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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its crucial semi-final stage, with only four nations remaining in contention for the ultimate prize in world football. The best of the best are now within touching distance of glory.

The so-called dark horses have all been eliminated, leaving a final four that perfectly reflects FIFA’s top-ranked nations. However, the route here was anything but straightforward.

Both England and defending champions Argentina needed extra time to survive against Norway and Switzerland respectively, digging deep to keep their dreams alive. Now, the two nations will renew their historic rivalry in a blockbuster semi-final clash, exactly four decades after the infamous ‘Hand of God’ encounter.

On the other side of the draw, football fans are anticipating what many consider the “real final” — a mouth-watering meeting between Spain and France. Both teams have dazzled so far, but only one can continue their march to the final in New York.

France remain the benchmark at this tournament. Ever since scoring 10 goals in the group stage to top their group with ease, they’ve been the team to beat. Their last-16 clash with Paraguay was tough, as the South Americans resorted to questionable tactics, but a narrow 1-0 win was followed by a commanding quarter-final performance to eliminate surprise package Morocco.

Didier Deschamps has created a formidable unit, spearheaded by the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe. The French forward shattered Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record, netting his 20th goal in the win over Morocco. However, he enters the semi-finals nursing a knock from that game — something Spain will surely hope limits his influence.

Spain, meanwhile, began the tournament as favourites but took time to find their rhythm. A goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening Group H match raised eyebrows, but the return of Lamine Yamal galvanised the team. Convincing wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay secured top spot, and in the knockouts, they truly began to look like champions in the making.

After a clinical 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32, Spain edged Portugal thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Mikel Merino, before another Merino winner broke Belgian hearts in the quarter-finals. Their defensive resilience — conceding just one goal all tournament — has been the cornerstone of their success. The French attack, however, presents their greatest challenge yet.

England’s run has reignited belief back home. After a nervy comeback win over DR Congo in the round of 32, many expected them to fall to co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca — a venue where few visiting sides have ever triumphed. Instead, Gareth Southgate’s men produced one of the finest England performances in World Cup history to silence the home crowd.

That memorable win in Mexico City was followed by a tense quarter-final in Miami, where Norway forced extra time. Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal sealed a 2-1 win and a place in the last four. Manager Thomas Tuchel criticised aspects of the performance, but the team’s ability to neutralise Erling Haaland earned them credit where it was due.

Next comes a titanic battle with Argentina, the reigning champions. With memories of 1986 and 1998 still vivid, England will be desperate for redemption. Beyond the footballing stakes, there’s a deep historical intensity to this rivalry — and a spot in the World Cup final only raises the temperature.

For Argentina, this tournament has been a story of two halves. The holders were sensational in the group stage, matching France for dominance as Lionel Messi scored seven goals to surpass Miroslav Klose’s career record. Yet, as the knockout rounds began, their aura of invincibility began to fade.

A narrow extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the round of 32 exposed some cracks, and their controversial comeback against Egypt in the next round sparked outrage. Egyptian striker Mostafa Ziko claimed the match was “fixed” after his goal was controversially disallowed, fuelling accusations that refereeing decisions were favouring Argentina.

The defending champions again required extra time to overcome Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals. While some questioned a red card shown to Breel Embolo, replays confirmed the striker had dived and deserved his second yellow. Nevertheless, Argentina’s recent performances have lacked the dominance they showed earlier in the tournament. After enduring two gruelling 120-minute contests, they’ll need to summon their reserves of strength to fend off a resurgent England.