The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are set, pitting the tournament's four highest-ranked teams against each other. Spain, sitting second in the FIFA rankings, will face third-ranked France in one bracket, while top-ranked Argentina meets fourth-ranked England in the other. The matchups guarantee a final between two of the world's elite sides.

Each roster brims with generational talent. Lionel Messi leads Argentina's attack at what may be his final World Cup, while Kylian Mbappé carries France's hopes. Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Spanish sensation, has already rewritten records at this tournament, and Harry Kane anchors England's front line with his customary goal-scoring precision. BBC Sport has assembled a combined XI from the remaining squads, inviting readers to submit their own selections.

The convergence of the top four ranked nations at this stage is rare — the last time it occurred was 2006. For Argentina, a victory would cement Messi's legacy; for England, it represents the best chance at a first World Cup since 1966. Spain and France, both recent champions, meet in a tactical duel between Luis de la Fuente's possession system and Didier Deschamps' pragmatic efficiency.