New York, June 13: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by America, Mexico and Canada, saw the world’s top four teams – France, Argentina, Spain and England – reach the semi-finals for the first time since the ranking system was introduced in 1992.
It was a rare moment in World Cup history. The FIFA ranking accurately reflected the competition’s semi-finalists.
The last time four strong teams reached the semi-finals was at a World Cup tournament held in Italy in 1990. Then the position in the semi-finals was occupied by the teams of West Germany, Argentina, Italy and England. After 36 years, the former champions will be fighting for football’s biggest trophy.
Argentina is the current world champion, and Spain is the European champion. France won the World Cup in 2018 and England in 1966.
Spain will face France in the first semi-final on July 15 in Dallas. Argentina will face England in the second semi-final match on July 16 in Atlanta. The final will take place on July 20 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Thrilling victory in the quarter-finals
Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after beating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the fourth quarter-final in Kansas City, playing with 10 players. Alexis Allister scored the opening goal and Julian Alvarez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez scored another goal in extra time to send Messi’s side into the last four.
England also won another quarter-final match in extra time. Jude Bellingham delivered another impressive performance. Bellingham’s double goals helped England beat Norway 2-1.
Spain continued their excellent performance by defeating Belgium 2-1. A semi-final match against France is scheduled. Tournament favorites France lost to Morocco in the quarter-finals.
The international football rivalry between Argentina and England has a long history. From the 1966 quarter-final and Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal in 1986, David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and the return meeting in 2002, there have been unforgettable moments between the two teams. What is special is that Lionel Messi plays against England for the first time.
Individual performances were also notable, with Messi and Mbappe leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals each. England’s Bellingham and Harry Kane scored six goals each. There is a competition between Mbappe and Messi for the title of top scorer in the history of the World Cup. If Messi wins the World Cup for a second time, he will become the greatest player in football.