The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come down to four teams. Argentina, France, Spain, and England are all fighting for a spot in the final. This match is set for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
As the semi-finals kick off on Tuesday, PUNCH Online looks at the four potential final matchups.
Argentina, the defending champions, are aiming for their fourth World Cup title. They could be the first team to defend the trophy since Brazil did it in 1962.
France wants to win their third World Cup title. Spain and England are both looking for their second win.
France vs England
If France and England meet in the final, it will be the first World Cup final between these two rivals.
France would be in their third straight World Cup final, having reached the last two in 2018 and 2022. England, on the other hand, would be chasing their second title. They last won the tournament on home soil back in 1966.
This match could also bring back the rivalry between Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Harry Kane and Michael Olise would be on opposite sides.
England will be looking for revenge since France knocked them out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
France vs Argentina
A final between France and Argentina would be a repeat of the thrilling 2022 World Cup final. In that match, Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw to lift the trophy.
France will want to make up for that loss. Argentina is trying to keep the World Cup for the first time since Brazil won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962.
This match would also feature two of the tournament’s top scorers, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who have both netted eight goals in the 2026 tournament.
It would also reignite a rivalry from the 2018 World Cup, where France defeated Argentina 4-3 in the Round of 16.
Spain vs England
A final between Spain and England would be a rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1.
England would have a chance to get back at Spain and claim their second World Cup title. Meanwhile, Spain is aiming for their second global win since their victory in 2010.
These two countries have faced each other only twice in World Cup history. Spain won 1-0 in the group stage in 1950, and they drew 0-0 in the second group stage in 1982.
Spain vs Argentina
A final between Spain and Argentina would see the European champions face the world champions for the first time in a FIFA World Cup final.
This would also be the first World Cup meeting between these two nations since Argentina beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage in 1966.
If Spain wins, they would take home their second World Cup title. Argentina would lift the trophy for the fourth time, tying Germany and Italy with four World Cup titles.
This match would also showcase a battle between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal.
The World Cup semi-finals start on Tuesday, with Spain playing France and Argentina facing England on Wednesday. The winners will meet in the final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
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