal, extending a consistent run of success at major tournaments. While defensive issues have occasionally surfaced, England’s attack has remained productive thanks to Kane, Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Round
Norway’s Results
England’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Won 4–1 vs. Iraq
Won 4–2 vs. Croatia
Group Stage Match 2
Won 3–2 vs. Senegal
Drew 0–0 vs. Ghana
Group Stage Match 3
Lost 1–4 vs. France
Won 2–0 vs. Panama
Round of 32
Won 2–1 vs. Ivory Coast
Won 2–1 vs. DR Congo
Round of 16
Won 2–1 vs. Brazil
Won 3–2 vs. Mexico
Will Erling Haaland and Harry Kane play?
Both Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will start for their respective national teams, setting up one of the tournament’s most intriguing individual duels.
The former enters the quarterfinal in sensational form after scoring seven goals, placing him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, the latter has been equally influential, contributing six goals while continuing to lead England’s attack with his movement, finishing, and experience.
Erling Haaland of Norway (L) and Harry Kane of England (R)
Both forwards approach the game differently. Haaland remains high up the pitch, constantly searching for space behind defenders, while Kane frequently drops deeper to link midfield with attack before arriving inside the penalty area.
England's quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, […]
England’s quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, fans are already wondering how each possible result could alter the road to the final.
England heads into the knockout clash following a 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway earned a memorable 2-1 triumph over Brazil to reach its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard all preparing for another high-pressure occasion, the winner will move one step closer to lifting soccer’s biggest prize.
The Vikings have become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after ending a 28-year World Cup absence by reaching the last eight. Stale Solbakken’s side has combined fearless attacking soccer with remarkable resilience, eliminating Brazil after also overcoming Ivory Coast in the previous knockout round.
Date
Norway’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 22, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3–2)
June 26, 2026
France
Group Stage
Loss (1–4)
June 30, 2026
Ivory Coast
Round of 32
Win (2–1)
July 5, 2026
Brazil
Round of 16
Win (2–1)
On the other hand, the Three Lions’ journey has been equally dramatic. Thomas Tuchel’s squad survived an exhausting battle against co-host Mexico, winning despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half.
Date
England’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 17, 2026
Croatia
Group Stage
Win (4–2)
June 23, 2026
Ghana
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 27, 2026
Panama
Group Stage
Win (2–0)
July 1, 2026
DR Congo
Round of 32
Win (2–1)
July 5, 2026
Mexico
Round of 16
Win (3–2)
What happens if England wins and Norway loses?
If England defeats Norway, Thomas Tuchel’s side will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup Semi-finals. The Three Lions would then face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland, keeping alive hopes of reaching another World Cup final.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
Victory would also maintain England’s pursuit of its first world title since 1966. With Kane and Bellingham leading the attack, England would remain on the same side of the bracket as Argentina or Switzerland before a potential final against the winner emerging from the opposite half.
England enters the Quarter-finals carrying momentum after winning three consecutive matches while scoring at least twice in each victory. Despite lingering injury concerns, squad depth remains one of its greatest strengths entering the decisive stage of the tournament.
What happens if the match is level after 90 minutes?
If England and Norway are tied at the end of regulation, neither nation advances immediately. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time, with penalties deciding the winner if the deadlock remains.
Harry Kane #9 of England converts a penalty
This scenario introduces another layer of drama, especially for players already carrying yellow cards. England stars such as Jude Bellingham and several teammates could risk suspension for the semifinals if they receive another booking before eventually advancing.
Extra time would also test both squads physically after demanding knockout campaigns. Miami’s expected heat could become another significant factor as tired legs begin to influence the contest.
Tournament Round
Left Side of Bracket
Right Side of Bracket
Quarter-finals
France 2-0 Morocco Spain 2-1 Belgium
England vs. Norway Argentina vs. Switzerland
Semi-finals
France vs. Spain (July 14)
England/Norway vs. Argentina/Switzerland(July 15)
World Cup Final
Winner Semifinal 1 (July 19)
Winner Semifinal 2 (July 19)
What happens if Norway wins and England loses?
If Norway eliminates England, the Scandinavian nation would complete another historic achievement by reaching its first-ever World Cup semifinal. Such a result would become one of the greatest moments in Norwegian soccer history, following the already remarkable victory over Brazil.
Norway players celebrate
The Vikings would then advance to face Argentina/Switzerland in Atlanta. England’s campaign would come to an end at the quarterfinal stage despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites.
Haaland has played a central role in Norway’s remarkable run, scoring seven goals to establish himself among the Golden Boot leaders. Martin Odegaard’s creativity, combined with the pace of Norway’s supporting attackers, has transformed the team into one of the competition’s most dangerous outsiders.
Thibaut Courtois left the field early in the loss to Spain, but the goalkeeper of Belgium felt he could continue.
While there was a team expected to reach the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup in Spain, injuries were a huge factor for Belgium. The loss of Youri Tielemans before the match began was joined by Thibaut Courtois‘ muscle issue that made Rudi García substitute him out.
Courtois said: “I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem staying in goal, only taking long kicks. In the end, the manager decided to take me off. That’s no problem because the team comes above everything.”
It was a 2-1 loss made even more painful by how it ended. Courtois was attended by the medical staff before being replaced by Senne Lammens in the 71st minute. The issue was that Lammens left a rebound for Mikel Merino to score near the end after a weak shot from Pau Cubarsí.
Courtois wants a long break
There’s no denying that Courtois has made history with Belgium, not just by representing his country at club level with Real Madrid but also by being the national team’s goalkeeper for many years.
Lammens was the goalkeeper who replaced him (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
That period did not come without problems, as he had already been exiled from the team from mid-2023 to 2025 after a disagreement with former manager Domenico Tedesco about the captaincy. Now, he admitted he wants to take a long break from international duty before returning.
Courtois said: “I’d like to take a break from the Nations League, which isn’t that important, and return for the Euro qualifying campaign. It’s a decision that has to be made together with the federation. If they agree with that plan. Otherwise, today would have been my last match.”
Courtois on Real Madrid
Clubs are already making moves to be ready when the competition ends, with Real Madrid among the most active after also hiring José Mourinho as their new manager. Courtois said: “Real Madrid have signed good players and a top manager. Now it’s up to us to respond.”
The expectation for the 2026 World Cup semifinal is huge at it's going to be the sixth time Lamine Yamal plays a knockout match against Kylian Mbappé.
The most anticipated match of the 2026 World Cup so far is the semifinal between Spain and France. While there are going to be many stars on the field, the duel between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé also creates an interesting storyline.
What’s most curious about these players is their head-to-head record in knockout matches, as Yamal leads Mbappé 5-0. Fueled by a dominant year with Barcelona, in which they beat Real Madrid four times across all competitions, the left-footed star also won their international knockout meetings against France.
Dallas may be the city where these players are going to face each other, but the entire soccer world is waiting to see who comes out victorious as the reward is nothing short of a place in the World Cup final.
The five matches
Playing for two of the biggest clubs in the world, there is no doubt they are going to face each other for many years and build a rivalry that promises to be one for the ages. Representing two of the strongest national teams in the world only makes it even more exciting.
Yamal won three finals for his club (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Representing Spain, Yamal has won the two knockout matches he has played against France. The first was a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal, while the second came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal, when Spain won 5-4.
At the club level, they have faced each other in three domestic knockout competitions. In 2025, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Supercopa de España final and 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. Earlier this year, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 again in the 2026 Supercopa de España final to keep Yamal’s perfect record against Mbappé in knockout matches intact.
Their goals
Match 1: UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal — Spain 2-1 France (Yamal scored)
Match 2: 2025 Supercopa de España final — Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid (Yamal and Mbappé scored once)
Match 3: 2025 Copa del Rey final — Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Mbappé scored)
Match 4: 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal — Spain 5-4 France (Yamal scored twice and Mbappé once)
Match 5: 2026 Supercopa de España final — Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (neither scored)
England face Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, and the availability of Declan Rice, along with Marc Guehi and Reece James, remains unconfirmed due to fitness concerns.
England face some uncertainty over their fitness heading into Saturday’s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Norway, with head coach Thomas Tuchel monitoring the status of three key players in the days before kickoff.
According to Daily Mail, Declan Rice missed a second consecutive training session this week due to a sickness bug, which has aggravated an existing neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back. The Arsenal midfielder has been managing the problem throughout the tournament, and the illness has only added to the concern within the camp.
Marc Guehi is the other major doubt, having picked up a hamstring strain during England’s 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16. What was initially described as fatigue was later confirmed as a strain, though the Manchester City defender remains hopeful of training Friday and being available for Norway.
There is better news on Reece James, who returned to full training on Thursday for the first time since picking up an injury in the group stage win over Ghana.
Reece James #24 of England is challenged by Gideon Mensah #14 of Ghana. (Getty Images)
His recovery is a significant boost given England’s already thin options at right-back — Jarell Quansah is serving a two-match suspension after his red card against Mexico, leaving Djed Spence as the only fit natural option at the position if James isn’t ready.
The only match Rice didn’t start this tournament
Rice has been a fixture in England‘s midfield throughout the World Cup, with the exception of one match: the Group L clash against Panama. He was left out of the starting eleven after picking up a minor knock in the previous game against Ghana, with the FA describing the calf strapping he wore leaving that match as a precautionary measure rather than a sign of a serious injury.
With qualification already in reach, Tuchel opted not to risk Rice from the start, instead deploying a more attacking double pivot of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. Rice was introduced off the bench to manage his fitness ahead of the knockout rounds, and has started every match since.
Norway also dealing with fitness issues of their own
England aren’t the only side managing a rocky injury report. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken confirmed that several players had been battling illness in the buildup to the quarterfinal.
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway’s tournament opener with a bug before recovering, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen sat out the win over Brazil with a similar illness and has continued to deal with a lingering cough and fatigue.
Left-back David Moller Wolfe was forced off in stoppage time against Brazil with what appeared to be an injury, and his status for the match against England remains unclear. Howeve, Norway team doctor Ola Sand has since downplayed the concerns, stating that all players are healthy heading into the quarterfinal.
After the early elimination from the World Cup for Brazil, Vinicius apologized to fans.
There have been five days since the World Cup ended for Brazil as they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16 to the disappointment of most. Vinícius came out after some time to share his message on social media.
Vinícius wrote: “The feeling of frustration is incredible. We had a group strong enough to achieve more, and we were not able to do it. I apologize, and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.”
It was not the ending Brazilian fans expected from the team. Vinícius responded mainly at the beginning of the competition, scoring four goals in three matches to help Brazil win their group. However, his best version was not present in the most important matches, which ended with an early elimination.
The full message
Almost four years later and once again thinking about what to write after a World Cup disappointment.
I saw so many people of all ages supporting me and embracing our dream, so it would be unfair to remain silent. But I needed a few days to reflect.
Wearing the national team jersey is the greatest pride of my life, and being eliminated from a World Cup in the Round of 16 is a feeling that is difficult to explain.
I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, and how much I wanted this for you and for my family.
The feeling of frustration is incredible. We had a group strong enough to achieve more, and we were not able to do it. I apologize, and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.
Lamine Yamal addressed Spain's upcoming clash against France, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final on the line.
Spain booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Belgium, setting up a mouthwatering clash against France on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium.
Ahead of the match, Lamine Yamal made clear just how much he’s been looking forward to this exact matchup. “Really excited. When the World Cup started, we were all expecting this match. I think we’re the two best teams in the tournament,” Yamal said after the win over Belgium.
The Barcelona winger also previewed how Spain plans to approach the game tactically, expecting France to come out aggressively before settling into their own rhythm. “I expect a team that comes at us, but not for the whole match. We’ll play the way we know how,” he added.
Yamal didn’t stop there, sending a pointed message about which side should be more concerned heading into the semifinal. “I think that if France has to fear anyone, it’s us, as we’re the ones who have knocked them out before,” he said.
Lamine Yamal celebrates a goal vs Saudi Arabia. (Getty Images)
Yamal leans on Spain’s 2024 Euro semifinal triumph
The comment is a direct reference to the 2024 Euro semifinal, where Spain eliminated France 2-1 in Munich, with a 16-year-old Yamal scoring a stunning long-range goal before Dani Olmo added the winner.
Spain went on to win that tournament, and now, with both nations meeting again on the World Cup’s biggest stage, Yamal made it clear he sees history as being on Spain’s side.
Yamal and Mbappe’s numbers heading into the semifinal
The individual battle between the two biggest stars adds another layer to the matchup. Kylian Mbappe arrives as the tournament’s outright top scorer, with 8 goals and 3 assists through France’s five matches, sitting atop the Golden Boot race (alongside Lionel Messi).
Yamal, by contrast, has just 1 goal and no assists in 6 appearances for Spain, though the underlying numbers tell a different story — he leads the entire tournament in chances created with 17, and has racked up nine shots across his last two matches alone, suggesting a breakthrough could be close even if the finishing hasn’t clicked yet.
The date, kickoff time and stadium for the 2026 World Cup semifinal between France and Spain.
The first semifinal of the 2026 World Cup has been set, with France reaching it first after beating Morocco, while Spain joined them after defeating Belgium. Now, a place in the final will be on the line.
This match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14. What comes after this match is the biggest prize in international soccer, as the winner will advance to the final with the chance to lift the trophy.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium, where the 80,000-seat venue is ready for another spectacular atmosphere. It will host its ninth match of the tournament after Spain’s victory over Portugal was the most recent match.
Their previous matches
The paths taken by these teams to reach the semifinals have not been very different. They were able to win their groups as France finished first by winning all three of their matches against Senegal, Iraq and Norway, while Spain drew with Cape Verde before beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Mbappé scored the first goal of his team in the quarterfinals (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
France reached the semifinals after cruising past Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, edging Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 and then defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
Spain are in the semifinals after beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, then struggling to beat Portugal 1-0 with a late goal by Mikel Merino before repeating that late drama with a 2-1 victory against Belgium.
Their furthest World Cup run
France are two-time World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2018, while also finishing as runners-up in 2006 and 2022, while Spain won their only title in 2010.
Thibaut Courtois left the field in tears during Belgium's clash against Spain in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after suffering an injury.
Thibaut Courtois was forced off in tears during Belgium’s2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium, with the match level at 1-1 thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and Charles De Ketelaere.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper had kept Belgium in the contest with five saves before going down with an apparent leg injury in the 69th minute, during a hydration break. He initially appeared to be fine to continue, but Belgium ultimately opted to substitute him, bringing on Senne Lammens in his place.
Courtois was visibly emotional as he walked off, wiping away tears while being embraced by his teammates. Despite representing Belgium, Spanish fans in the stands gave him a warm ovation as he left the pitch, a reflection of the status he holds in Madrid after years as one of Real Madrid’s most decorated players.
At 34 years old, this North American tournament is likely to be Courtois‘ last World Cup, a possibility that may explain why he left the field in tears at such a crucial moment of the match.
Thibaut Courtois was visibly emotional after having to sub off for Belgium 🇧🇪
Lammens and a shaky response on Spain’s second goal
Courtois’ absence proved to be a heavy blow for Belgium, who were made to pay on Spain’s second goal, where Lammens played a part in failing to produce a strong enough save.
Just before stoppage time, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, and Lammens got a hand to it, but could only parry a short rebound back into the danger area.
Mikel Merino pounced on that rebound, once again playing the hero just as he did in the Round of 16 against Portugal, where he scored the winning goal in the final minutes shortly after coming off the bench.
Thibaut Courtois #1 of Belgium reacts with medical staff after being substituted.
Mbappe’s latest achievement has created another historic chapter in his career, proving once again that he continues to rewrite the standards expected from a modern World Cup forward.
Kylian Mbappe and Gerd Muller have been linked through World Cup history after the France superstar reached a milestone that places him among the greatest performers the tournament has ever seen. Mbappe’s latest achievement has created another historic chapter in his career, proving once again that he continues to rewrite the standards expected from a modern World Cup forward.
The Real Madrid attacker has already built a remarkable tournament legacy, but his latest performance for France against Morocco showed why he belongs in conversations with legends from previous generations. With the biggest matches still ahead, the 27-year-old has placed himself within reach of records that have stood untouched for decades.
Les Bleus continued their pursuit of another World Cup trophy after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Mbappe played a decisive role in the victory, scoring one goal and creating another as France secured a place in the semifinals for the third consecutive tournament.
The forward endured a dramatic evening after missing a first-half penalty opportunity, but he quickly responded when it mattered most. Mbappe found the net after the missed spot kick before assisting Ousmane Dembele shortly afterward, completing another influential performance on the biggest stage.
The result also moved him closer to Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup’s all-time scoring record. Messi currently leads the historic ranking with 21 goals, while Mbappe has continued closing the gap during his third World Cup appearance.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
2.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
5
2
The record-breaking World Cup achievement revealed
Mbappe’s performance against Morocco helped him reach a historic mark that had not been achieved since Germany legend Gerd Muller dominated the 1970 tournament.
