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The World Cup semifinals are where legends are born, heroes are made and villains are created.
Far too frequently the tournament's marquee match can disappoint—which is what made the breathtaking back-and-forth between Argentina and France so remarkable four years ago. The 2010 final between Spain and the Netherlands is more representative of the tense, cautious affairs that tend to unfold on the biggest stage.
After suffering a painful 1–0 defeat, Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel remarked: "It wasn't a nice game of pretty football. But which final is?"
The semifinals, however, have frequently delivered some spectacular football. Germany's extra-time classic against Italy in 2006; the six-goal spectacle in 1982 defined by Patrick Battiston's horrific injury for France; the 1970 encounter in which West Germany fell to Italy that was so extraordinary it earned the title 'Game of the Century.'
Only time will tell whether this summer's lineup can produce a contest to match the long list of iconic predecessors. Given the teams involved, there's a reasonable chance.
Potential Semifinal Matches at the 2026 World Cup
France vs. Spain or Belgium
France became the first side to secure their place in the semifinals, coasting to a comfortable victory over Morocco in the sweltering heat of Boston. The Atlas Lions were weakened by the absence of leading scorer Ismael Saibari through injury, and Mohamed Ouahbi took an unconventional approach to filling the center forward role: simply not doing so. Morocco's fluid striker-free attack failed to trouble Les Bleus at all. Mike Maignan's first and only save of the match didn't arrive until the 83rd minute.
Awaiting France is either Spain or Belgium. Whichever way this all-European encounter unfolds, there are countless storylines to explore. Belgium was famously neutralized by Didier Deschamps's eventual champions in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, prompting a frustrated Eden Hazard to quip about the defensive approach: "I prefer to lose with Belgium than win with France."
Spain's recent history with Les Bleus is even more current. The two European powerhouses clashed in the semifinals of Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League, with La Roja—and Lamine Yamal in particular—coming out on top on both occasions.
Barcelona's teenage sensation remains bullish about a potential meeting this summer. "France is not better than Spain," he stated last month, "they haven't beaten us since the Euros, they can't be better." That claim may soon be tested.
Every Potential First Semifinal
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Norway/England vs. Argentina/Switzerland
Should the quarterfinals unfold as anticipated, the second semifinal could deliver the latest chapter in the long-running rivalry between England and Argentina. However, as both storied nations have learned, this tournament hasn't always gone according to plan.
Norway will be justifiably confident of overcoming the Three Lions in the final quarterfinal, while Switzerland need only look at Argentina's last two performances to find reason to believe they can end Lionel Messi's summer prematurely.
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