World Cup 2026: After 100 matches, the semifinals belong to soccer's heavyweights
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 World Cup semifinals feature four previous champions—France, Spain, Argentina, and England—marking the first time since 1990 that all final four teams were former winners and the first time all are top-ranked by FIFA.
- France and Spain will face off at AT&T Stadium in Texas, continuing a recent rivalry where Spain has had the upper hand, while Argentina and England meet in Atlanta with both teams eager to advance to the final.
- France's coach Didier Deschamps, concluding a 14-year tenure, acknowledges Spain as the favorite, but France boasts strong form with a dominant goal record and a healthy Kylian Mbappé tied for the Golden Boot lead.
- Spain's young star Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, is seen as a key player, though his defining World Cup moment is still anticipated; both teams emphasize collective strength over individual prowess.
- Argentina aims to become the first repeat World Cup champion since 1962, while England seeks to overcome decades of near misses, with striker Harry Kane expressing determination to finally secure victory.