According to Opta’sstatistics, Mbappe has recorded 11 direct goal involvements at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with eight goals and three assists. That makes him the first player since Muller in 1970 to reach at least 11 combined goals and assists in a single World Cup campaign.
11 – 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé has been involved in 11 goals at the 2026 World Cup (8 goals, 3 assists).
That's the most by a player in a single edition since 🇩🇪 Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, 3 assists).
Muller produced one of the greatest individual tournaments in history during the 1970 World Cup, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists for West Germany. Mbappe’s current numbers match that legendary level of influence more than five decades later.
Before Muller’s achievement, France icon Just Fontaine delivered the most extraordinary scoring tournament ever recorded, scoring 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup. Fontaine’s record remains the highest single-tournament goal tally in World Cup history.
Mbappe creates history with consistent World Cup excellence
The French superstar’s latest milestone adds another achievement to an already impressive World Cup résumé. Mbappe has now also become the first player in World Cup history to score at least eight goals in two different tournaments.
The 27-year-old scored eight goals during France’s run to the 2022 final and has matched that total during the 2026 competition. Before Mbappe, only a small group of players had managed to score eight or more goals in a single World Cup.
10 – 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappe has registered 10 goal involvements in each of his last two FIFA World Cups – he's only the only player on record since 1966 to achieve this in two different tournaments.
8 goals, 2 assists in 2022 8 goals, 2 assists in 2026
His performances have also surpassed some of the greatest individual campaigns in soccer history. Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 tournament included five goals and five assists as Argentina lifted the trophy, while Mbappe has already produced greater attacking numbers during France’s current campaign.
The French superstar has turned his explosive acceleration into a major weapon throughout the tournament, leaving fans eager to discover just how far ahead he is of the competition.
Kylian Mbappe has once again reminded the soccer world why he is considered one of the most dangerous attackers of his generation, surpassing Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal in a remarkable 2026 World Cup speed ranking. The French superstar has turned his explosive acceleration into a major weapon throughout the tournament, leaving fans eager to discover just how far ahead he is of the competition.
Mbappe’s incredible physical ability has produced another historic World Cup moment, with the forward recording the fastest sprint speed among several of the tournament’s biggest stars. While goals, assists and trophies often define a player’s legacy, this latest statistic highlights the rare athletic qualities that make the France captain such a nightmare for defenders.
According to data from FIFA and Sofascore,Kylian Mbappe recorded the fastest top speed at the 2026 World Cup, reaching an incredible 37.6 km/h. The number places him comfortably above some of the quickest players in world soccer, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Norway’s Erling Haaland and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
Mbappe’s 37.6 km/h sprint was the highest recorded mark among the leading names tracked during the tournament. His ability to explode into open space has remained one of his defining qualities, allowing France to create dangerous moments through quick transitions and direct attacking moves.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France
The French forward has built much of his career around devastating bursts of speed, and his latest World Cup performance has reinforced that reputation.FIFA’s recorded data once again shows why defenders often struggle when Mbappe has even a small amount of space to attack.
The record-breaking speed list revealed
The complete list of the fastest top speeds among some of the biggest 2026 World Cup stars shows just how impressive Mbappe’s advantage is.
Top speed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Rank
Player
National Team
Top Speed (km/h)
Top Speed (mph)
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
37.6 km/h
23.4 mph
2.
Achraf Hakimi
Morocco
35.6 km/h
22.1 mph
=
Erling Haaland
Norway
35.6 km/h
22.1 mph
4.
Lamine Yamal
Spain
35.5 km/h
22.1 mph
5.
Romelu Lukaku
Belgium
31.4 km/h
19.5 mph
5.
Harry Kane
England
31.4 km/h
19.5 mph
7.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
30.9 km/h
19.2 mph
8.
Granit Xhaka
Switzerland
28.9 km/h
18.0 mph
Mbappe finished nearly two kilometers per hour ahead of his closest competitors, Hakimi and Haaland, who both reached 35.6 km/h. The difference may appear small on paper, but at elite soccer level, those extra fractions of speed can decide whether a defender wins or loses a crucial duel.
Haaland and Hakimi show speed is not about position
While Mbappe dominated the rankings, the players behind him also highlighted the changing nature of athleticism in modern soccer. Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland both reached 35.6 km/h, proving that elite speed is no longer limited to traditional wingers.
Hakimi’s pace has become one of Morocco’s biggest weapons, with the full-back regularly combining defensive responsibilities with explosive attacking runs. His ability to cover huge distances at maximum speed has made him one of the most complete wing players in the world.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrating.
Haaland’s inclusion is perhaps even more surprising because of his size and playing style. The Norway striker is known for his strength, finishing and physical dominance, but his top speed shows that defenders must also worry about his ability to run behind the defensive line. The Manchester City forward’s combination of power and pace makes him one of the most difficult strikers to contain at the 2026 World Cup.
Lamine Yamal continues to prove elite potential, but Messi highlights different type of greatness
Another name near the top of the ranking is Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona star reached 35.5 km/h, placing him among the fastest players at the entire tournament despite his young age.
Yamal’s speed adds another dimension to his already impressive technical ability. His close control, creativity and acceleration allow him to beat defenders in multiple ways, making him one of Spain’s biggest attacking threats.
Lamine Yamal of Spain
At only 18 years old, reaching such a high physical level alongside established superstars like Mbappe and Haaland highlights the extraordinary potential of the Spanish winger.
Further down the list, Lionel Messi’s 30.9 km/h top speed still attracted plenty of attention. At 39 years old, Messi remains capable of competing physically with much younger players while continuing to influence matches through intelligence, technique and timing.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Unlike younger attackers who rely heavily on explosive running, Messi has adapted his style over the years. His ability to read situations, conserve energy, and accelerate over short distances allows him to remain decisive at the highest level.
Kylian Mbappe (left), Lionel Messi (center), and Erling Haaland (right)
The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium lost one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title.
Youri Tielemans was expected to play a crucial role for Belgium against Spain in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, but the midfielder was suddenly removed from the starting lineup shortly before kickoff. The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium will be without one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title.
Belgium arrives at the match with growing confidence after overcoming several challenges during the tournament. The Red Devils finished top of their group before producing dramatic knockout performances that restored belief in their chances of reaching the final stages.
Rudi Garcia and his players survived a thrilling encounter against Senegal in the Round of 32, winning 3-2 after extra time after falling behind late in the match. The team then delivered one of its best performances of the tournament with a 4-1 victory over the United States, showing the attacking quality that made it a dangerous opponent.
Spain, meanwhile, entered the quarter-final without conceding a single goal in the tournament, while also carrying a long unbeaten streak. Luis de la Fuente’s team had progressed through the competition with impressive control, combining defensive organization with the creativity of players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium entered the quarter-final hoping to continue its impressive turnaround at the tournament, but the team suffered an immediate blow before the match even started. Tielemans was forced out of the lineup after picking up an injury during the warm-up, leaving coach Rudi Garcia with no choice but to make a late adjustment.
According to reports from BEIN Sports France’s John Ferreira and The Athletic, Tielemans experienced discomfort during the warm-up and was removed from the starting XI despite initially being named in the lineup.
The change came only minutes before kickoff, with Belgium confirming the midfielder’s absence through its official channels. The Red Devils stated: “Following an injury during the warm-up, Youri Tielemans is replaced in the starting XI by Hans Vanaken.”
A huge blow for Belgium with Youri Tielemans injured in the warm-up. Hans Vanaken has replaced him in midfield.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 10, 2026
The decision meant Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in midfield, joining Nicolas Raskin and Kevin De Bruyne as Belgium attempts to maintain its balance against one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Major loss for Belgium’s midfield structure
Tielemans’ absence represented a significant tactical problem for Belgium because of his ability to influence matches in several areas. The midfielder provides creativity, passing range, defensive work rate, and the ability to arrive in attacking positions at important moments.
The 29-year-old had been one of Belgium’s key players during the 2026 World Cup campaign, helping the team navigate a difficult path toward the quarter-finals. His leadership and experience were especially valuable as Belgium attempted to challenge Spain’s dominant possession-based style.
Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs Senegal.
The timing of the injury made the situation even more difficult. Belgium was preparing to face a Spain side that had been nearly impossible to break down, entering the match as the only team at the tournament yet to concede a goal.
Without Tielemans, Garcia had to quickly reorganize his midfield setup and rely on Vanaken to provide a different profile alongside De Bruyne and Raskin.
Youri Tielemans of Belgium reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Belgium face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Romelu Lukaku will begin the match on the bench.
Belgium face Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, and manager Rudi Garcia is once again leaving Romelu Lukaku out of his starting lineup.
Garcia continues to trust Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine up front, the same setup that has anchored Belgium’s attack since the group stage, with Lukaku kept in reserve as an option off the bench.
Part of the decision to use Lukaku as a sub stems from his injury-plagued season leading up to the World Cup. The striker was injured during the preseason with Napoli and was limited to just 64 minutes of action across seven appearances.
That lack of sharpness put his World Cup spot in real doubt heading into the tournament, but Rudi Garcia ultimately trusted the veteran forward, naming him to the final roster in North America.
Romelu Lukaku celebrates a goal for Belgium vs the USMNT. (Getty Images)
Lukaku’s impact as a substitute
That role suits Lukaku just fine — he’s been most effective for Belgium precisely as a substitute this tournament, forcing an own goal in the opening draw with Egypt and scoring against New Zealand in the group finale.
The one time Garcia did hand him a start during the group stage, against Iran, the striker struggled to get into the game, failing to register a shot before picking up a yellow card and being hauled off in the 73rd minute.
Lukaku’s role coming off the bench paid off again in the Round of 32 against Senegal. Coming on at halftime with Belgium trailing 2-0, he scored in the 86th minute to spark a late comeback that forced extra time, where Belgium eventually secured the win. Additionally, the striker scored off the bench once again to seal a 4-1 victory over the USMNT in the Round of 16.
In the interesting match at the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, Spain rank above Belgium.
Another exciting match awaits at the 2026 World Cup as Spain and Belgium battle for a place in the semifinal in a match between two of the highest-ranked teams remaining in the tournament.
Spain enter this match ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,912.34 points. They are one spot lower than the June 11 update after advancing to this round by winning Group H with a draw against Cape Verde and victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
The team improved as the tournament progressed, first beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before earning a huge 1-0 victory over Portugal with a late goal from Mikel Merino in the quarterfinals.
Belgium’s ranking
It will not be an easy match for Spain because Belgium also arrive with one of the best rankings in the world. Belgium are currently ranked 8th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,778.36 points, one spot higher than the June 11 update.
Thibaut Courtois leads Belgium in the competition (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Their campaign began with a first-place finish in Group G with five points after drawing with Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand. Belgium then produced a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time before a convincing 4-1 victory over the USMNT in the quarterfinals.
Belgium continue to establish themselves among the strongest national teams in Europe, reaching their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 1st for the first time in 2015, while their lowest position was 71st in 2007.
Spain’s highest ranking
Spain’s place among the world’s best teams has been built over decades of success. They reached the top of the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in 2008 and have returned to 1st on several occasions since, while their lowest position was 25th in 1998.
The decision has surprised many supporters given the Barcelona midfielder's importance to the national team. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different approach in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Spain takes on Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals without one of its biggest stars in the starting lineup, as Pedri has been left on the bench for the clash in Los Angeles. The decision has surprised many supporters given the Barcelona midfielder’s importance to the national team. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different approach in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Spain enters the contest in outstanding form after reaching the last eight without conceding a single goal, while Belgium arrives full of confidence following an emphatic victory over the United States. With a semifinal against France awaiting the winner, every selection decision carries enormous significance.
La Roja has continued the impressive run that began after lifting the UEFA European Championship, extending its unbeaten streak while producing one of the tournament’s strongest defensive displays. The national team topped Group H before defeating Austria and edging past Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Belgium has enjoyed a very different path but has gathered momentum at exactly the right time. After drawing its opening two group matches, the national team responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal, and a dominant 4-1 triumph over the United States to book its place in the quarterfinals.
Stage
Spain’s Results
Belgium’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Draw 0-0 vs. Cabo Verde
Draw 1-1 vs. Egypt
Group Stage Match 2
Win 4-0 vs. Saudi Arabia
Draw 0-0 vs. Iran
Group Stage Match 3
Win 1-0 vs. Uruguay
Win 5-1 vs. New Zealand
Round of 32
Win 3-0 vs. Austria
Win 3-2 (AET) vs. Senegal
Round of 16
Win 1-0 vs. Portugal
Win 4-1 vs. United States
Both teams have plenty of attacking quality, although they have reached this stage in contrasting fashion. Spain has yet to concede a goal in the competition, while Belgium has scored 13 times in five matches, making Friday’s meeting one of the most anticipated fixtures of the World Cup.
Why Pedri is not starting against Belgium
The biggest surprise ahead of kickoff came when Spain released its official lineup, and Pedri was not included in the starting XI. Instead, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz was selected alongside Rodri, while Dani Olmo retained his place in a more advanced midfield role.
The decision is purely tactical rather than injury-related. Luis de la Fuente chose to reshape his midfield by giving Ruiz the starting role after his impressive performances during the knockout stage, particularly his contribution after coming off the bench against Portugal.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 10, 2026
The New York Times has also suggested that Pedri has not quite reached his highest level during the tournament. While he has remained an important member of the squad, the coaching staff preferred the physicality, balance, and control that Fabian Ruiz provides against Belgium’s midfield.
Several analysts also pointed out that La Roja’s midfield combinations have functioned more smoothly with Rodri and Fabian operating deeper while Dani Olmo plays closer to the attack. That tactical balance appears to have convinced De la Fuente to make the only change from the side that eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
De la Fuente backs squad depth in crucial quarterfinal
Leaving Pedri on the bench represents one of Luis de la Fuente’s boldest decisions since taking charge of the national team. However, Spain’s remarkable consistency throughout the tournament has given the coach confidence to trust a system that continues to produce results.
Pedri of Spain celebrates after scoring
The 23-year-old midfielder remains one of Spain’s most influential players and could still play a decisive role later in the match. His creativity and ability to control possession make him a valuable option if Spain needs to change the rhythm of the contest.
For now, though, De la Fuente has placed his faith in Fabian Ruiz, believing the midfielder’s recent performances and tactical profile offer the best solution against Belgium. Whether that gamble proves decisive will become clear as Spain pursues a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
The reason Williams isn’t starting against Belgium is because he is still recovering from a groin injury and is not yet 100% fit. Spain’s coaching staff decided not to risk the winger, who could be used later if the team needs him.
It wasn’t a surprise that Williams isn’t in the lineup because he missed the matches against Austria and Portugal. The winger picked up the injury during the final group-stage match against Uruguay after a tackle by Nicolás de la Cruz.
The replacement
Williams suffered the injury during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, a result that secured first place in the group. Even though he was able to leave the field on his own, the discomfort has prevented him from being fully available since then.
Baena was chosen as left winger (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
There aren’t many players in Spain’s squad with Williams’ profile on the left wing, especially because of the pace he brings, which led Luis de la Fuente to choose a player with more control on the ball but less speed.
The manager’s decision was Alex Baena, who started every match except the opener against Cape Verde, when Gavi played on the left wing. Baena scored against Uruguay and also recorded an assist in the victory over Austria.
Williams’ recovery
Spain have taken a cautious approach with Williams’ recovery, as the winger has not yet fully recovered from the groin injury he suffered against Uruguay. While he has continued working with the team, the coaching staff decided he was not ready to start.
Williams has not played since the final group match
Spain face Belgium in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Mikel Merino will begin the match on the bench.
Spain face Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, and manager Luis de la Fuente has opted to keep Mikel Merino out of his starting eleven for the occasion.
De la Fuente is set to send out Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in central midfield, behind an attacking line of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena, supporting Mikel Oyarzabal up top.
That setup leaves no room in the XI for Merino, who has spent the majority of this tournament coming off the bench rather than starting, with the exception of Spain‘s third group-stage match against Uruguay.
The decision is purely tactical rather than any reflection of Merino’s form, which has been outstanding in limited minutes. De la Fuente has simply preferred to stick with the same core group that has carried Spain through the knockout rounds, using Merino as an impact option late in matches rather than disrupting the starting shape.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Portugal. (Getty Images)
Merino’s five-minute heroics against Portugal
Merino’s role off the bench has already produced one of the biggest moments of Spain’s tournament. Brought on late in the Round of 16 clash against Portugal, the Arsenal midfielder needed only around five minutes on the pitch to make his mark.
At first, he won a quick free-kick that kickstarted the winning move before being played through by fellow substitute Ferran Torres and slotting home in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win, eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal from the tournament.
His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle.
A monumental trial awaits Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals against Spain, yet the Red Devils must march into the crucible missing their midfield anchor, Amadou Onana. His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle.
The quarterfinal in Los Angeles brings together two of Europe’s strongest national teams, with Spain chasing a second World Cup title and Belgium hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time since its memorable run in 1986. While Luis de la Fuente’s squad enters the match with remarkable defensive form, Belgium has been forced into a major adjustment before kickoff.
La Roja has enjoyed an impressive tournament under Luis de la Fuente. It topped its group before eliminating Austria and edging past Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner.
