​The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four, and the semifinal lineup is already making history before a ball is kicked. France, Spain, England and Argentina will compete for two places in the championship match after emerging from a tournament that has already featured 100 matches.According to the Associated Press, the semifinal field is a “line-up for the ages,” bringing together four former World Cup champions, the top four teams in FIFA’s world rankings and many of the tournament’s leading scorers. The matchups also feature some of soccer’s biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrance faces Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, while England meets Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winners will advance to the World Cup final on July 19.The semifinal field represents a rare moment in World Cup history.France, Spain, England and Argentina entered the tournament ranked as FIFA’s top four national teams. Each nation has previously won the World Cup, marking the first time since 1990 that every semifinalist has already lifted the trophy.That 1990 tournament also featured England and Argentina in the final four, although they did not meet each other. Argentina entered that World Cup as the defending champion after winning the 1986 tournament before eventually finishing runner-up.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis year’s tournament could also produce a rematch of the memorable 2022 World Cup final if France and Argentina both advance.With four established powers remaining, predicting the finalists has become increasingly difficult heading into the semifinal round.France and Spain meet in another major tournament semifinal just two years after facing each other at the UEFA European Championship.Spain claimed a 2-1 victory in that meeting as then-16-year-old Yamal scored before Spain went on to win the European title.The circumstances are different this time.French captain Mbappé entered the previous tournament after suffering a broken nose, while younger players such as Michael Olise and Désiré Doué had not yet become regular contributors.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrance reaches the semifinals after establishing itself as one of the tournament’s most productive attacking teams. Mbappé enters the match tied for the tournament lead with eight goals.Spain has overcome several challenges on its path to the semifinals. Injuries to Yamal and Nico Williams forced adjustments during the tournament, while substitute Mikel Merino scored decisive late goals against Portugal and Belgium in consecutive knockout matches.The nations also share a long history in international competition, including France’s victory over Spain in the Euro 1984 final.England and Argentina add another chapter to one of international soccer’s most recognized rivalries.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTheir World Cup meetings