L-R: Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has produced a semifinal lineup worthy of the tournament’s biggest stage, with the world’s top four-ranked teams — France, Argentina, Spain and England — all reaching the last four for the first time since the 1990 edition.It marks a rare moment in World Cup history where the FIFA rankings perfectly mirror the competition’s semifinalists, underlining the dominance of the game’s elite nations over the past month.The last time the World Cup featured such a heavyweight final four was in Italy in 1990, when West Germany, Argentina, Italy and England occupied the semifinal spots. Thirty-six years later, another quartet of former champions will battle for football’s biggest prize.Defending champions Argentina headline the lineup alongside reigning European champions Spain, 2018 world champions France and England, who are chasing a first World Cup title since 1966.The road to the final now promises two mouth-watering clashes. Spain will meet France in Arlington, Texas, on July 15, while Argentina renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries against England in Atlanta a day later. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 20.

Heavyweights survive thrilling quarterfinals

Argentina booked their place after overcoming 10-man Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Julián Álvarez struck the decisive goal in the 112th minute, with Lautaro Martínez adding another in stoppage time to send Lionel Messi‘s side through.England also needed extra time, with Jude Bellingham producing another inspirational display. His brace carried Thomas Tuchel’s side to a 2-1 victory over Norway after Andreas Schjelderup had threatened an upset in Miami.Spain edged Belgium 2-1 to continue their impressive run and set up a blockbuster semifinal against France, who reinforced their status as tournament favourites by defeating Morocco 2-0.

Rivalries, revenge and football’s biggest stars

The semifinal schedule offers two compelling storylines.Argentina and England renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, shaped by decades of unforgettable World Cup drama. From the heated 1966 quarterfinal and Diego Maradona‘s iconic “Hand of God” goal in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and redemption in 2002, the fixture has consistently delivered unforgettable moments. Remarkably, this will be Lionel Messi’s first World Cup meeting with England.The other semifinal sees France seek revenge against Spain after their Euro 2024 semifinal defeat. Kylian Mbappé leads a French side that has arguably been the tournament’s most complete team, while Spain continue to thrive despite injury concerns, relying on their trademark resilience and timely goals.Individual honours are also at stake. Messi and Mbappé lead the Golden Boot race with eight goals each, while England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane remain firmly in contention with six apiece. Mbappé and Messi are also locked in a fascinating race to become the highest scorer in World Cup history, with Messi on 21 goals overall and Mbappé one behind on 20.Should Argentina retain the trophy, they would become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. For Messi, a second World Cup title would further strengthen his claim as football’s greatest-ever player.

FIFA World Cup Semifinal schedule (IST):