Belgium has also recovered from a slow start. After opening the tournament with two draws, the Red Devils responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal and the United States, scoring 12 goals across those three matches.
Stage
Spain’s Results
Belgium’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Draw 0–0 vs. Cabo Verde
Draw 1–1 vs. Egypt
Group Stage Match 2
Win 4–0 vs. Saudi Arabia
Draw 0–0 vs. Iran
Group Stage Match 3
Win 1–0 vs. Uruguay
Win 5–1 vs. New Zealand
Round of 32
Win 3–0 vs. Austria
Win 3–2 (AET) vs. Senegal
Round of 16
Win 1–0 vs. Portugal
Win 4–1 vs. United States
Rudi Garcia’s side produced one of its finest displays of the tournament by defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to secure Belgium’s place in the last eight.
Why Amadou Onana is missing against Spain
The lingering questions surrounding Amadou Onana’s absence have been met with a devastating reality. Belgium recently confirmed that their midfield warrior suffered a catastrophic ruptured ACL in his right knee during the fierce battle against the United States, cruelly ending his tournament and leaving a massive void in the heart of the squad.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury
The injury occurred in the 18th minute when Onana challenged for the ball alongside United States forward Christian Pulisic. The Belgian immediately grabbed his right knee before receiving treatment from the medical staff and attempting to continue.
Although he briefly returned to his feet, it quickly became clear he could not carry on. Belgium substituted him three minutes later, replacing him with Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute. Medical examinations later confirmed the worst fears for Belgium, Aston Villa and the player himself.
Amadou Onana has suffered an ACL tear in Belgium's match vs. USA.
Onana had to be subbed off early in the first-half after a non-contact injury. Clear valgus + pivoting mechanism as seen in the graphic.
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) July 7, 2026
Belgium confirms devastating diagnosis
Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene revealed the extent of the injury after further testing. “This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Hacene said.
The Belgian medical staff has already begun coordinating with Aston Villa regarding the midfielder’s recovery. “We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery. Over the coming days, we will jointly determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation.”
Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, Onana will stay with the Belgium squad through the quarterfinal to continue supporting his teammates.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury
Huge blow for Belgium’s midfield as Spain looks to capitalize
The injury represents a significant setback for Rudi Garcia’s tactical plans. Onana had featured in every Belgium match during the tournament and had become a crucial presence in midfield because of his defensive work, physicality and ball-winning ability.
The Red Devils’ injury concerns arrive at the worst possible time. Spain enters the quarterfinal with virtually a full-strength squad and continues to build momentum after another disciplined defensive display against Portugal.
While Belgium still boasts attacking stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku, losing Onana removes one of the team’s most important defensive shields against Spain’s creative midfield led by Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo.
Spain and Belgium face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Los Angeles Stadium, where Spain and Belgium clash in a crucial match as both look to book their place among the tournament’s final four teams.
Spain stumbled into the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but have looked sharper with every match since, cruising to the top of Group H before thrashing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a late Mikel Merino strike.
Much of the attention heading into Friday’s match falls on Lamine Yamal. The young forward has managed just a single goal through five appearances this tournament and will start today alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, who is leading the squad with four goals.
Belgium, meanwhile, needed a dramatic turnaround to reach this stage, coming from behind to beat Senegal in extra time after topping Group G, before putting together their most complete performance of the tournament in a 4-1 rout of the USMNT to reach the quarterfinals.
Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs the USMNT. (Getty Images)
Spain’s confirmed lineup
Luis de la Fuente will make only one change to the lineup that eliminated Portugal, opting to use midfielder Fabian Ruiz from the start, leaving Pedri on the substitutes’ bench.
Spain’s confirmed starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri,Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium’s confirmed lineup
Rudi Garcia will lean once again on Belgium’s veteran core, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield with a front line built for pace and directness.
Belgium’s confirmed starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium.
While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy.
Spain and Belgium meet in one of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup, with a semifinal place hanging in the balance. While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy. Stay with us to discover how every possible outcome could influence the tournament bracket and determine who takes the next step toward World Cup glory.
Spain enters the quarterfinal after an impressive run that has strengthened its reputation as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives with renewed confidence after convincingly eliminating the United States and hopes to continue its resurgence against the reigning European champion.
Spain and Belgium arrive with contrasting journeys
La Roja topped Group H with seven points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay while drawing with Cape Verde before cruising past Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds. Luis de la Fuente’s side has become one of the tournament’s standout performers thanks to its disciplined defensive structure and patient possession-based approach.
Belgium’s route has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils finished first in Group G with five points, beating New Zealand and drawing with Egypt and Iran before surviving Senegal in extra time and producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-host USA in the Round of 16.
Date
Spain’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Cabo Verde
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia
Group Stage
Win (4–0)
June 26, 2026
Uruguay
Group Stage
Win (1–0)
July 2, 2026
Austria
Round of 32
Win (3–0)
July 6, 2026
Portugal
Round of 16
Win (1–0)
The European champion also arrives carrying remarkable momentum. Spain has not conceded a goal throughout the tournament and became the first national team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also extended his scoreless streak beyond 600 minutes in the competition.
Belgium, however, has shown steady improvement after an inconsistent group stage. Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois continue to provide leadership, while younger players such as Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard have added another dimension to the attack.
Date
Belgium’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Egypt
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 21, 2026
Iran
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 26, 2026
New Zealand
Group Stage
Win (5–1)
July 1, 2026
Senegal
Round of 32
Win (3–2 AET)
July 6, 2026
United States
Round of 16
Win (4–1)
What happens if Spain wins and Belgium loses?
A Spanish victory would send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where France already awaits after the French defeated Morocco 2-0.
Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain celebrates after a goal scored by Pedro Porro #12 celebrates.
Spain would continue its unbeaten tournament, extend its historic defensive run, and move within one victory of reaching its first World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010. Belgium, meanwhile, would see its tournament come to an end despite its late resurgence.
The victory would also reinforce Spain’s status as one of the leading favorites to capture a second World Cup title under Luis de la Fuente.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
A draw at the end of regulation would not decide the bracket. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time.
Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain.
Should the teams remain level after 120 minutes, the semifinal spot would be decided through a penalty shootout. Only then would one team officially secure its place against France while the other would be eliminated.
Unlike the group stage, there is no possibility of both teams advancing or sharing points once the knockout rounds begin.
What happens if Belgium wins and Spain loses?
A Belgian victory would produce one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Red Devils would advance to their first World Cup semifinal since finishing third in 2018 and earn a meeting with France in Dallas.
Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal.
Spain’s impressive unbeaten streak would come to an end, eliminating one of the strongest contenders before the final four. Such a result would also mark another memorable chapter for Belgium’s experienced generation led by Courtois, De Bruyne, and Lukaku.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
Belgium face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The quarterfinal stage of the 2026World Cup continues in Los Angeles, where Belgium take on Spain in a clash between two of Europe’s most experienced World Cup campaigners, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Belgium sit 8th in the latest FIFAWorld Ranking, with 1,778.36 points, a total that fluctuated throughout the group stage. Rudi Garcia’s men dropped points after drawing both Egypt (1-1) and Iran (1-1), before bouncing back with a 5-1 win over New Zealand that was enough to top Group G.
That inconsistency carried into the knockout rounds too, where Belgium needed a dramatic turnaround to see off Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32, rallying from two goals down. They looked far sharper in the Round of 16, cruising past the USMNT 4-1 to punch their ticket to the last eight.
Standing across from them is a Spain side ranked 3rd in the world with 1,912.34 points, sitting just behind Argentina and newly crowned No. 1 France. Luis de la Fuente’s men have been the most defensively airtight team left in the tournament, having not conceded a single goal through their first four matches, a run that included a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Portugal. (Getty Images)
Belgium eyeing a shot at their best-ever World Cup finish
A place in the semifinals would put Belgium within reach of matching, and potentially surpassing, their best-ever World Cup result. The Red Devils finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, part of Belgium’s so-called golden generation led by Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, who beat England in the third-place playoff.
Nearly a decade later, with De Bruyne still on the team alongside a new generation of players like Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Leandro Trossard, Belgium find themselves close to achieving a new historic mark at the World Cup.
Pierluigi Collina shared his opinion on the controversial plays of the match between Argentina and Egypt.
The Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt was one of the most thrilling of the tournament, with Argentina coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. However, Egypt complained about referee François Letexier, who was defended by Pierluigi Collina as he detailed the controversial plays of the match on the official Inside FIFA website while reaffirming that referees are independent from Gianni Infantino.
Collina said: “A foul is a foul, regardless of whether it seems obvious. If the referee did not see it on the field, the VAR can intervene. There is no defined limit regarding the distance from the goal, nor the amount of time that has passed between the incident and the goal.”
This explanation from the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee referred to the disallowed goal scored by Mostafa Zico after VAR called Letexier to review the play in which Lisandro Martínez was stepped on by Marwan Attia near Egypt’s corner flag.
Collina on the final goal
Even after Zico had a goal disallowed, he scored again a few minutes later on a fantastic counterattack to put Egypt 2-0 ahead. Then the comeback began with a Cristian Romero header before Lionel Messi equalized.
Martínez was fouled on the other end of the field (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The winning goal also generated controversy from Egypt’s perspective, as Mohamed Salah fell inside the penalty area when Julián Álvarez won the ball back from him in the move that ended with Enzo Fernández scoring the winner.
Collina said: “Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who plays the ball first and then makes normal contact with the opponent does not commit a foul. The referee and the VAR considered it to be normal contact.”
Collina on possible influence from Infantino
There was plenty of frustration from Egypt after the elimination. Hossam Hassan was the main figure fueling the protests with his gestures toward the referee. It was not just the manager who delayed the match for a few minutes, as several members of the coaching staff were also yelling at Letexier. Collina responded to the claims that the competition had been influenced by Infantino.
Collina said: “No one can claim that FIFA’s refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president. He has always shown his full support, trusting us to work with complete independence. Referees make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always strive to do their very best.”
After athe thrilling 3-2 win over Egypt, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to keep most of Lionel Messi's lineup unchanged to face Switzerland for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
Lionel Messi is preparing for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after another thrilling but unconvincing win, this time a 3-2 comeback over Egypt. With Switzerland up next, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make minimal changes to Argentina’s lineup that started against the African side.
Tuesday’s match looked like it might spell the end of Messi’s World Cup run, with Argentina trailing 2-0 until the 78th minute before the Inter Miami star once again dragged his side to victory. Despite the performance leaving plenty of questions unanswered, the coaching staff appears unwilling to shake things up significantly.
According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, no major changes are expected between the Egypt and Switzerland lineups for Saturday’s quarterfinal on July 12th. During Thursday’s training session, Scaloni did not run a full practice game as he typically does at this stage, suggesting the adjustments will be minimal, with Friday’s session expected to be the final one before the match.
Players who earned their spot in the starting XI against Egypt are also expected to retain it. Nicolas Tagliafico, fully fit, will hold the left back position, while Leandro Paredes appears set to keep his place after a standout defensive contribution that included a crucial recovery to stop a dangerous Egyptian counterattack.
Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt compete for the ball.
Julian Alvarez is also expected to remain as Messi’s attacking partner despite continued questions about his form. While Lautaro Martinez has looked the sharper finisher in the final third, Alvarez’s work rate and explosiveness are seen as better suited to breaking down a well-organized Swiss defensive block on Saturday.
Two doubts in Argentina’s squad
The right back position remains a genuine competition, with Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel both pushing for the starting spot. Neither has been particularly convincing throughout the tournament, leaving the position unsettled heading into a quarterfinal.
Montiel came on in the 73rd minute against Egypt with the score at 0-2 and made an immediate impact, setting up Messi for the 2-2 while positioned as a No. 9 inside the box in the 83rd minute. Even so, both players have shown vulnerabilities on and off the ball, and their inclusion may hinge on how they come through Friday’s training session.
The other open question is whether Nicolas Gonzalez will force his way into Argentina‘s midfield picture. The Atletico Madrid winger came on against Egypt as a substitute and immediately injected the pace that had been missing throughout, and with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul both below their best, Gonzalez’s ability to change the tempo makes him a compelling wildcard option against Switzerland.
Projected lineup for Argentina
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.
Defenders: Nahuel Molina/Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Forwards: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
The performances of great players at the 2026 World Cup continued with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé matching productions.
The clear trend that the 2026 World Cup has followed is that great players have carried their teams. With France beating Morocco in the first quarterfinal, a curious thing occurred as Kylian Mbappé produced an almost identical performance to Lionel Messi with Argentina three days earlier.
Their matches were vastly different, not just because they were played in different rounds. Argentina needed to suffer to come back from 0-2 against Egypt and score three goals in 14 minutes, while France eliminated Morocco with a convincing 2-0 victory.
What those matches had in common was the performance of their main players, as Messi and Mbappé pushed their teams forward by scoring one goal, adding an assist and also missing a penalty kick during the match.
Their goals weren’t surprising
In almost every single match France and Argentina have played in the competition, Mbappé and Messi have scored a goal. Their performances have been so impressive that they are leading the race to be the top scorers with eight goals each.
Bono saved the penalty to his left (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The context was similar because neither of their recent goals came in a decided match in favor of their teams. One helped France open the scoring against Morocco in a goalless match, while the other rescued Argentina by bringing them level against Egypt.
Scoring is not the only way these talented players help their teams, and they showed that again with assists. Mbappé assisted Ousmane Dembélé to seal the victory that sent France into the semifinals, while Messi began Argentina’s comeback with an assist for a Cristian Romero header to make it 2-1.
The missed penalties
The most surprising coincidence was that both players missed a penalty kick, even though it had no consequence for the final results.
Messi missed his second penalty of the tournament while Argentina were trailing Egypt 1-0 in the first half. After previously missing from the spot against Austria, he kicked weakly to the goalkeeper’s left, where the shot was easily saved.
Mbappé also missed from the spot during the first half against Morocco, when the match was still 0-0. The French forward rarely misses penalties but found an experienced opponent in Yassine Bono, who stopped his shot by diving to his left.
Kylian Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps shared some insights on why the France star asked to be substituted in the World Cup win over Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe made headlines for two reasons in France‘s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco: his goal that helped send Les Bleus through, and his early exit after suffering discomfort in the second half. With a semifinal berth secured, both Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps shed light on the decision to bring him off.
The relief was short-lived, however, as Mbappe went down on the pitch in the 76th minute, visibly signaling to the bench to be replaced. He walked off under his own power in the 77th minute, making way for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the sight of France’s talisman leaving the field raised immediate concern heading into the final stages of the tournament.
Speaking to beIN Sports and M6 after the game, Mbappe played down any serious concern while explaining the substitution: “I’m okay, I took a blow to the ankle but I’m fine. At that moment, JP (Jean-Philipe Mateta) was better suited than I was to play the final 15 minutes, so I came off and he came on. It’s good, plus he almost scored.“
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France is attended to by teammates.
Deschamps echoed that assessment and also addressed the condition of Manu Kone. “With Kylian, it was a bit of his ankle, he was feeling a bit of pain. Manu took a blow to the knee—it’s normal, the matches are coming thick and fast. It’s good for Warren, though I can’t please everyone,” the France boss told beIN Sports and M6.
Third consecutive World Cup semifinal for France
The victory over Morocco sends France to their third straight World Cup semifinal, having also reached the last four in 2018 and 2022. Les Bleus now stand as the third most frequent semifinalists in World Cup history with eight appearances, level with Italy, behind only Brazil with 11 and Germany with 13, and ahead of Argentina with six.
Mbappe reflected on the achievement of reaching the top four once again: “We are aware that there is only one way to relax, and that is to win. We are in the semi-finals, we are very happy, but there is still a long way to go. We are aware that what lies ahead of us is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we are ready to face anything; we are going to quietly recover and watch tomorrow’s (Friday) match to see who we will be facing.“
Alongside teammates Dembele and Lucas Hernandez, Mbappe is now appearing in his third consecutive World Cup semifinal. The benchmark in that regard belongs to Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who featured in four straight between 2002 and 2014. With the semifinal scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th at Dallas Stadium, Mbappe will have four days to recover from the ankle knock before France’s bid for a place in the final.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France during the Morocco game.
Gavi picked his favorite team to play against if Spain reach the final.
There are still many things to be decided at the 2026 World Cup with just one semifinalist set after France beat Morocco. The next team that can join them is Spain, who face Belgium, but Gavi was asked about who he would like to play in a possible final.
Gavi said: “I hope to be important at the World Cup. I dream of scoring the winning goal. I have always dreamed of scoring an overhead kick in the final. They are dreams, and hopefully they come true. I would like Argentina because of Lionel Messi, but as long as we reach the final, it doesn’t matter who it is.”
It will not be easy for Spain to reach the last match of the competition, as they first need to beat Belgium, a team that has improved throughout the tournament, before a possible semifinal against France.
Gavi does not underestimate Belgium
While Spain may have more chances on paper, Belgium are coming from their best performance of the competition. After struggling to come back against Senegal, they beat the USMNT 4-1 in a convincing performance.
