The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four, with France, Spain, England and defending champion Argentina still competing for the trophy.
France became the first team to advance after defeating Morocco 2-0. Kylian Mbappé recovered from a first-half penalty miss to score after the break and later helped create France’s second goal.
Spain followed with a narrow 2-1 victory over Belgium, continuing a knockout-stage run defined by late goals and close results. England also needed extra time, coming from behind to beat Norway 2-1 as Jude Bellingham scored both goals for the Three Lions.
Argentina completed the semifinal field with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland. Lionel Messi assisted Argentina’s opening goal from a corner before the defending champions pulled away in extra time against 10-man Switzerland.
How FIFA Kept the Top Seeds Apart
The semifinal lineup was partly shaped by FIFA’s bracket arrangement for the expanded 48-team tournament.
The four highest-ranked teams before the competition were placed in separate sections of the draw. If all four won their groups, they would avoid facing one another during the earlier knockout rounds.
That is exactly what happened. France, Spain, England and Argentina each finished first in their group and successfully advanced through their assigned sections of the bracket, producing a historic all-top-four semifinal lineup.
Four Nations Chasing Different World Cup Milestones
Argentina is seeking to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil won consecutive titles in 1958 and 1962. The Albiceleste lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022 and are now two wins away from a fourth championship.
England is trying to end one of the longest waits among former champions. The Three Lions won their only World Cup on home soil in 1966 and have not returned to the final since.
Spain’s only World Cup title came in 2010. After falling short in the tournaments that followed, La Roja is back in the semifinals and chasing its second championship.
France, meanwhile, has won the competition twice, in 1998 and 2018. After finishing as runner-up in 2022, Les Bleus can now reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinal Schedule
France vs. Spain
Wednesday, July 15 — 3:00 AM Philippine Time
England vs. Argentina
Thursday, July 16 — 3:00 AM Philippine Time
The four semifinalists have won seven World Cup titles combined. There will be no new champion in 2026, but each remaining nation still has an opportunity to add a new chapter to its history.
