The World Cup semifinals are set, with France, Spain, England, and Argentina advancing to the final four. These teams will compete for a spot in the final, with matches scheduled in Texas and Georgia.
On Tuesday, July 14, France is scheduled to play Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The following day, Wednesday, July 15, Argentina will face England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The outcomes of these matches will determine which two nations will contend for the World Cup title.
Team Rankings and Matchups
According to FIFA rankings as of July 12, France is ranked first among the semifinalists. Argentina follows at second, with Spain ranked third, and England fourth. These rankings provide a snapshot of the teams’ standing as they enter the crucial semifinal stage.
France, the top-ranked team, has shown strong form throughout the tournament. They have secured six wins in six matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding only two. Kylian Mbappe has been a significant force in their attack, with eight goals, while Ousmane Dembele has also contributed to their scoring. Michael Olise has provided five assists, leading the tournament in that category. Their defense has also been robust, not conceding any goals in their three knockout-stage matches.
Spain, ranked third, has also demonstrated resilience, with their recent victory over Belgium securing their semifinal spot. Their defense has been a key factor, limiting opposition chances. Lamine Yamal has been a dangerous player, and late interventions from players like Mikel Merino have been crucial in their knockout-round successes. Spain is currently on an extended unbeaten run, having avoided defeat in matches since March 2024, with wins and draws during this period. This will be only the second World Cup meeting between France and Spain; France previously won 3-1 in the last 16 in 2006.
Argentina, ranked second, has navigated a challenging path to the semifinals. Their knockout games have included requiring extra time to defeat Cape Verde and overcoming a two-goal deficit against Egypt. They also advanced past 10-man Switzerland in extra time. Despite these close encounters, they have reached the semifinals for the third time in the past four editions of the World Cup. Lionel Messi, who became the World Cup‘s all-time top goalscorer in this tournament, is a key player for Argentina and is tied with Kylian Mbappe with eight goals.
England, ranked fourth, has also found ways to win, with Jude Bellingham playing a pivotal role. He scored two goals in their quarter-final victory over Norway and has scored twice in each of their last two knockout games, a feat last achieved by Diego Maradona in 1986. Captain Harry Kane is level with Bellingham with six goals. England has reached the semifinals in four major tournaments since 2018 and has won consecutive World Cup games, their longest winning streak in a single edition since 1966. This match against Argentina will be England‘s second World Cup semifinal since 2018.
Looking Ahead to the Final
The semifinal matches promise intense competition as all four teams vie for a place in the final. France will be playing in their eighth World Cup semi-final, matching Brazil‘s record, with only Germany having more appearances. The clash between France and Spain is anticipated to be a classic encounter between two strong European squads. Spain‘s Lamine Yamal, who will turn on the eve of the tie, will be looking to deliver a standout performance.
The match between England and Argentina renews a historic rivalry. Argentina‘s Lionel Messi has never faced England in a World Cup match, adding another layer of anticipation to this semifinal. England manager Thomas Tuchel has guided his team to an unbeaten record in his first World Cup games, a record previously held by Alf Ramsey in 1966.
The two semifinal winners will then proceed to the World Cup final to compete for the championship title.
Source: eu.usatoday.com