Cape Verde and Austria were the midfielder’s only matches (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Even if they did not look like a team capable of going far at the beginning, Belgium still have many players of great quality who can be competitive, something the midfielder mentioned when discussing their next rivals.
Gavi said: “I don’t like talking about that. Belgium have great players, just like Portugal. We have to do our job very well. If we do that, things will surely go well. The important thing is beating Belgium.”
Gavi on his lack of participation
The competition has not gone as Gavi expected individually, as he has not participated in three matches. Even though he was in the lineup against Cape Verde, the draw made Luis de la Fuente change his plans. This left the midfielder out of the team, with him playing just six minutes against Austria.
Gavi said: “I came here to win the World Cup. The manager knows me better than anyone. We all want to play more, but what really matters is winning the World Cup. He knows he can count on me for whatever he needs.”
Jarell Quansah has been handed with a two-game suspension, dealing another setback to England coach Thomas Tuchel in the right back position.
England advanced to the quarterfinal stage in the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win over co-host Mexico in the Round of 16, but the victory came at a cost. Head coach Thomas Tuchel now faces another headache at right back after Jarell Quansah was handed a two-game suspension.
The trouble began in the second half against Mexico, when Quansah brought down Jesus Gallardo and was initially shown a yellow card. Following a VAR review, however, referee Alireza Faghani upgraded the decision to a red card in the 54th minute, leaving England to see out the remaining 36 minutes with ten men.
On Wednesday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed the length of the ban. “2-match suspension for a breach of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” the statement read. “The suspension will be served in the upcoming match(es) of the representative team of England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in accordance with art. 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.“
The Mexico match was only Quansah’s second start of the tournament, having previously featured against Panama before being forced off with an injury. Now recovered, the Bayer Leverkusen defender will miss the quarterfinal against Norway and a potential semifinal against either Argentina or Switzerland, with his earliest possible return coming in the final should England get there.
Jesus Gallardo #23 of Mexico is tackled by Jarell Quansah #26 of England.
Tuchel running short of right-back options
One of the more surprising omissions from Tuchel‘s World Cup squad was Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving Reece James, Djed Spence, and Quansah as the options at right back. Injuries have steadily thinned that group throughout the tournament.
James started the first two matches against Croatia and Ghana before a hamstring problem ended his run in the team. More than two and a half weeks have passed since that injury, and the Chelsea defender has yet to return to action for England.
With James sidelined, Quansah stepped in at right back, a position he has covered at club level as part of a back three at Bayer Leverkusen. He started against Panama and again against Mexico before the red card and subsequent ban removed him from the equation entirely.
That leaves Djed Spence as Tuchel’s last recognized option at right back, one of the more unexpected names in the original squad selection. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has appeared in every match of the tournament, starting the Round of 32 clash against DR Congo at right back before coming off the bench in subsequent games to cover both flanks.
Spence entered the Mexico game as a substitute in the 74th minute after missing the final training session with a minor issue. With England unable to appeal Quansah’s suspesion and both James and Spence carrying fitness concerns, Tuchel faces a genuine problem heading into the Norway quarterfinal, with center back Ezri Konsa emerging as a contingency option if neither right back is available.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have established themselves as two of the tournament's best strikers, battling for the Golden Boot. With that in mind, let's do a skill-by-skill analysis, leaving the vote open for you to decide who the better player is.
After a historic season at Bayern Munich, Harry Kane arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the best players. Without disappointing the fans, he has managed to establish among the top scorers, leading England to the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, Erling Haaland also emerges among the most outstanding players, leading Norway to a historic campaign. We will do a skill-by-skill analysis, leaving the vote open for you to decide who the better player is.
Harry Kane establishes as England‘s undisputed leader. Head coach Thomas Tuchel builds the team around him, making him key in the build-up play and the finishing of attacks. With the freedom to move across the pitch, he is very difficult to mark, as opponents need to defend him zonally rather than man-to-man. As a result, he has scored six goals in five matches, making him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Despite not coming from his best season, Erling Haaland has managed to deliver an outstanding performance at the 2026 World Cup. Scoring 7 goals in 4 matches, he becomes one of Norway‘s most outstanding players. Being the first time in history that they have reached the quarterfinals, he is facing the best opportunity to enlarge his legacy. Because of this, the debate between the 25-year-old striker and Kane has several angles to discuss.
Pure Box Finishing & Technical Strike
Although Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are among the best strikers in the world, they are far from being similar. The 32-year-old Englishman is one of the most complete forwards in the world. Not only does he drop deep to receive the ball, but he also builds play for Thomas Tuchel’s team. His link-up play elevates him to extraordinary levels, as he creates space in the opposition defense and constantly makes runs from the second line.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrating.
Unlike the Englishman, Erling Haaland is a striker more focused on physical power and goalscoring ability. The Norwegian star stands out for his excellent vision, which allows him to find spaces. In addition, he is capable of winning counterattacks with his pace and dominating physical duels, making him a lethal player with a conversion rate of 38.89%. Nevertheless, he also possesses brilliant technique, allowing him to score goals in many different ways.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Haaland has scored seven goals for Norway, averaging one goal every 14 touches of the ball. As a result, he has been one of the tournament’s most productive players. Not far behind, Kane has already scored six goals in the tournament, posting a conversion rate of 31.58%, which allowed him to surpass Pelé on the World Cup’s all-time scoring list with 14 goals.
Aerial Power & Physical Dominance
Erling Haaland has proven to be one of the most physical strikers in the world. Since making his debut for Borussia Dortmund, he has been a player who thrives attacking space, using his physical strength to overpower defenders. Nevertheless, Harry Kane is not far behind, as he is also a standout player physically, but in different aspects, making him a very different profile from the young Norwegian.
As a veteran striker, Kane has spent many years shining at the highest level of soccer. Standing at 6’2″, he is outstanding in the air, as he showed against Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. Although he is not a particularly fast player on the counterattack, he creates space through his intelligence, while also excelling in physical one-on-one duels against strong defenders. His physicality complements his overall game, but it is not the central aspect of it.
While he is only 25 years old, Haaland is a physical powerhouse, making him lethal against defenders. Standing at 6’4″, he usually wins his aerial duels, which makes him stand out. In addition, he is capable of completely dominating physical battles against strong defenders, showing clear superiority. Although he has good technique, his physical power is a central part of his game, making him especially dangerous when he gets into the penalty area.
Playmaking & Midfield Link-Up
As the strongest aspect of his game, Harry Kane is one of the most complete link-up strikers in the world. Recognizing that pace is not his greatest strength, he has learned to combine with teammates and create space on the pitch. Although he is one of the world’s best goalscorers, he rarely stays fixed in one position. Erling Haaland is not one of the most complete link-up strikers in the world, but he is not ineffective in this aspect either.
Unlike during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has learned much more about link-up play at Manchester City. However, he does not drop deep to create play. Instead, he serves as a focal point to receive the ball and combine with his teammates in the penalty area to create advantages. In addition, his pace allows him to play out wide on the counterattack and find passes to his teammates, as he has excellent vision.
Harry Kane is one of the best players in the world both inside and outside the penalty area. He is capable of dropping all the way back to the defense to receive the ball and create attacking moves. In addition, he is outstanding at linking up with the midfield, something he has shown alongside Jude Bellingham. It is precisely his playmaking ability and link-up play that make him one of the world’s best goalscorers.
International Pedigree & Leadership
As a 32-year-old veteran star, Harry Kane has already played 119 matches for England, making him the third-most capped player in the national team’s history. Demonstrating his historic impact, he has scored 85 goals, making him England’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Wayne Rooney, who scored 53 goals. In addition, he is his country’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, with 14 goals, making him the undisputed leader of the project.
Despite being only 25 years old, Erling Haaland is already a historic player for Norway. At his young age, he has already played 54 matches for the national team, scoring 62 goals. As a result, he has surpassed Jørgen Juve as Norway’s all-time leading scorer, nearly doubling his total. In addition, he has been the best player of his country’s best-ever World Cup campaign, reaching the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, Martin Ødegaard is the leader of the group on the pitch.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway and Harry Kane #9 of England.
The next rival at the 2026 World Cup is uncertain for France, but they know the date and stadium.
One of the four semifinalists at the 2026 World Cup has been decided after France beat Morocco 2-0 in a rematch from the previous edition to continue their run in the tournament. Their next challenge puts them in front of the winner of the match between Spain and Belgium.
This semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET. The winner will move within one victory of lifting the trophy.
The match will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. With a capacity of 80,000 spectators, it will host its final match of the competition after Spain beat Portugal there a few days earlier.
France’s campaign
France have enjoyed a perfect tournament so far after winning every match. They opened Group I with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, followed it with a 3-0 win against Iraq and completed the group stage with a 4-1 victory over Norway.
Mbappé scored the first goal (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Their dominance continued in the knockout stage, where they beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 before edging Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 to reach the quarterfinals in which they beat Morocco in a clear way with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
The next rival
If France beat the winner of the match between Spain and Belgium, they will advance to the final, where the opponent can be England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland, depending on who emerges from the other side of the bracket.
While also missing his first World Cup penalty against Morocco, Kylian Mbappe also wrote unwanted history in France national team, joining Karim Benzema.
Kylian Mbappe had the chance to put France ahead against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals from the penalty spot, but a sharp save from Yassine Bounou denied him. In missing his first career World Cup penalty, Mbappe has joined Karim Benzema in an unwanted piece of French football history.
A sharp recovery from Desire Doue sparked a lethal French counterattack, with Michael Olise slipping a through ball into the path of Mbappe to exploit the space in behind. Already inside the box, the Real Madrid forward was brought down by Noussair Mazraoui after cutting to the outside, earning France a penalty in the 25th minute.
After a 3-minute VAR review confirmed the call, play resumed in the 28th minute with Mbappe stepping up to take the spot kick. He waited for Bounou to commit, but the Morocco goalkeeper read the shot correctly, diving to his left to make the save and keep the game level.
The miss not only denied France the lead but also marked the first penalty Mbappe has ever missed at a World Cup. He had previously converted four in the competition, scoring one in regulation and one in extra time against Argentina, plus one in the shootout, and one in regulation against Paraguay, making this his fifth attempt and his first failure on soccer’s biggest stage.
When it comes to the national team, it also ends up being another negative record, being the second miss ever in Mbappe’s career with France after 13 consecutive successful takes during regular and extra time. The last time Mbappe ever missed a penalty with Les Bleus was back in the 2022 UEFA World Cup qualifiers in a 2-0 win against Kazajstan back in March 2021, and more than five years later, that streak has come to an end.
Mbappe joins Benzema in unwanted history
The miss was not only Mbappe’s first penalty failure at a World Cup, but also just the second time a France player has missed a penalty outside of a shootout in the history of the competition. The first was Karim Benzema, who suffered the same fate against Switzerland in 2014.
In that group stage match, France were already leading 2-0 when Benzema stepped up in the 32nd minute, only to be denied by Diego Benaglio. He would go on to score France’s fourth goal in the 67th minute of a 5-2 victory, but the earlier miss etched his name into an unwanted piece of French World Cup history.
Only eight different national teams have won the FIFA World Cup in nearly a century since the tournament's inaugural edition.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and, every four years, it captures the attention of fans across every continent. That makes the FIFA World Cup the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Nearly a century has passed since the first edition in 1930, played entirely at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where hosts Uruguay claimed the title by defeating Argentina in the final. Thirteen national teams from South America, North America and Europe took part in that tournament, and much has changed since then, culminating in the 48-team format that will debut this summer.
Since then, every World Cup trophy has been won by countries from just two continents. Europe accounts for the majority of champions, with 12 titles shared among five different nations, while South America has claimed the remaining 10 through three countries.
As for hosting the World Cup, Oceania remains the only continent yet to stage the tournament. Eleven editions have been held in Europe, five in South America, four in North America (including this year’s tournament), two in Asia and one in Africa.
Pele is the only player in history to have won three FIFA World Cup titles.
Which countries have won the World Cup?
Uruguay were the first FIFA World Cup champions, lifting the trophy on home soil in 1930. They repeated the feat 20 years later with their famous victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium in 1950.
The other World Cup titles won by South American nations belong to Brazil and Argentina. Led by Pele, the Brazilians captured the trophies in 1958, 1962 and 1970 before adding titles in 1994 and 2002. Argentina, meanwhile, won their first World Cup in 1978, repeated the feat in 1986 under the leadership of Diego Maradona, and lifted the trophy again in 2022 with Lionel Messi.
The first European champions were Italy, who won back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938 before adding crowns in 1982 and 2006. Germany have also won four World Cups: 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. France are next with two titles, having won on home soil in 1998 before triumphing again in 2018. England have one World Cup title, earned in 1966, while Spain claimed their only championship in 2010.
Which national team has won the most World Cup titles?
After 22 editions, Brazil remain the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with five titles. Italy and Germany are next with four each, while Argentina have won three. Uruguay and France have been crowned champions twice, while England and Spain have each lifted the trophy once.
Complete list of World Cup winners
YEAR
CHAMPION
RUNNER-UP (RESULT)
1930
Uruguay
Argentina (4-2)
1934
Italy
Czechoslovakia (2-1)
1938
Italy
Hungary (4-2)
1950
Uruguay
Brazil (2-1)
1954
West Germany
Hungary (3-2)
1958
Brazil
Sweden (5-2)
1962
Brazil
Czechoslovakia (3-1)
1966
England
West Germany (4-2)
1970
Brazil
Italy (4-1)
1974
West Germany
Netherlands (2-1)
1978
Argentina
Netherlands (3-1)
1982
Italy
West Germany (3-1)
1986
Argentina
West Germany (3-2)
1990
West Germany
Argentina (1-0)
1994
Brazil
Italy (0-0, 3-2 pen.)
1998
France
Brazil (3-0)
2002
Brazil
Germany (2-0)
2006
Italy
France (1-1, 5-3 pen.)
2010
Spain
Netherlands (1-0)
2014
Germany
Argentina (1-0)
2018
France
Croatia (4-2)
2022
Argentina
France (3-3, 4-2 pen.)
Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
The great match at the 2026 World Cup between France and Mexico does not include Bradley Barcola from the beginning.
With a place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at stake, France are playing against Morocco in a rematch of the previous edition, but Bradley Barcola is not in the starting lineup.
The reason Barcola isn’t starting against Morocco is because Didier Deschamps has chosen Désiré Doué instead. This has been the only spot in doubt during the competition for the manager, as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are certain starters.
Even though the talented Paris Saint-Germain winger has been the winger for France, his teammate Doué has rotated with him and has often replaced him during matches.
The replacement
While the attack has been France’s main strength, they didn’t display their best performance against Paraguay. It was precisely Barcola who struggled to make an impact before being substituted.
Doue was important a few days ago (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
That substitution proved to be crucial in France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay because Doué entered the field with much better pace on a day when he looked very difficult to stop whenever he had the ball on the left flank.
It was such an important impact that Doué was the player who changed the match when he dribbled into the penalty area from the left before being brought down for a penalty. After the referee reviewed the play on the monitor, the penalty was confirmed and Mbappé converted it.
Doué’s minutes
That position has been the one Deschamps has rotated the most during the competition. Doué will make his third start after previously starting the victories over Senegal and Norway, scoring one goal. He then came off the bench in the other three matches against Iraq, Sweden and Paraguay.
Set to face Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the main absences in France's starting lineup.
France faces Morocco on Thursday, July 10th, at Boston Stadium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, with a place in the final four on the line. One of the main talking points ahead of kickoff is why Aurelien Tchouameni will not be starting for Les Bleus.
Tchouameni has been left out of the starting XI due to a tactical decision by head coach Didier Deschamps. With Morocco‘s defensive block presenting a specific challenge, Deschamps has opted for a more technical and creative midfield profile, dropping the Real Madrid midfielder in favor of a different approach.
Tchouameni had also been dealing with a minor injury sustained during the tournament, which kept him out of the Round of 16 match against Paraguay entirely, with the midfielder watching from the bench without logging a single minute.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps offered a cautiously optimistic update on his condition while hinting at a possible return: “Aurelien Tchouaméni is doing better, we’ll see. I can’t say more than that. He might participate in the training session today.“
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France lying on the floor after a foul against Sweden.
The coach ultimately decided to deploy Manu Kone in his place, who’ll partner Adrien Rabiot in France’s double pivot. The AS Roma midfielder featured in both the group stage win over Iraq and the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, and with Deschamps sticking to a similar tactical setup, Koné gets the nod once again for this quarterfinal.
A difficult World Cup for Tchouaméni
At just 25 years old, Tchouameni had established himself as a cornerstone of Deschamps’ setup, starting every match at the 2022 World Cup. But injuries have complicated his journey in the years since, and the 2026 tournament has been no different.
A hamstring injury sidelined him during the November international break, and from that point France played nine matches, four friendlies and five at the World Cup, with Tchouameni appearing in six of them. He went the full 90 minutes against Senegal, Norway, and Sweden, but a recurring fitness issue cost him his place against Paraguay, and that same concern has him starting on the bench against Morocco.
