France, Spain, England and Argentina have reached the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after commanding quarter-final wins — Mbappé and Dembélé led Les Bleus, Jude Bellingham carried England, and Argentina edged Switzerland in extra time to set two heavyweight semis.
Semi-finals confirmed: France v Spain, England v Argentina
France, Spain, England and Argentina will contest the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after decisive quarter-final nights. The draw sets up a heavyweight European derby and a transatlantic clash, with history and contrasting styles on show.
These results redraw the tournament narrative: established powers have advanced, but each side still carries distinct questions about form, fitness and tactical flexibility.
France 2-0 Morocco — Mbappé and Dembélé strike
France beat Morocco 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Les Bleus controlled large spells, and the two quick strikes underlined France’s blend of individual brilliance and cutting edge. The win felt clinical rather than spectacular — a reminder that France can grind out results while still relying on match-winners.
Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino’s late winner
Spain edged Belgium 2-1 with Mikel Merino providing a late winner to seal progression. La Roja’s possession game produced chances throughout, but Belgium’s resilience made it tight until the decisive moment. Spain’s balance between midfield control and forward rotation remains their greatest asset heading into a difficult semi-final test.
England comeback: Bellingham brace propels Three Lions
England overturned a deficit as Jude Bellingham scored twice to level by half-time and grab an extra-time breakthrough. Bellingham’s presence has become central to England’s attacking thrust and game-management in knockout scenarios. The result will intensify talk about England’s ability to convert talent into tournament-winning momentum.
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland — Álvarez and Martínez in extra time
Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scoring late to settle the tie. The holders showed resilience and depth, turning a tight contest into one they dominated when it mattered. Argentina remain compact defensively and lethal on the counter — a dangerous combination in knockout football.
What these results mean
The semi-final line-up pairs football philosophies: France v Spain pits France’s counter-blitz and individual X-factors against Spain’s possession fluency. England v Argentina juxtaposes physical, dynamic midfield power with Argentine craft and experience from a title-winning core. All four teams have clear pathways to the final but also vulnerabilities — set-piece defending, squad depth and knockout temperament will decide margins.
France’s trajectory: favourites on paper, questions in defence
France have the attacking firepower to overwhelm opponents, but moments of defensive disorganization remain. If Didier Deschamps’ side tidy up transitions, they have the depth to reach another final. Mbappé’s form continues to dictate how far Les Bleus can go.
Spain’s opportunity: return to a final
Spain can exploit midfield superiority and patient build-up to control games. Their challenge is converting dominance into clear-cut chances against top-tier opponents. A final would mark a return to global relevance for La Roja.
England’s case: hunger meets responsibility
England’s squad blends youth and experience; Bellingham’s leadership is the clearest sign of progress. Still, England must manage game tempo better and avoid narrow escapes as the opposition quality rises. A first World Cup final since 1966 still hangs tantalisingly within reach.
Argentina’s defence of the crown
Argentina have the psychological edge of reigning champions and an attack that can turn tight games. Sustaining intensity across matches will be vital; reliance on a core group could test resources late in the tournament.
Key players to watch
Jude Bellingham — England’s engine, increasingly decisive in knockout stages.
Kylian Mbappé — France’s primary threat; a moment of brilliance can change any match.
Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez — Argentina’s complementary attackers with a knack for big-game goals.
Mikel Merino — Spain’s late-match influence, capable of altering tight contests.
Tactical angles and what to expect
France v Spain: expect tactical chess — Spain to probe and dominate possession, France to exploit space with rapid transitions and individual duels. England v Argentina: the midfield battle will be decisive — England’s physicality against Argentina’s pressing and link play.
What’s next
Semi-finals now determine who moves within 90 minutes (or 120) of lifting the trophy. Coaches will tinker with formations, manage minutes for key players and focus on set-piece margins.
For fans, two intense nights await where small details — a switch, a tackle, a finish — will shape World Cup history.
Mirror
