​Spain will meet Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the Met Life Stadium on Sunday. Both teams earned their way to the showpiece occasion with impressive and contrasting wins in their semi-finals against France and England. At the core of Spain and Argentina’s wins was their ability to win and dictate the midfield battle. Given how both World Cup semi-finals were won, it shows why Manchester City are prepared to spend big this summer to strengthen their midfield.Spain beat France 2-0 in the first World Cup semi-final. At the heart of Spain’s victory was their ability to comprehensively win the midfield battle. Rodri, Fabiàn Ruiz and Dani Olmo controlled proceedings against the highly fancied French outfit. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot were outmatched and outclassed in midfield. With Didier Deschamps starting Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola together, the French didn’t have the necessary strength, or bite, in midfield to beat Spain. That was perhaps the most telling factor, on top of a brilliant team performance, in Spain’s win.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementArgentina beat England 2-1 last night to book their place in the World Cup. England took the lead in the 55th minute following a quality goal from Anthony Gordon. However, from that moment onwards, Argentina pinned England back and goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the 85th and 91st minutes sealed Argentina’s win. They were also aided by Thomas Tuchel attempting to park the bus for over 35 minutes. Tuchel’s questionable substitutions basically handed Lionel Messi and Argentina the initiative, which also turned the game.Argentina comprehensively won the midfield battle last night. Enzo Fernandez, Alexi MacAllister, and Leandro Paredes were far too energetic and combative for England to contain. Rodrigo De Paul came on in the 72nd minute to further consolidate Argentina’s midfield advantage.Elliot Anderson battled manfully against Argentina’s midfield for 45 minutes. He faded out of the game after halftime. Jude Bellingham had his moments, however Declan Rice was subdued. Eventually England folded and were content to try and hang on to a 1-0 lead. It was an idea doomed to fail and that is exactly how it played out. England’s midfield could not overcome the experience, guile and quality of Argentina’s midfield which proved decisive.However, the two World Cup semi-finals showed why Manchester City are so eager to bring more quality into their midfield.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe two World Cup semi-finals showed how important it is to win the midfield battle. That has always been the case in football. It is perhaps even more important than ever in the modern game. PSG have won the last two UEFA Champions League titles with João Neves, Vitinha and Fabiàn Ruiz forming arguably the strongest midfield trio in Europe. To reach that level, Manchester City have to improve their midfield. I