While the veteran captain is already among the tournament's top scorers and remains central to Argentina's title defense, another remarkable achievement has emerged that further cements his legendary status.
Lionel Messi continues to produce unforgettable moments for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, with the reigning champion marching into the quarterfinals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt. While the veteran captain is already among the tournament’s top scorers and remains central to Argentina’s title defense, another remarkable achievement has emerged that further cements his legendary status.
The 39-year-old has once again become the heartbeat of Argentina‘s campaign, combining goals, assists and world-class creativity to inspire another deep run. His performances have reminded fans why he remains one of soccer’s greatest players, even as younger stars challenge for the spotlight.
Messi played a decisive role in La Albiceleste’s victory over Egypt, scoring once and providing an assist as the defending champion booked its place in the quarterfinals. The result set up a meeting with Switzerland and kept alive the dream of winning a second consecutive World Cup title.
His individual numbers have been equally impressive. Messi has scored eight goals at the tournament, leaving him one behind Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway in the Golden Boot race, while sitting two clear of Harry Kane.
Rank
Player
Country
Goals
Assists
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
2.
Kylian Mbappe
France
7
2
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
4
2
6.
Mikel Oyarzabal
Spain
4
1
Messi achieves World Cup record unlike any other
As Argentina celebrated qualification, Opta revealed a statistic that highlighted just how complete Messi’s performances have been throughout the tournament. Since detailed statistical tracking began in 1966, Messi has become the only player in a single FIFA World Cup to create at least 10 chances, complete at least 10 dribbles, make at least 10 through balls, and win at least 10 fouls.
His numbers underline the achievement even further. Messi has created 15 chances, completed 10 successful dribbles, delivered 11 through balls and won 13 fouls, becoming the first player in nearly six decades of Opta‘s records to reach all four milestones in the same World Cup.
10 – 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi in 2026 is the only player to do the following in a FIFA World Cup (since 1966):
Create 10+ chances (15) Complete 10+ dribbles (10) Make 10+ through balls (11) Win 10+ fouls (13)
The record illustrates every aspect of his influence on the field. Beyond scoring goals, the 39-year-old has consistently unlocked defenses with incisive passing, carried the ball through pressure, drawn fouls in dangerous areas, and dictated Argentina’s attacking rhythm.
Defying age on soccer’s biggest stage
Many players excel in one statistical category during a major tournament, but Messi has dominated across several different areas simultaneously. His vision, close control and decision-making have allowed him to remain one of the competition’s most influential performers despite being one of its oldest outfield stars.
Messi missed a penalty in the first half
Rather than relying solely on finishing ability, the Argentina captain has contributed in virtually every attacking phase. Whether creating opportunities for teammates or carrying the ball through crowded defenses, he has remained the focal point of his national team’s offense.
At 39 years old, Messi continues to deliver performances that many expected from players entering their prime instead of approaching the twilight of their careers. His consistency throughout the tournament has surprised even longtime observers, proving that experience, intelligence, and technical brilliance can still dominate at the highest level.
Morocco will be facing France for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with Ismael Saibari being one of the main absences for the game.
Morocco opens the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup against France on Thursday, July 10th, at Boston Stadium, but the Atlas Lions will be without Ismael Saibari, one of their most dangerous attacking weapons for the biggest game of their tournament.
Saibari won’t be taking part of the game against France due to an injury. The striker suffered a discomfort in his hamstring during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 win over Canada, which forced him off the field as early as the 22nd minute, and has been unable to recover in time for the quarterfinal clash with Les Bleus.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed the situation at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference: “Everyone is available for the match, except for Ismael Saibari, for whom this game comes too soon, although he is not ruled out for the rest of the competition, I hope.“
Saibari has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, carrying the form he showed at PSV Eindhoven during the 2025-26 season directly into the World Cup. He scored in every group stage match and converted the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
Ismael Saibari #11 (C) of Morocco reacts after sustaining an injury against Canada.
His performances have attracted major attention off the field as well, with Bayern Munich announcing his signing in the middle of the tournament. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal was completed for a fee of €55 million, making it the second most expensive transfer involving a Moroccan player, behind only the €60 million PSG paid Inter Milan for Achraf Hakimi.
Who will replace Saibari against France?
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, Saibari has established himself as Morocco’s undisputed first-choice striker, registering 12 goals in 35 international appearances. Two names stand out as candidates to fill the void against France.
The frontrunner is Soufiane Rahimi, who has come off the bench in each of Saibari’s absences throughout the tournament, picking up minutes against Brazil, Scotland, and Canada, where he contributed a goal and an assist. The other option, though considered less likely, is Ayoub El Kaabi, who started against Haiti when qualification was already secured and the pressure was off.
Despite being 39 years old, Lionel Messi has been one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup. Following his outstanding performances, Lamine Yamal decided to praise the Argentine legend, while also mentioning Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has shown that he remains one of the tournament’s best players. After playing five matches, he has scored eight goals and provided one assist, serving as Argentina’s focal point at 39 years old. Leading his national team to the quarterfinals, Lamine Yamal decided to praise Messi, making it clear his performances and records means to his professional career.
“Incredible. I think everyone knows who Messi is, but nobody expected him to be performing at such a high level. I’m really happy for him, just as I’m happy for Neymar, even though he’s no longer here, and Cristiano. For me, they shaped the childhood of everyone who is playing now, and anything good that happens to them is good for me,” Lamine Yamal revealed, via Mundo Deportivo.
Far from viewing Lionel Messi as competition, Lamine has made it clear that he sees him as a role model for his career. By breaking records, Messi continues to attract more fans to the tournament and raise the bar even higher, while leading the race for the tournament’s MVP award. While the Argentine legend and Yamal do not share an identical playing style, the 18-year-old star has made it clear that Messi has had a major influence on his professional career.
Unlike Messi, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup as the clear favorite to shine. However, the 39-year-old veteran has outperformed him by a considerable margin. While the Argentine star has scored eight goals, the young Spanish star has managed just one in five matches. With that in mind, Lionel continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players in history, with more matches still ahead to further expand his legacy.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal: A potential 2026 World Cup final clash
Before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina were set to face Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Finalissima. However, the match was canceled after both sides failed to reach a logistical agreement. As a result, they shifted their focus to shining at the highly anticipated tournament. With both teams having reached the quarterfinals, a showdown between Barcelona’s greatest legend and its brightest young star could still take place in the final.
With Argentina and Spain on opposite sides of the bracket at the 2026 World Cup, they could still meet in the final. If Luis de la Fuente’s team defeat Belgium, they would face either France or Morocco in the tournament’s semifinals. As one of the top contenders, they have a strong chance of reaching the final and competing for the title they have not won in 16 years. There, they could face Argentina.
If Argentina defeat Switzerland in the quarterfinals, they would face either Norway or England in the semifinals. With Messi in outstanding form, they arrive as the clear favorites to reach the final. As a result, the clash between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could still happen, but on the biggest stage in international soccer, making it one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups.
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
Watch Rabona TV's official 2026 World Cup quarter-final predictions video. Get expert score lines and tactical analysis for each game.
The tournament structure has filtered out the noise, leaving just eight elite nations standing on the absolute threshold of footballing immortality at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Round of 16 delivered high-octane drama, agonizing penalty shootouts, and heavy-pedigree exclusions—leaving a hyper-competitive quarter-final matrix where there is officially no safety net and zero margin for strategic error.
To navigate this elite tactical terrain, soccer analyst Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has dropped a thorough, game-by-game preview guide detailing who will punch their ticket to the final four, where the tactical battle lines are drawn, and how the global brackets will shake out.
From a massive cross-confederation rematch of a 2022 classic to an unprecedented heavyweight striker duel, the comprehensive video breakdown below exposes the structural adjustments that will mold the tournament’s semi-finalists.
Watch: Full Quarter-Final Tactical Forecast
Mapping the Elite Eight: Key Battles & Video Chapters
The final eight features an exceptional blend of historical heavyweights, reigning holders, and history-making modern powerhouses. For those looking to slide directly to a specific sector of the bracket tree, the video guide coordinates every single fixture using explicit chronological chapters:
Video Chapter Navigation Guide
00:00 – Intro: Outlining the physical constraints, scheduling structures, and baseline fatigue factors governing the quarter-final bracket.
00:27 – France vs. Morocco: An epic reboot of the 2022 semi-final that the French secured 2-0. This time, the Atlas Lions march into the tie as the first African nation in soccer history to secure back-to-back quarter-final appearances.
04:07 – Spain vs. Belgium: A classic European tactical collision. La Roja have looked completely impenetrable, navigating the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, but they must now choke out an in-form Belgian vanguard spearheaded by Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere.
07:04 – Norway vs. England: A historic, heavyweight focal point marking Norway’s first-ever appearance in a World Cup quarter-final. The fixture presents a mouth-watering direct forward duel as Erling Haaland clashes with England’s structural talisman Harry Kane.
10:49 – Argentina vs. Switzerland: Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions continue their quest to become the first back-to-back crown holders since Brazil in 1962. With Lionel Messi leading the Golden Boot race, they face a stubbornly organized Swiss block appearing in the last eight for the first time in over 70 years.
14:44 – FIFA’s dream come true: Breaking down the commercial landscape, structural narratives, and global television implications of this elite final-eight lineup.
After shining in the Round of 16, France and Morocco will face each other in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in one of the tournament's most anticipated matches. With that in mind, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé's availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker.
France face Morocco in the quarterfinals in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup. Both Didier Deschamps’ team and Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are among the tournament’s best attacking sides, meaning individual quality could decide the match. Given how competitive the game is expected to be, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé‘s availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker.
Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he has no suspensions or injuries. Head coach Didier Deschamps continues to view him as an undisputed starter, building the team’s play around him to maximize his goalscoring threat. As one of the tournament’s top scorers, he could arrive highly motivated, looking to score and equal or surpass Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Alongside Mbappé, Deschamps will keep his attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. Beyond their goals, they will need more than ever to excel in counter-pressing after losing possession to prevent Morocco’s counterattacks. In addition, he will not make many changes to his starting lineup, as his team are in outstanding form and are highly versatile.
While they do not arrive as top contenders, Morocco could still surprise France. Despite the significant absence of Ismael Saibari, they have alternatives in his roster, with Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi expected to take on leadership roles. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be the defensive aspect, as controlling it would give them a strong chance to hit France on the counterattack and push for victory, requiring quality finishing in front of goal.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
France confirmed lineup vs Morocco
With their outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, France arrive as clear favorites for their match against Morocco.Head coach Didier Deschamps appears determined not to make any changes to his starting lineup, keeping Kylian Mbappé as the focal point of his team. Although they are outstanding in attack, their most important aspect will be the defensive recovery of their full-backs, where they can limit Morocco’s attacking threat.
Considering this, Les Bleus will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
Morocco confirmed lineup vs France
Unlike France, Morocco arrive for today’s match with absences in their roster. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi will be without his top scorer, Ismael Saibari, due to a physical issue. As a result, Brahim Díaz will be under the spotlight, as he will have to take on a leading role. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be defensively, as they must contain the goalscoring threat of their opponents, who are one of the tournament’s top contenders.
With this in mind, Morocco will play as follows: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Anass Salah Eddine; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilel El Khanouss; Chemsdine Talbi.
Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway's all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes.
Storming back onto the global stage, Norway‘s new golden generation is ready to fight for their place in the history books. Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway’s all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes.
Norway’s history at the World Cup has been short but memorable. The national team has qualified for the tournament only four times: 1938, 1994, 1998, and 2026.
The first appearance came in the 1938 World Cup in France. At that time, the tournament used a straight knockout format, and Norway faced eventual champions Italy in the opening round. The match finished 1-1 after normal time, but Italy eventually won 2-1 after extra time, ending Norway’s campaign immediately.
The 1994 World Cup in the United States brought one of the most unusual eliminations in tournament history. Norway defeated Mexico 1-0 but failed to reach the knockout stage because all four teams in their group finished level on points. The deciding factor was goals scored, leaving Norway painfully eliminated.
Havard Flo of Norway celebrates his goal with team mate Henning Berg during the 1998 World Cup
Four years later, Norway produced its most famous World Cup moment. During the 1998 tournament in France, the national team shocked defending champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the group stage. That result helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time. However, the journey ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Italy.
Norway finally returns after 28-year wait
The 2026 World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance since 1998 and represented a major achievement for coach Stale Solbakken. After years of disappointment in qualifying campaigns, Solbakken finally built a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Norway dominated European qualifying extraordinarily. The national team won all eight qualifying matches, scored 37 goals, and conceded only five.
Statistic
Norway Men’s World Cup Record
Appearances
4 (1938, 1994, 1998, 2026)
Matches Played
13 (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Wins / Draws / Losses
6 Wins / 3 Draws / 4 Losses (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Goals For / Goals Against
19 Goals Scored / 17 Goals Conceded (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Maiden World Cup Goal
Arne Brustad (1938 vs. Italy)
Biggest World Cup Win
4-1 vs. Iraq (2026)
The attacking numbers have been historic, with Erling Haaland leading the way. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualifying, matching the record for most goals by a player in a World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Norway team line up at 1998 World Cup
Norway’s best World Cup finish
Norway’s best World Cup result is now reaching the Quarter-finals in 2026. Before this historic run, the national team’s best finishes were reaching the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998, having never progressed beyond that stage until now.
In the 2026 World Cup, Norway shattered their previous ceiling by advancing to the Quarter-finals to face England, marking an unprecedented achievement after their long absence from the tournament.
Tournament
Group Stage Opponents
Record (W-D-L)
Final Result
1938 France
Italy (Round of 16)
0–0–1
Round of 16
1994 United States
Mexico, Republic of Ireland, Italy
1–1–1
Group Stage
1998 France
Morocco, Scotland, Brazil
1–2–1
Round of 16
2026 United States / Canada / Mexico
France, Iraq, Senegal
4–0–1
Quarter-finals (Ongoing)
Although the team entered the tournament with ambitions of making a deep run, reaching the knockout stage already represents a major step forward.
The national team’s journey has also produced a unique World Cup record. Norway remains one of the few teams to have faced Brazil multiple times without losing, earning victories and draws against one of soccer’s greatest powers.
As debate continues over the star forward's tournament and his post-match comments, supporters are now learning when the Milan star could realistically return to action following the injury that ended his World Cup.
Christian Pulisic‘s painful exit from the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup campaign has taken another significant turn, with fresh medical updates finally providing clarity after days of speculation. As debate continues over the star forward’s tournament and his post-match comments, supporters are now learning when the Milan star could realistically return to action following the injury that ended his World Cup.
The United States’ 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium not only ended the national team’s hopes on home soil, but also left its biggest star facing another spell on the sidelines. While criticism initially centered on Pulisic’s decision to leave the match and his comments afterward, subsequent medical evaluations painted a very different picture.
The injury occurred in the 52nd minute of the United States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium, when Pulisic attempted a shot and accidentally struck Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans’ leg. Although he initially tried to continue, the pain eventually forced him off the field in the 59th minute.
According to The Athletic, subsequent examinations confirmed that Pulisic suffered a bone bruise along with a microfracture of both the tibia and fibula in his lower right leg. He was later seen using crutches, highlighting that the injury was considerably more serious than first believed.
Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg suffered during the match against Belgium. U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will be collaborating on his recovery plan. pic.twitter.com/YMoOedpTxd
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 9, 2026
Medical staff later confirmed the extent of the damage after scans, and Pulisic was subsequently seen using crutches at the team hotel. Had the USMNT progressed to face Spain in the quarterfinals, the forward would have been unavailable due to the injury.
Recovery timeline offers positive news for Milan
Despite the alarming diagnosis, the recovery outlook is considerably better than many initially feared.
According to The Athletic and Calciomercato,Pulisic is expected to miss three to six weeks rather than several months, with an anticipated return sometime in August. That timeline could allow him to resume training before AC Milan‘s Serie A opener against Torino on August 23, giving new manager Ruben Amorim reason for optimism ahead of the new campaign.
The injury means that the American will almost certainly miss the Rossoneri’s preseason friendlies, but those matches were already viewed as unlikely appearances following his involvement at the World Cup.
The timing is particularly important for Milan, where new head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning to make Pulisic a central figure next season. After an inconsistent second half of the previous campaign, the American will hope to begin the new season fully fit.
Amorim expressed confidence in his player, saying:“I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, and have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has. Pulisic is really important for us.”
Frustrating tournament for the USMNT star
The Belgium match marked the forward’s second injury setback of the tournament. He had already aggravated a calf problem during the opening victory over Paraguay, forcing him to miss the following match against Australia before returning later in the group stage.
The tournament itself proved disappointing from an individual perspective. Pulisic finished the competition without scoring a goal, although he did register an assist in the opening match against Paraguay.
