France entered the Dallas semi‑final after a 2-0 quarter‑final win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappe reaching eight tournament goals and sitting one behind Lionel Messi on the all‑time World Cup scoring list. Ousmane Dembélé added a fifth goal and Michael Olise leads the assists chart with five, giving Didier Deschamps a deep attacking pool to test a Spanish side that defeated the defending champions 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.

Spain rely on emerging talent Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the match, and the experienced Mikel Oyarzabal, who has four goals but has been quiet in the last two knockout games. Substitute Mikel Merino provided late goals against Portugal and Belgium, highlighting Spain's depth. The French will seek their eighth World Cup semi‑final, matching Brazil, while Spain chase a record 36‑match unbeaten streak dating back to March 2024.

England face Argentina in Atlanta, marking England’s second semi‑final since 2018. Lionel Messi now holds the tournament’s all‑time scoring record, sharing the Golden Boot lead with Mbappe at eight goals. Jude Bellingham has scored twice in each of England’s last two knockout rounds, a feat last seen by Maradona in 1986, while Harry Kane matches him on six goals. Thomas Tuchel aims to improve England’s fluidity after a gritty win over Norway, while Argentina target a fifth consecutive World Cup semi‑final appearance.