The 2026 World Cup semifinals feature Argentina, England, France, and Spain — the tournament's top four FIFA-ranked sides — marking the first time since rankings began in 1992 that the final four comprises the top quartet. All four are previous champions. France meet Spain in Arlington on Tuesday; Argentina face England in Atlanta on Wednesday. Not since 1990 has the semifinal stage consisted entirely of former winners.

The Golden Boot race headlines the individual storylines. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead with eight goals each, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sit on six. Messi, 39 and likely playing his final World Cup, holds the all-time tournament scoring record with 21 goals; Mbappé trails by one. Argentina seek to become the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Historical weight colors both matchups. Argentina-England renews a rivalry spanning the 1966 Antonio Rattin sending-off, Diego Maradona's 1986 "Hand of God," and David Beckham's 1998 red card. This will be Messi's first career meeting with England. France-Spain reprise their Euro 2024 semifinal, which Spain won 2-1 behind a teenage Lamine Yamal goal; Spain have since relied on late Mikel Merino substitutes to edge Portugal and Belgium.

France enter as the tournament's most impressive side, boasting attacking depth and Mbappé at full fitness. Spain navigate injuries to Yamal and Nico Williams. Argentina's path to a repeat hinges on Messi's durability against an England side that eliminated Erling Haaland's Norway. The winner in Atlanta faces either France or Spain in a final that could mirror 2022.