Later, he added: “With one earlier and then another injury now, it just sucked. It was tough. It was difficult for me to deal with.” Despite his disappointment, the player praised his teammates for stepping up throughout the tournament: “But we have a great team. There’s so many guys that stepped up this tournament, that should be really the focus.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium
France have remained the best team at the 2026 World Cup. Having faced little trouble in their matches, they arrive in the quarterfinals as clear favorites. After their outstanding performances, they have climbed the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of their match against Morocco.
France have remained a top contender for the third consecutive World Cup. Under Didier Deschamps, they have undergone a rebuild by placing their trust in promising young players. After defeating Paraguay in a tightly contested match, they reached the quarterfinals as one of the tournament’s top contenders. After their outstanding performances, they have climbed the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of facing Morocco.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, France are ranked first with 1,925.86 points. Reflecting their strong form, they have climbed two places, remaining the best national team in the world. Head coach Didier Deschamps has built a national team that is highly dominant in both defense and attack, making them extremely difficult to beat. In addition, they have remained near the top of the rankings for several years.
While Didier Deschamps’ team are the top-ranked national team in the world, Morocco are not far behind. Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are ranked sixth with 1,803.99 points. Following their strong run of form, they have climbed one place, showcasing their attacking strength and overall quality. With their defensive solidity, they could surprise France and look to win through effective counterattacks.
Facing one of the best African teams, France need to be at their best defensively. Although they excel with their high press, they often leave space behind the back line. Because of this, the defensive recovery of Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne will be essential in stopping any opposition attacks. In addition, the counter-press from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé will be key, as they are highly effective at winning the ball back.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Desiré Doué and Michael Olise poised for key France roles
Just as they did against Paraguay, France could face a very difficult defensive challenge against Morocco. Although Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are outstanding in possession and attacking quality, they have shown they are capable of sitting deep against elite opponents. Therefore, head coach Didier Deschamps could need the best version of Désiré Doué and Michael Olise on the pitch.
If Doué and Olise shine on the wings, they would create space for Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. In addition, they could dribble inside and create openings, looking to score and break down Morocco’s defensive structure. Although they are not the team’s top goalscorers, they will be essential in allowing the rest of the attack to shine, requiring plenty of individual quality.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
Let's take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket.
France and Morocco are colliding in a blockbuster 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash at Boston Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This decisive showdown in Boston guarantees that only one of these dynamic squads will secure a coveted ticket to the semifinals. Let’s take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket.
Thursday’s clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is a rematch of the unforgettable 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory. Four years later, both nations arrive with ambitions of writing another memorable chapter.
France enters the quarterfinal as one of the tournament favorites after another impressive campaign. Didier Deschamps’ squad has advanced through the competition with a series of convincing performances, although Paraguay pushed Les Bleus harder than any previous opponent during the Round of 16.
Morocco continues to prove that its remarkable run in Qatar was far from a one-time achievement. The Atlas Lions reached another World Cup quarterfinal after eliminating Canada and remain one of the tournament’s most disciplined and dangerous sides.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots
The fixture also carries emotional significance because several Moroccan internationals were born in France, while multiple French players share North African or Middle Eastern heritage. That unique connection gives this encounter an added layer beyond soccer.
France arrives with confidence, while Morocco hopes to create more history
France has scored freely throughout the tournament thanks to one of the deepest attacking units in international soccer. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue have consistently troubled opposing defenses.
Mbappe has already found the net seven times during this World Cup and continues battling for another Golden Boot. France has also produced 14 goals while conceding only two, underlining why many consider Les Bleus the strongest remaining contender.
Date
France’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3–1)
June 22, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (3–0)
June 26, 2026
Norway
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 30, 2026
Sweden
Round of 32
Win (3–0)
July 4, 2026
Paraguay
Round of 16
Win (1–0)
Morocco, meanwhile, has continued building on the momentum created during its groundbreaking 2022 World Cup campaign. Under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions remain unbeaten in their last ten matches and have become one of Africa’s leading soccer powers.
The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion has impressed with organization, patience, and technical quality. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz, and Yassine Bounou have given Morocco genuine belief that another upset is possible.
Date
Morocco’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 13, 2026
Brazil
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 19, 2026
Scotland
Group Stage
Win (1–0)
June 24, 2026
Haiti
Group Stage
Win (4–2)
June 29, 2026
Netherlands
Round of 32
Draw (1–1, won 3–2 on penalties)
July 4, 2026
Canada
Round of 16
Win (3–0)
What happens if France wins and Morocco loses?
If France wins, regardless of whether it comes in regulation, extra time or a penalty shootout, Les Bleus will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
France would then face the winner of Belgium vs Spain, keeping alive its pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Morocco’s remarkable tournament would come to an end before reaching another semifinal.
What happens if France and Morocco draw?
Although many supporters wonder what a draw would mean, a World Cup quarterfinal cannot finish level.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score
If the match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played. Should neither side find a winner, the semifinal place will be decided through a penalty shootout, ensuring one nation progresses while the other is eliminated.
What happens if Morocco wins and France loses?
A Moroccan triumph would represent one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. France would be eliminated, while Morocco would book another place in the World Cup semifinals, exacting revenge for the 2022 loss to Les Bleus.
Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates.
Another semifinal appearance would also strengthen Morocco’s growing legacy on the global stage after its groundbreaking run in Qatar four years ago.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
After defeating Canada, Morocco secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face France. Ahead of this match, they have climbed the FIFA Men's World Ranking, reflecting their outstanding performances.
Morocco arrived at the 2026 World Cup amid serious doubts about their competitiveness. After parting ways with Walid Regragui and losing stars such as Ez Abde, they appeared to have lost their status as one of the tournament’s favorites. Nevertheless, they managed to defeat Canada, advancing to the quarterfinals to face France. Just before the match, they climbed the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Morocco are ranked 6th with 1803.99 points. Recognizing their strong form, they have gained one position, remaining among the best national teams of the world. Under Mohamed Ouahbi, they have keep their offensive brightness, emerging as the best scorers national teams. They are experiencing their best position in the ranking in their history, improving their competitiveness.
Despite their historic run, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team remain far behind France in the rankings. Didier Deschamps’s team sit in 1st place with 1925.86 points, having climbed two positions since the start of the tournament. As the best offensive national team, they are expected to shine in the scoring side, having Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé as their leaders. However, they can still have some defensive problems, emerging as the main issue to resolve.
Morocco also arrive in excellent form for their match against France. Not only have they been outstanding defensively, but they have also impressed in attack. Without Ez Abde on the pitch, they have turned to Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi as their attacking leaders, as Ismael Saibari will be absent through injury despite being one of the team’s biggest stars. They will need to take advantage of the pace of their full-backs to launch counterattacks.
Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates.
Morocco’s strategy must first be solid on defense against France
Unlike their previous matches at the 2026 World Cup, Morocco face one of the highest-scoring teams in the world: France. While they also favor an attacking approach, they could suffer a heavy defeat if they maintain that strategy. With this in mind, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi could keep his lineup with only slight changes, while making structural adjustments to the team’s defensive setup.
If Mohamed Ouahbi’s team manage to maintain a compact and deep defensive block, they could limit the space available to Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. While Michael Olise and Désiré Doué can look to create openings with their dribbling, Morocco have proven to be very difficult to break down defensively. Moreover, they could take advantage of France’s high press by hitting on the counterattack and creating dangerous chances.
Both defensively and offensively, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will be crucial. They will be responsible for containing the wingers while also providing the team’s first attacking outlet. Meanwhile, the intelligence of Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi could alsoprove decisive, helping Morocco control possession and distribute the ball efficiently. Nonetheless, their biggest challenge will be being clinical in front of goal.
Gessime Yassine #16 of Morocco celebrates with Soufiane Rahimi #9 after scoring a goal.
Over almost 100 years of history, the list of the World Cup all-time goalscorers has suffered several modifications, specially in recent editions.
Since the first edition in 1930, the World Cup has featured hundreds of players lifting the iconic trophy, with only a select few etching their names among the all-time leading scorers. As history continues to be rewritten, the top of that list has shifted significantly in recent editions.
Lionel Messi currently stands as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals. After opening his account with one goal at the 2006 tournament, he added four in Brazil 2014, one in Russia 2018, seven in Qatar 2022, and eight in the 2026 edition across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the tournament in which he broke the record outright.
His place at the top, however, is under serious threat from Kylian Mbappe in second. The French star has been relentless in front of goal at every World Cup he has played, netting four times in Russia 2018, eight in Qatar 2022, and eight in North America 2026, bringing his career total to 20 goals across just three editions and 20 games.
Before the 2026 tournament, Miroslav Klose had held the record for twelve years. The German legend scored five goals in Korea/Japan 2002, five more in Germany 2006, four in South Africa 2010, and two in Brazil 2014, reaching 16 and lifting the trophy in what turned out to be his final World Cup appearance.
Miroslav Klose of Germany celebrates after scoring against Brazil.
Rounding out the next tier are Ronaldo Nazario and Gerd Muller. The Brazilian icon scored 15 goals in 19 games while claiming two World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002, while “Der Bomber” found the net 14 times in just 13 games at a rate of better than one goal per match across the 1970 and 1974 editions, the latter of which West Germany won.
Harry Kane is among the most active chasers of history in the current field. With six goals in 2018, two in 2022, and six more so far in 2026, the England captain sits fifth alongside Muller with 14 goals. With the Three Lions still alive in the tournament, Kane remains one of the headline acts of this edition alongside Mbappe and Messi in the race to extend his tally.
The Golden Boot is the award that goes to the top scorer of the competition, which began in 1930.
While the main goal for every player competing in a World Cup is to lift the trophy, individual awards can also secure a place in history. While the Golden Ball is subjective because it recognizes the tournament’s best player, the Golden Boot is more objective, as it crowns the competition’s top scorer.
Even if the greatest players have not always shined at the World Cup, the list of Golden Boot winners features many names that rank among the best in the history of the sport, even if some never won the tournament.
The list also includes some surprising winners who produced the best month of their careers when it mattered most, such as James Rodriguez in 2014 and Salvatore Schillaci in 1990.
The FIFA Rankings have taken a new shape ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, with Kylian Mbappé's France returning to the top spot and Lionel Messi's Argentina dropping from first place.
The 2026 World Cup is entering its final stages, with just eight teams remaining and the quarterfinals set to begin on Thursday, July 9th. In the latest FIFA Rankings update ahead of the next round, Kylian Mbappe‘s France has moved back to the top, nudging Lionel Messi’s Argentina off the summit.
Mbappe was the difference-maker in France‘s 1-0 Round of 16 win over Paraguay, converting the decisive penalty. The victory earned Les Bleus 9.26 additional ranking points, pushing their total to 1,925.86 and returning them to first place.
Argentina, meanwhile, engineered a stunning comeback to advance, overturning a 2-0 deficit against Egypt to win 3-2 in another Messi masterclass. The victory was not enough to hold onto top spot in the rankings, however, and the Albiceleste now sit second with 1,925.15 points.
Argentina had entered the tournament ranked first after France’s shock group-stage loss to Ivory Coast sent Les Bleus tumbling to third behind Spain. With both nations now among the last eight, the points accumulated in the knockout rounds have been enough to flip the order, with France now leading Argentina by just 0.71 points.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France walks off the pitch.
Six of the top 10 nations remain in the quarterfinals
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals have already made history, marking the first time Brazil, Germany, and Italy are all absent at this stage of the competition. Despite that shake-up, six of the eight remaining teams were ranked inside the FIFA Rankings‘ top 10 before the tournament began.
Argentina (1st), Spain (2nd), France (3rd), England (4th), Morocco (7th), and Belgium (9th) all entered the World Cup among the world’s elite. The two sides who gate-crashed the party are Switzerland, who came in ranked 19th with 1,650.06 points, and Norway, Erling Haaland’s side, who were 31st with 1,557.44 points.
FIFA Rankings top 10 ahead of the World Cup quarterfinals
France — 1925.86 points.
Argentina — 1925.15 points.
Spain — 1912.34 points.
England — 1871.39 points.
Brazil — 1804.92 points.
Morocco — 1803.99 points.
Portugal — 1787.85 points.
Belgium — 1778.36 points.
Netherlands — 1775.54 points.
Mexico — 1754.30 points.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
Before the match between Norway and England, Martin Odegaard shared his vision.
Nothing can be taken for granted at the World Cup after everything that happened in the Round of 16. The team that surprised everyone the most was Norway, who defeated Brazil with Martin Odegaard as captain before setting up a quarterfinal against England.
Odegaard said: “Obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be a big test for us.”
While Brazil did not show its best version in this tournament, eliminating a powerhouse like that was a huge achievement. A saved penalty in the first half kept Norway in the match before Erling Haaland scored twice in the 2-1 victory after a late goal.
Odegaard hails Declan Rice
With Odegaard playing in England, it’s natural for him to face players who are his teammates or opponents throughout the season. This match features several players with Arsenal connections, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
The midfielders are good teammates (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Even if all of them are important players for England, Odegaard focused more on the midfielder as he shares the midfield and the captaincy role with Rice at Arsenal. The Norway captain had plenty of praise for Rice, describing him as one of the most complete midfielders in the game.
Odegaard said: “Rice’s someone who always gives everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward. He can do so many things on the pitch. He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He’s a very complete player, so it’s going to be a good test for all of us.”
Odegaard on Norway’s confidence
Norway may not be the favorite in this matchup with all the talent England has, but nothing can stop them from believing in themselves after eliminating Brazil.
Odegaard said: “We have to have the belief in ourselves. We’ve shown the whole world that we’re a good team. In football, anything is possible. Even though we’re the underdogs again, let’s see what happens and let’s prepare well.”
With his leading performance in Argentina's comeback against Egypt, Lionel Messi has set and extended multiple historic World Cup records.
Lionel Messi once again delivered when Argentina needed him most, leading the Albiceleste to a thrilling 3-2 comeback over Egypt to clinch a quarterfinal berth at the 2026 World Cup. With a goal and an assist at Atlanta Stadium, he added several more entries to an already staggering list of World Cup records.
The evening was not without its frustrations. With the chance to pull Argentina level from the penalty spot, Messi was denied by Egypt‘s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, extending his own unwanted record as the player with the most missed penalties in World Cup history to four, doubling the previous mark of two held by Asamoah Gyan.
That assist moved Messi to nine in World Cup history since 1966, making him the most prolific playmaker in the modern era of the competition. While the marks of Pele and Fritz Walter sit at ten when accounting for earlier editions where stats remain in question, within the post-1966 era Messi has surpassed the eight assists attributed to Diego Maradona, also cementing his place as Argentina’s all-time leading provider.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 3-2 victory (Elsa/Getty Images).
Messi and a record-breaking goal
The equalizer arrived in the 83rd minute, with Gonzalo Montiel laying the ball off inside the box for Messi to strike a half-volley that rattled the bar and went in for 2-2. Beyond pushing Argentina toward the greatest comeback in World Cup history, the goal continued to build a legacy that seems to have no ceiling.
On a personal level, the strike made 2026 the World Cup in which Messi has scored the most goals in a single edition, bringing his tally to eight. He had previously set the record with seven in Qatar 2022, while his four goals at Brazil 2014 ranked third on his own list.
Now leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals, Messi joins a short list of players to have reached that mark in a single tournament. Only Just Fontaine (13), Sándor Kocsis (11), Gerd Muller (10), Ademir de Menezes (9), and Eusebio (9) stand above him. The goal also drew him level with Kylian Mbappe and Ronaldo Nazario at eight, while matching Guillermo Stabile’s 1930 tally, which had stood as Argentina‘s single-edition record for nearly a century.
He also extended his own record for scoring in consecutive World Cup matches, with Egypt becoming the ninth straight game in which he found the net. A new dimension was added to that streak as well: he is now the first player in history to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout stage matches, surpassing the marks of Brazil’s Leonidas da Silva and Vava, and Hungary’s Gyorgy Sarosi, who each achieved the feat in five.
Finally, Messi became the oldest player to both score and assist in a single World Cup match at 39 years and 13 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Swedish legend Nils Liedholm, who accomplished the feat in 1958 at 35. It stands as yet another reminder that, even as a new generation takes hold of the sport, Messi remains in a class of his own.
Only a select group of coaches have ever lifted the FIFA World Cup — see every manager who's won it, from Alberto Suppici in 1930 to Lionel Scaloni in 2022.
Winning a FIFA World Cup doesn’t just cement a place in history for the players — it does the same for the manager standing on the touchline. Across nearly a century of the tournament, only a select group of coaches have managed to lift the sport’s biggest prize.
The list begins in 1930, when Uruguay’s Alberto Suppici guided the hosts to the inaugural title at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Since then, the trophy has been passed between coaches from Europe and South America, mirroring the same two continents that have produced every World Cup-winning nation.
A handful of names appear more than once on the list. Vittorio Pozzo remains the only manager to win back-to-back titles in World Cup history, leading Italy to glory in both 1934 and 1938.
Mario Zagallo also holds a unique distinction, having won the World Cup as a player with Brazil in 1958 and 1962 before doing it again as head coach in 1970. Didier Deschamps matched that same feat with France, winning the title as captain in 1998 before leading Les Bleus to the title again as head coach in 2018.
