​The World Cup continues to deliver drama and unforgettable moments as the field narrows to four nations, setting up a gripping semi-final lineup. France, Spain, England and Argentina now stand two wins away from the coveted title, and with a final berth at stake, the margin for error has become razor-thin. So, what can we anticipate from the last-four ties? Here is your essential guide to the World Cup semi-finals.
France v Spain takes place at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday at 20:00 BST. This matchup pits two of Europe’s strongest squads against each other, promising a potential World Cup classic. France advanced to the semis by defeating Morocco 2-0, with Kylian Mbappe continuing to dominate headlines by netting his eighth goal of the tournament and edging closer to Lionel Messi in the race to become the competition’s all-time top scorer. Yet France’s true strength lies in their depth. Ousmane Dembele sealed the quarter-final victory, bringing his tally to five goals, while Michael Olise has been the creative heartbeat for Didier Deschamps’ side and leads the tournament with five assists. That wealth of options could prove decisive against a Spain side that defeated them 2-1 in the Euro semi-finals of 2024.
Spain, meanwhile, believe their best football is still to come. Their brightest star, Lamine Yamal, has yet to have a defining World Cup moment; the Barcelona winger has scored only once so far, against Saudi Arabia in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, Mikel Merino has been instrumental off the bench to secure narrow wins over Portugal and Belgium, after Mikel Oyarzabal’s four goals left him devoid of goals in the last two matches. Spain will be hoping Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the semi-final, can deliver a performance that justifies the huge promise he carries. The team would also like to extend its long-standing success, chasing a return to the pinnacle of world football that would echo their 2010 triumph.
Key statistics highlight the magnitude of this clash. France will be appearing in their eighth World Cup semi-final—a record matched only by Brazil, with Germany (twelve) the sole nation ahead of them. Spain, meanwhile, enter this game having gone the longest unbeaten run in their history, undefeated in 36 consecutive matches since a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024. During that stretch, they have won 27 and drawn nine. The last meeting between these two at a World Cup was a memorable one: in 2006, France came from behind to win 3-1 in the last-16 encounter. This will be only the second World Cup meeting between France and Spain.
How to follow: For full commentary, listen to BBC Radio 5 Live on BBC Sounds and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
England v Argentina is set for the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday at 20:00 BST. This clash marks a pivotal moment for England, who are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina, the defending champions, will be determined to extend their hold on the world title and deny England the chance to lift the trophy for the first time in six decades. The fixture is steeped in history and emotion, with both nations carrying the weight of expectations and a deep-rooted footballing rivalry that adds extra intensity to this semi-final showdown.
As the teams prepare, spectators can anticipate a match that blends England’s tactical discipline with Argentina’s flair and experience. England’s progress to the last four has raised hopes of a breakthrough into the final, while Argentina’s performance under pressure will be tested by the attacking dynamic England can bring. The tactical contests in the midfield and the ability to convert chances could prove decisive, as both teams look to outmaneuver each other in a game that could define the trajectory of their campaigns.
To stay informed, fans can tune into the BBC’s coverage for expert analysis, live updates, and post-match reaction. The semi-finals promise a pair of fixtures rich in drama, with the potential to deliver two unforgettable memories as the 2026 World Cup narrative unfolds.