Didier Deschamps, Manager of France celebrates with the World Cup trophy in 2018. (Getty Images)
More recently, Lionel Scaloni joined this list of champions, guiding Argentina to their third star in 2022 behind the brilliance of Lionel Messi, in what remains the most recent World Cup title before the current 2026 tournament.
Thibaut Courtois believes Belgium wasn't reated with respect before they beat the USMNT 4-1.
There was much excitement for how the World Cup could go for the USMNT after they beat Paraguay in impressive fashion in their first match. That led many to be very confident before the Round of 16 against Belgium, to the point that Thibaut Courtois felt his team had been disrespected.
Courtois said: “In recent days, we have been disrespected here in the United States. It was being said that they could beat us easily, but I think today we showed that we are a good team. We played a great match.”
Coming into the match, there were doubts after Belgium had to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal in the final minutes, but that didn’t happen against the USMNT, as a convincing 4-1 victory showed who was the better team.
Courtois on the plan against the USMNT
For the goalkeeper, the most recent match between Belgium and the USMNT was important: “We wanted to pin the United States back from the start and tried to create chances. Then they started to doubt themselves. Perhaps the 5-2 defeat against us in the friendly was affecting them.”
Balogun played after a red card (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The main topic of the week was probably the unprecedented rescinding of Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which allowed the forward to play even though he had originally been sent off. That prompted a response from Courtois, who admitted he found the situation surprising.
Courtois said: “I read about it and it amused me. I understand that they want to generate excitement around the United States, but today I had more confidence in our victory than against Senegal, which has a better team than the United States.”
Courtois on Spain
After beating the USMNT, Belgium earned a place in the quarterfinals against Spain. Courtois said: “The quarterfinal against Spain, my second country, will be special. My young son will have to support Belgium, otherwise I won’t let him come back home! I am very happy to be able to play against them.”
Courtois was more confident against the USMNT than Senegal
Christian Pulisic posted a message on social media following the USMNT's elimination against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Christian Pulisic took to Instagram to address the USMNT’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, sending a heartfelt message to fans days after the team’s 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium.
The forward began by thanking supporters, while also acknowledging that the tournament’s ending wasn’t good enough on his part. “Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed. The support carried us all the way through. It simply wasn’t good enough from us in the end and I wanted to deliver so much more,” Pulisic began.
The AC Milan forward closed his message by noting that this is only the beginning of growth for this team and for the sport in the country. “I still feel blessed to be a part of this team. The memories this summer will last a lifetime. It’s just the start for us and for this sport in America,” Pulisic wrote.
While the USMNT were thrashed by Belgium in the Round of 16, the team came within one match of matching their best-ever finish, when they reached the quarterfinals at the 2002 edition in South Korea-Japan before falling to Germany.
Despite the heartfelt message to fans, Pulisic is facing the harshest criticism of anyone right now. The forward was forced off in the 59th minute of the loss to Belgium after twisting his ankle, but what upset fans was what he said after the match.
“It’s just frustrating to end like that, of course. But now I have time to rest. I feel it’ll be OK,” Pulisic said on Fox, referring to his recovery. The 27-year-old was criticized by Landon Donovan, along with former U.S. women’s national team players Carli Lloyd and Sydney Leroux.
“He rested the entire World Cup,” Leroux wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) account, while Lloyd also piled on, writing, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”
Jorge Jesus has reportedly taken over the head coach position to lead Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal despite a massive pay cut compared to his salary at Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal‘s 2026 World Cup run is over, but the federation has wasted little time in shaping the next chapter. Just days after Roberto Martinez’s exit, Jorge Jesus has reportedly accepted the Portugal job, doing so despite taking a significant pay cut from his contract at Al Nassr.
Following the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, Martinez confirmed his departure with a measured farewell: “My era is over; now it is important to make a fresh start, and it is legitimate for the president to choose his own coach. I am grateful for all the support I received.“
The Portuguese Football Federation had already been thinking about a successor, with Martinez’s contract set to expire after the World Cup regardless of the result. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jorge Jesus is now set to take over, having agreed to a four-year deal with the Selecao.
Jesus arrives having spent several years in Saudi Arabia, most recently at Al Nassr, where he guided the club to the Saudi Pro League title alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Now at the helm of Portugal, the 71-year-old inherits a new cycle that includes the upcoming UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028, and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host.
Head coach Jorge Jesus interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Jorge Jesus and a significant salary gap
Al Nassr had been keen to extend Jesus’s contract by another year, a move that would have aligned with Ronaldo’s current deal running through June 2027, and the club even raised its salary offer to keep him. Jesus, however, chose to hold out for the Portugal job, and the opportunity has now arrived.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Jesus will earn less than €4 million gross per year with the national team, totaling approximately €16 million over the life of the contract through 2030. That represents a dramatic reduction from the €12 million per year he was earning at Al Nassr, less than a third of his previous salary.
Will Ronaldo play under Jorge Jesus at Portugal?
Having gotten the best out of a 41-year-old Ronaldo at Al Nassr, Jesus’s appointment naturally raises the question of whether the legendary forward will continue his international career under his former club manager. After the Spain defeat, Ronaldo reiterated that 2026 was his last World Cup, but stopped short of announcing a full international retirement, saying he would “have time to think, be with my family, not make decisions in the heat of the moment, and move on with life.“
With his Al Nassr contract running through 2027, Ronaldo is expected to remain in club football for at least one more season. In that window, Portugal’s next international fixtures begin in September with UEFA Nations League matches against Wales and Norway, with the quarterfinal round scheduled for March 2027 and the Final Four in June 2027. That timeline makes the Nations League a realistic candidate to serve as the final chapter of Ronaldo’s international career.
Following the USMNT's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, legend Landon Donovan criticized Christian Pulisic.
The USMNT’s World Cup dreams ended in ugly fashion, falling 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16. A day after the loss, Landon Donovan didn’t hold back on Fox Sports, speaking with his former teammate Tim Howard about Christian Pulisic’s tournament.
While Donovan tried to be careful when discussing Pulisic, who was heavily criticized on social media, the USMNT legend noted that the AC Milan forward’s tournament was simply disappointing.
“In the end, he’s your best player, he’s your star player, and it just didn’t happen for him,” Donovan told Howard. “I want to be careful because I’m sure people are piling on him, a lot of it he deserves, of course. That’s part and parcel with this role. It’s just disappointing. I was waiting for a moment for him… and it just didn’t happen“.
Donovan went further, pointing to a pattern he believes has become undeniable — when the team needs its best player to show up in crucial moments against top opposition, Pulisic simply hasn’t answered the call.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during the game vs Belgium. (Getty Images)
“I’m starting to look back, Tim — it’s more than just a trend now,” Donovan added. “Like, when the games are easy, and it’s a home qualifier, and it’s Jamaica, yes. But in the big moments and the big games, he just hasn’t — I’m not criticizing, I’m just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point”.
Donovan on how he would’ve handled Pulisic’s injury
Donovan also addressed reports that Pulisic asked to be substituted off after suffering an ankle injury, saying he couldn’t confirm the claim but making clear how he’d have handled it himself.
“He came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact. Because you would have had to f— drag me off the field. And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I’m staying on the field,'” Donovan said.
Pulisic was forced off in the 59th minute of the loss to Belgium after twisting his ankle in a challenge with Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot on the edge of the box.
Justin Bieber and several artists have joined Shakira, Madonna, and BTS to complete the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show lineup for the final.
The 2026 World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium, will make history as the first in the competition to feature a halftime show. With BTS, Madonna, and Shakira already confirmed, Justin Bieber has now been announced as the latest headline addition to a star-studded lineup that continues to grow.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke to the announcement: “When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education. We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.“
Bieber also weighed in on joining the lineup. “The World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world,” he said to FIFA.
Justin Bieber to co-headline first-ever FIFA World Cup™ Final Halftime Show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS! 🤩🎶
Bieber joins the previously announced co-headliners Madonna, Shakira, and BTS for a show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The latest announcement also introduced several new additions to the bill, including Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS 22 Chorus.
Burna Boy became one of the tournament’s most recognizable musical presences, his collaboration with Shakira on “Dai Dai” becoming the anthem that greeted players onto the field throughout the competition. Also joining the lineup is Gustavo Dudamel, the Venezuelan conductor and Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic, alongside the PS 22 Chorus, a group of elementary school students from Graniteville, Staten Island directed by Gregg Breinberg and past winners of a Webby Award.
All seven artists, each representing a different region of the world, are set to perform across an 11-minute broadcast window. Whether FIFA will extend the traditional 15-minute halftime break to accommodate the full show remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: MetLife Stadium is set to host one of the most ambitious halftime performances in sports history.
Justin Bieber joins the 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show lineup.
After missing a penalty that was important in Brazil's elimination against Norway, Bruno Guimaraes shared his thoughts.
The man of the match in Brazil’s elimination was Erling Haaland, who scored twice to keep the World Cup dream alive for Norway. However, the match could have seen a different outcome in the first half when Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty while the score was tied.
Guimaraes wrote: “Soccer, which has given me everything I have, is now the reason I’m feeling the greatest pain of my 28 years of life. Missing the penalty and being eliminated in the Round of 16 is tough. It hurts deeply, but it’s another obstacle for me to overcome. I’ve been through so much that only I truly know.”
While the goals did not arrive until late in the second half, Brazil had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute. Surprisingly, it was Guimaraes who stepped up, but his weak shot to Orjan Nyland’s left was comfortably saved.
The full message
“I’ve written and deleted this so many times that I’ve lost count. I’ve always been here through the victories, so it’s only fair that I show up and don’t shy away from speaking to you after a defeat.
Soccer, which has given me everything I have, is now the reason I’m feeling the greatest pain of my 28 years of life. Missing the penalty and being eliminated in the Round of 16 is tough. It hurts deeply, but it’s another obstacle for me to overcome. I’ve been through so much that only I truly know.
I’m certain that, no matter how bad I feel right now, this too shall pass. The craziest part of it all was getting home after the saddest day of my life, and the first thing my children said when I woke up was, ‘Dad, let’s go play soccer.’ That’s when I realized that, whether the days are good or bad, soccer will always be my greatest love.
I take full responsibility, as I always have, and this time is no different. I’m deeply saddened by the way it ended, but I’m certain that God knows everything. I gave You glory in victory, and I’ll give You glory in defeat. Thank You for this opportunity, Jesus.
The dream isn’t over. It remains alive in my heart and in the hearts of thousands who love our country. Now it’s time to reflect, recover my strength with my family, and come back even stronger.”
After polemic in the match between Argentina and Egypt, Didier Deschamps commented on the referee for their match against Morocco.
While Egypt argued they had doubts about the referee before their match, it was Argentina that had concerns as Francois Letexier of France was assigned to officiate, with France being a direct rival. For the semifinal against Morocco, the officiating crew will be led by Argentina’s Facundo Tello, which does not appear to be a concern for Didier Deschamps based on his comments.
Deschamps said: “You can ask yourselves questions, but I won’t pay any attention to them. I hope the referee is just as good as Mr. Letexier and his assistants were in the match. My opponent is Morocco, not the referee. On the contrary, he’s there to enforce the rules of the game as fairly as possible.”
When everything pointed toward Argentina’s elimination after falling behind 2-0 against Egypt, Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored in a 14-minute span to complete a 3-2 comeback. However, much of the discussion after the match centered on referee Letexier.
Deschamps on Morocco
That wasn’t the only thing Deschamps said before the semifinal: “In every match there are situations that can go one way or the other. The complaints depend on which side you’re on. In some situations, a foul could have been called. This isn’t about revenge, what has already happened can’t be changed. We hope there are as few mistakes as possible from both sides.”
Egypt complained about the referee after the match (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
While that may be the main topic of discussion, France still has an important semifinal against a tough Morocco side, which Deschamps said is very different from Paraguay.
Deschamps said: “As for the match, Morocco are not the same team as Paraguay. We played against Morocco four years ago, and they reached the Africa Cup of Nations final. They have very good players. They’re a team that likes to keep possession and attack. They have great quality.”
Michael Olise’s yellow card
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s rescinded red card gave France hope of appealing Michael Olise’s yellow card, which he received against Paraguay during an altercation. Even if there were no clear grounds for it to be overturned, the Balogun decision raised the possibility.
The French Football Federation submitted an appeal because another yellow card would rule Olise out of the final if France defeats Morocco. Deschamps confirmed that FIFA rejected the request: “The situation with the yellow card hasn’t changed. We received a notification from FIFA this morning.”
Ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin addressed the vulnerability of Lionel Scaloni's team.
Argentina‘s dramatic win over Egypt is already in the rearview mirror, and now the focus shifts to Switzerland, who eliminated Colombia on penalties to book their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
After getting through the shootout, Switzerland‘s head coach Murat Yakin didn’t hold back in assessing their next opponent, acknowledging both the danger and the vulnerability of the world champions.
“We’re playing against the world champion. There’s nothing better than having this opportunity. But it’s also been clear, over the last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable,” Yakin said during his press conference.
“I think we’ve earned that respect, and we’ve worked for it. It’s going to be an interesting tactical match. We can challenge the world champion. For a nation like Switzerland, there’s nothing better than playing a World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. So the anticipation is huge. I think I still need a couple hours, or a day, to process it,” he added.
Murat Yakin celebrates Switzerland’s victory vs Colombia. (Getty Images)
Argentina’s last two knockout matches back up Yakin’s claim. Cape Verde pushed the world champions to extra time in the Round of 32 before falling 3-2, and Egypt had them on the ropes in the Round of 16, leading 2-0 with just ten minutes to go before Scaloni’s side produced a frantic comeback to win 3-2.
Djibril Sow recalls beating France in 2020
Midfielder Djibril Sow echoed his coach’s confidence, pointing back to one of Switzerland’s biggest results in recent memory as proof they can compete with soccer royalty.
“For us, this is a very special match. It’s the first time we get to play a quarterfinal against a team that, for me, is one of the favorites to win the Cup. I think it’s going to be very difficult, but I see chances to win. We’re capable of beating great teams, like we’ve done in recent years, like France in 2020,” Sow told reporters after defeating Colombia.
Sow’s reference points to Switzerland’s stunning upset of France at Euro 2020 (played in 2021), when the Swiss came back from 3-1 down in the Round of 16 to force penalties against the reigning world champions — eventually winning the shootout in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history.
Argentina vs Switzerland head-to-head World Cup record
History strongly favors Argentina heading into Saturday’s match. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting.
The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, a 2-0 Argentina win in the group stage. The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with Angel Di Maria’s strike sending La Albiceleste through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal matches, Achraf Hakimi, Jude Bellingham, and Michael Olise are among the players at risk of suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
With the quarterfinal bracket now set, 17 players across the eight remaining teams are one yellow card away from missing a potential semifinal appearance at the 2026 World Cup.
England and Morocco lead the list with four players apiece in danger of suspension, while Switzerland follow with three players and France round out the podium with two.
The risk comes down to how FIFA’s disciplinary rules stack across the knockout rounds. Any player booked in two of the three matches spanning the Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarterfinals will be automatically suspended for the semifinals, should their team advance that far.
Yellow cards reset twice during the tournament: once after the group stage, and again after the quarterfinals. That means no player can be suspended for the final over card accumulation — the only way to miss that match is with a red card.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England receives a yellow card. (Getty Images)
The biggest names on the list
Among the players on the edge of missing a potential semifinal, a handful of genuine stars will need to be extra careful in their matches. Achraf Hakimi is one of those at risk, facing France in the quarterfinals, where Michael Olise finds himself in the same boat.
For England, things get trickier still — in their quarterfinal against Norway, star man Jude Bellingham joins Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice, and Marc Guehi on the brink of suspension.
The 17 players at risk of missing the World Cup semifinals
Morocco: Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Khalhal, Bilal El Khannouss.
After Argentina's big comeback to win the match 3-2, the Egyptian Football Association reportedly filed a formal complaint with FIFA questioning the officiating.
Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has reportedly filed an official complaint to FIFA against French referee François Letexier and his assistants, following Egypt’s 3-2 Round of 16 elimination against Argentina.
The complaint stems from a string of contentious officiating decisions throughout the match, which the Egyptian federation believes went against them at key moments.
Among the grievances, Egypt points to their second goal being disallowed after a VAR review flagged a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the buildup, wiping out what would have made it 2-0. The federation’s complaint also references a penalty claim for a foul on Mohamed Salah, moments before Enzo Fernandez’s header put Argentina up 3-2.
After Argentina‘s third goal completed an impressive 10-minute comeback, Egypt’s bench erupted at the referee, who showed a yellow card to head coach Hossam Hassan and sent off one of his staff members.
Hossam Hassan, Head Coach of Egypt, argues with referee Francois Letexier. (Getty Images)
Egypt coach sounds off after elimination
Head coach Hossam Hassan was similarly critical in his post-match comments, directing his frustration squarely at the officiating rather than the result itself. “I’m going to say what I think regardless of the consequences, because I don’t care anymore. Clearly, the match was fixed, and everyone saw it,” Hassan said.
“And I want to say something else — if they wanted Argentina to win so badly, why bother inviting everyone to compete? We were the better team on the day, but soccer is unfair. We had a penalty claim, and the referee disallowed our third goal, and I don’t know why,” he added.
Hassan was also shown crossing his arms multiple times during the match while protesting Letexier’s decisions — a gesture that resembles FIFA’s anti-racism protocol signal, sparking confusion on social media.
After 27 straight days of action at the 2026 World Cup, there will be no matches on Wednesday, July 8.
For nearly a month, the 2026 World Cup has been a daily habit for fans, with a match to follow every single day since the tournament’s opening in Mexico City. That uninterrupted run of soccer has now hit its first real gap.
After 27 consecutive days of action, Wednesday, July 8 has no World Cup matches scheduled. Checking the day’s slate turns up nothing from the tournament, catching plenty of fans off guard after weeks of nonstop games.
The pause comes down to the gap between the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals. With the Round of 16 now finished, the competition needs a breather before the next stage begins.
Between the group stage and the Round of 32, and between the Round of 32 and the Round of 16, no rest day was needed since each round had enough teams and games spread out to give every nation sufficient recovery time.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates the team’s 1-0 victory vs Paraguay. (Getty Images)
Now, with just eight teams left in the tournament, there isn’t enough game volume to fill a daily schedule without at least one pause — hence Wednesday’s empty slate.
When and where are the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals?
Action resumes Thursday, July 9, with the quarterfinals playing out one match per day to stretch the calendar enough for the final to be held on July 19:
Thursday, July 9: France vs Morocco — Boston Stadium
Friday, July 10: Spain vs Belgium — Los Angeles Stadium
Saturday, July 11: Norway vs England — Miami Stadium
Saturday, July 11: Argentina vs Switzerland — Kansas City Stadium
A fan holds a replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Hossam Hassan complained about Francois Letexier after Egypt lost to Argentina as the manager made claims about the referee.
There were many dramatic matches in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but none was more memorable than Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt, which left Hossam Hassan furious as the manager criticized referee Francois Letexier.
Hassan said: “I thought maybe he was hiding something, that perhaps he had something to conceal. People who have something to hide sometimes can’t keep it hidden completely, and that’s exactly how I felt during that conversation.”
His team let a two-goal lead slip in 14 minutes to be eliminated, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time. That led to Hassan’s explosive comments after the match as he claimed Letexier missed a foul before Enzo Fernandez’s goal, even making a gesture crossing his arms to show his frustration.
Hassan claims strange things occurred
In the buildup to Fernandez’s goal, there was a slight jersey pull by Alexis Mac Allister inside Argentina’s penalty area that Hassan believed should have resulted in a penalty: “There wasn’t even a VAR review. We all saw his jersey being pulled, but the play wasn’t reviewed to disallow the goal. That’s how life is: unfair.”
Letexier was the referee of the match (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
This wasn’t the manager’s only complaint about the referee. The match also featured a disallowed goal, with Hassan claiming there were several questionable decisions throughout the game.
Hassan said: “The outcome was influenced by internal factors on the field and during the match, as well as external factors leading up to the game. It appeared that Argentina had put pressure on the referee, which contributed to this result. We had already expressed our concerns about that referee.”
Hassan on his protest after the match
Even though his team came close to eliminating a powerhouse like Argentina, Egypt left the tournament disappointed after leading for most of the match. The way it ended also led Hassan to take a personal stand in protest for the remainder of the competition.
Hassan said: “I won’t continue, and I promise you this: from the moment I return, I will not watch any more matches in this World Cup. This is my personal protest, my own objection, my way of making my voice heard and standing by my principles. I won’t watch a single match in this tournament.”
After the victory in the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt, Lionel Messi was crying during the celebration.
The intense run that the 2026 World Cup has been for Argentina continued with a dramatic match against Egypt that needed a comeback from two goals down to get a 3-2 victory, which saw Lionel Messi cry when the final whistle was blown.
Messi said: “It was a huge relief for all of us. I was really frustrated after missing the penalty, especially because of the way I took it. I felt like I had let the team down at an important moment. Thankfully, God had something special in store for me in the end. I was able to score the equalizer, and it was an incredible relief and a huge moment of happiness for all of us.”
While it wasn’t his best match of the tournament, Messi bounced back from a missed penalty in the 21st minute, with Egypt leading 1-0 at the time, to score the equalizer late in the match before Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback.
Messi on why the penalty was important
The hard-earned victory over Cape Verde in the previous round, which ended in a 3-2 overtime win after Argentina had taken the lead twice, was not the only difficult moment the team faced. The Round of 16 proved to be even more challenging, albeit for Messi, the match could have taken a different path.
Argentina struggled in the first half, with Egypt controlling possession for long stretches until the hydration break. After play resumed, the team improved, and a long pass from Leandro Paredes to Nicolás Tagliafico led to a penalty. It was a chance for the captain to change the course of the match.
Messi said: “If I had scored it, the game could have taken a different direction because we were playing well, even after they had scored. We still created some clear chances, like Alexis Mac Allister’s and Julian Alvarez’s, when the goalkeeper made a save right on the goal line. It was all of that together. This team deserved to keep going. In the end, we’re just really happy.”
Messi posts message on Instagram
Many players are quick to go to social media and post pictures after such an important victory, but Messi took his time to process everything that happened during a thrilling day. The captain shared several pictures, including one with the team lineup as the first image, and wrote: “This team never gives up. What a crazy day today, once again… this group is INCREDIBLE!!! Let’s goooo.”
There are date, kickoff time and venue confirmed for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland.
The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup are set after eight fantastic Round of 16 matches, with Argentina securing their place a few hours earlier after beating Egypt while Switzerland advanced by defeating Colombia in the penalties.
This match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11. What comes after it could be an even greater challenge, as a place in the final will be at stake in the semifinals against the winner of England vs Norway.
Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. With a capacity of 69,045 spectators, the venue is expected to provide another memorable atmosphere for one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Their previous matches
The paths taken by these teams to reach this stage have been stressful in their most recent matches, as the winners were not decided until late when Argentina and Switzerland secured their places in the quarterfinals.
Enzo Fernández scored the third goal for Argentina (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
After needing extra time to beat Cape Verde, the drama increased for Argentina against Egypt in a match that saw them trail 2-0 with ten minutes remaining before producing a remarkable comeback to win 3-2.
Switzerland won Group B with seven points after drawing with Qatar and beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada before defeating Algeria 2-0 and Colombia in a tense ending after a 0-0 draw to reach the quarterfinals.
Their furthest World Cup run
Argentina are one of the most successful nations in World Cup history, winning the tournament three times, while Switzerland’s best finish was reaching the quarterfinals in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
The Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup has come to an end, and the eight remaining teams now know their quarterfinal opponents.
The Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, and the path to the title has narrowed to just eight teams. After a stretch of knockout drama across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the quarterfinal bracket is now set, with every remaining team’s next opponent, date, and venue locked in.
The round produced no shortage of upsets. Norway ended Brazil’s run behind a brace from Erling Haaland, while Morocco knocked out tournament co-host Canada to continue their historic run.
England needed a 3-2 win over host nation Mexico to advance, and Argentina produced the biggest twist of the round, coming back from 2-0 down in the final ten minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and book their spot in the last eight.
On the other side of the bracket, the results were more straightforward. France eased past Paraguay, Spain edged out Portugal 1-0, and Belgium got the better of the USA with a commanding 4-1 win. Switzerland rounded out the bracket with a penalty shootout win over Colombia to close out the round.
With every Round of 16 tie decided, here is the complete schedule for the quarterfinals, running from July 9 to July 11, with one match per day — except Saturday, which will have two — to stretch the calendar toward the July 19 final.
Argentina's comeback against Egypt was not epic for Mostafa Zico as the player complained about the referees.
A match that is going to be remembered for a long time had Egypt making history until very little time was left, but Argentina came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, prompting an angry reaction from Mostafa Zico that was reproduced by Fabrizio Romano.
Zico said: “The referee is unfair; God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs. He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. Congrats Argentina for this World Cup. The game is rigged.”
While there was protest for a slight grab by Alexis McAlister in Argentina’s third goal, there were also doubt from Argentina before the match because the appointed referee was from a direct rival like France in François Letexier.
The controversial play
Zico’s frustration was understandable because the main source of polemic was probably a disallowed goal that had been scored by him. In the 58th minute, Egypt produced a fantastic counterattack that ended with Zico making it 2-0.
Martinez was fouled by Marwan Attia (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
With the fans celebrating, VAR called Letexier to the monitor, where he spotted a clear foul on Lisandro Martínez at the beginning of the move near the corner flag in Argentina’s defensive half.
The frustration could have disappeared when Zico scored again later in the match, with that goal standing. However, Argentina completed an incredible comeback through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández to advance.
The rule
The decision left Egypt furious, with even members of the coaching staff unable to hide their emotions. While there was a significant amount of play between the foul and the goal, Argentina never regained possession, meaning the entire sequence remained part of the same attacking possession phase.
The IFAB details: “For decisions/incidents relating to goals, penalty/no penalty and red cards for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), it may be necessary to review the attacking phase of play which led directly to the decision/incident; this may include how the attacking team gained possession of the ball in open play”.
As the USMNT forward left Seattle following the team's Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, attention quickly turned to his physical condition and his emotional reaction after another painful exit from the tournament.
The United States’ 2026 World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak, and Christian Pulisic was once again at the center of the story. As the USMNT forward left Seattle following the team’s Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, attention quickly turned to his physical condition and his emotional reaction after another painful exit from the tournament.
Pulisic’s injury update and his biggest regret after the World Cup have now emerged, offering fresh insight into what the Milan star was feeling after the final whistle. His comments came after another difficult night for the USMNT, whose dream of a historic run on home soil ended with a heavy defeat.
Mauricio Pochettino and his players suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle, bringing an end to a tournament that had begun with genuine optimism. After impressive victories earlier in the competition, the national team struggled to reproduce its best football against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Belgium built a commanding lead before Pulisic was forced off through injury in the second half. The defeat denied the United States a place in the World Cup quarterfinals and left players visibly devastated after the final whistle.
The result also extended a frustrating trend for the American national team, which has now fallen in the Round of 16 in several consecutive World Cup appearances despite entering tournaments with increasing expectations.
Pulisic offers injury update after Belgium clash
The biggest concern immediately after the match centered on Pulisic’s condition after he limped off in the 59th minute following a challenge involving Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans.
According to ESPN, the American forward confirmed exactly what happened after the collision. “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” Pulisic explained. “I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.”
Mauricio Pochettino also addressed the situation after the match, explaining that the injury appeared to involve Pulisic’s ankle while expressing hope that the forward would recover in time for preseason with the Rossoneri.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium
The major regret Pulisic leaves the World Cup with
While discussing his injury, Pulisic admitted his biggest disappointment had little to do with the physical pain. Instead, he regretted not being able to produce the decisive moments he believed the United States needed against elite opposition.
Speaking after the defeat, the 27-year-old said: “I felt really good this summer with the guys and I thought my level was high. Yeah, it’s disappointing. I didn’t quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to really push and get over this next step of beating a really good team. I’m disappointed with myself, of course, but I’m going to try to stay positive. I did a lot of good things and the team did as well.”
Those remarks summed up the frustration surrounding his tournament. Pulisic finished the World Cup without scoring a goal, despite arriving as the nation’s biggest star and primary attacking threat.
Injuries disrupted Pulisic throughout the tournament
The Belgium match was not the first physical setback Pulisic experienced during the competition. He suffered a left calf injury in the opening match against Paraguay, forcing him to miss part of the group stage before returning later in the tournament. After nearly completing the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, another injury struck during the biggest match of the campaign.
The latest setback involved both his ankle and knee, ending his evening early and preventing him from influencing the closing stages as Belgium secured qualification. Throughout the tournament, Pulisic was unable to complete a full 90 minutes in any of the United States’ five matches, limiting his overall impact during the competition.
Argentina pulled off an impressive 3-2 comeback win over Egypt late in the match, and Lionel Messi spoke about his team's big performance in earning a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi’sArgentina looked out of the 2026 World Cup for long stretches, trailing Egypt 2-0 with ten minutes to go before an incredible late rally sealed a 3-2 comeback win, to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Cristian Romero pulled one back, Messi leveled it at 2-2 with a goal that also matched Guillermo Stabile’s 96-year-old Argentina record of eight goals in a single World Cup, and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in stoppage time to send Argentina through to the quarterfinals.
Speaking with TyC Sports after the match, Messi reflected on the difficulty of the comeback and the character of the squad. “I’m happy we made it through and with the way we did it. We knew it was going to be tough. We suffered again, but this is the World Cup. Every game is like this because everything is so evenly matched. It isn’t easy to come back from 2-0 down, but as I always say, this team never gives up. We keep fighting until the very end,” Messi said.
“We were fortunate to get Cuti’s goal early in the second half. There was still plenty of time, and we managed to turn it around before the final whistle. What this team did in this knockout match is unbelievable. I’m very happy that our fans can keep enjoying this journey and what we’re doing. Hopefully we can keep going,” he added.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Argentina vs Egypt. (Getty Images)
Messi reaches World Cup records in Argentina’s comeback
Trailing 2-0 with just minutes to play, Argentina turned the match around in a hurry: Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi leveled it at 2-2 within five minutes, erasing the two-goal deficit in the process.
With that sequence, Messi became only the third player in World Cup history to be directly involved in two goals scored five minutes or less apart to wipe out a two-goal deficit in a knockout match, joining Abdelrahman Fawzi (1934) and Kylian Mbappe (2022 final vs. Argentina) on that short list.
The equalizer carried extra historical weight of its own. It marked the first time any player has scored in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches: vs. Australia (2022), vs. Netherlands (2022), vs. Croatia (2022), vs. France (2022 final), vs. Cape Verde (2026), and now vs. Egypt (2026). The previous record of five straight had stood since it was shared by Leonidas, GyorgySarosi, and Vava.
In the important 2026 World Cup match between Colombia and Switzerland, Jhon Cordoba is not playing.
With a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at stake, Colombia must beat Switzerland to reach the next round, but they will have to do it without Jhon Córdoba.
The reason Córdoba isn’t playing against Switzerland is because he suffered a muscle injury against Ghana in the Round of 32 a few days ago. It was just the sixth minute when the forward felt pain that made him grab the back of his left leg.
It was the worst possible news for Colombia, as it was confirmed that he tore his left adductor, an injury that rules him out for the rest of the competition and usually requires around four weeks of recovery.
The replacement
While Colombia’s tournament is not over, Néstor Lorenzo confirmed in his press conference that the player will not return: “Córdoba won’t be able to play for the rest of the tournament. Unfortunately, he’s no longer available to us.”
Suarez earned the spot in the lineup (David Ramos/Getty Images)
There are not many doubts about who could replace Córdoba in the lineup, as he also missed the opening match against Uzbekistan and was not in the starting XI against DR Congo, with Colombia winning both matches.
His replacement in those games was Luis Suárez, who delivered solid performances despite not scoring a goal. He also helped Colombia beat Ghana by providing the assist for Jhon Durán’s winner in the previous round.
Colombia’s campaign
One surprise of the first round was Colombia winning Group K. They opened with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, followed it with a 1-0 win against DR Congo, and then secured first place by drawing 0-0 with Portugal. Their next match was another solid performance as they beat Ghana 1-0.
Cordoba can't play against Switzerland for Colombia
England's Djed Spence has been spotted using a protective mask in the 2026 World Cup game against Ghana, prompting questions on his condition.
Despite a challenging domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur, Djed Spence successfully played his way onto England coach Thomas Tuchel’s roster for the 2026 World Cup. With the Three Lions clashing with Norway in a pivotal quarterfinal battle, the right-back has captured the attention of fans by sporting a highly specialized protective face mask on the pitch.
Spence is required to wear the customized facial hardware after suffering a fractured jaw during the final weeks of the Premier League season. The injury occurred during a physical May 19 clash against Chelsea, when the 25-year-old defender took a hard, stray elbow to the face from striker Liam Delap in the 87th minute of play.
Although he showed immense competitive toughness by finishing out the match, subsequent medical scans confirmed the severe bone fracture. Rather than opting for immediate surgery that would have completely sidelined him from international duty, Spence chose to postpone the operation to fulfill his dream of playing in the tournament.
The custom-molded carbon-fiber mask is engineered specifically to shield his lower jawbone from any secondary impacts that could worsen the fracture. Spence initially trialed the medical gear during Tottenham’s final league match against Everton before successfully breaking it in during England’s pre-World Cup friendlies and their group-stage opener against Croatia.
Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur.
Spence on using the mask
When questioned about the logistics of playing with restricted facial gear, Spence remained remarkably casual about the situation: “It is a little bit uncomfortable – but it is what it is. I have a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It is something I will have to get used to.”
The London native also opened up about grinding through high-intensity training sessions in the summer heat while adjusting to the gear’s constraints: “It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so it is all good. I have been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly. It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I’ve just got to focus on this tournament now.”
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