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Time:2026-07-14T15:47:39Z

The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are set, with France vs Spain and Argentina vs England producing massive headlines. France-Spain is widely billed as the 'final before the final,' featuring a marquee matchup between Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. On the other side, Lionel Messi leads Argentina against England, with Thomas Tuchel's side looking to exploit Messi's defensive limitations. The World Cup has also delayed the start of La Liga for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Spain vs France World Cup semifinal showdown

Spain vs France World Cup semifinal showdownSpain and France meet in the first semifinal of the 2026 World Cup in Dallas. Both teams feature deep talent pools, with France currently ranked No. 1 in the world and Spain at No. 3. The matchup is being called the 'final before the final' by many pundits. The World Cup has also forced Barcelona and Real Madrid's La Liga campaigns to be delayed.

Sources:
Everything you need to know about the first World Cup semifinal: Spain vs. France (CNN)
France vs Spain LIVE: FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal (Al Jazeera)
World Cup semifinals delay Barcelona’s, Real Madrid’s La Liga starts (Al Jazeera)
World Cup Day 34: Semifinals begin as France face Spain in Dallas (Al Jazeera)

Mbappé vs Yamal headlines France-Spain clash

Mbappé vs Yamal headlines France-Spain clashThe France-Spain semifinal features a compelling subplot: La Liga stars Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal going head-to-head. Both teams are former World Cup champions, adding to the rich history of the matchup. Spain has won their past two meetings against France, giving them a psychological edge. Analysts and fans are closely watching this generational talent duel.

Sources:
World Cup semifinals: Four previous champions, a bitter rivalry, Mbappé vs Yamal and Messi vs Kane (AP News)
Who will win the World Cup? The view from the semi-finalists (BBC)
Lamine Yamal v Mbappe: La Liga stars set for World Cup showdown (BBC)
All eyes on Mbappe, Yamal as Spain, France meet in ‘final before the final’France, Fifa’s No 1 team, face No 3-ranked team in first semi-final, but Spain may have upper hand, having won their past two meetings. (SCMP)

Argentina's Messi faces England in semi-final

Argentina's Messi faces England in semi-finalLionel Messi and Argentina take on England in the second World Cup semifinal. Pundits note that Messi has walked for 47% of the tournament so far, raising questions about his stamina. Carragher suggests England should exploit Messi defensively. The winner earns a place in the World Cup final.

Sources:
Carra: England must exploit Messi in World Cup semi-final (Sky Sports)
Walked for 47% of the World Cup - the evolution of Messi (BBC)
Messi takes on England for a place in the World Cup final (Arab News)

Deschamps and Yamal feature in semifinal stories

Deschamps and Yamal feature in semifinal storiesFrance manager Didier Deschamps is praised as a winner and true friend by former player Marion Bartoli. Meanwhile, teenage star Lamine Yamal could get the best birthday present of all: a World Cup semifinal win over France. A deeper feature explores the French revolution that built this generational squad.

Sources:
A winner and true friend - Bartoli on France boss Deschamps (BBC)
Best birthday present for Yamal? World Cup semifinal win over France (Al Jazeera)
Inside the French revolution that forged a generational World Cup team (The Independent)

Tuchel's England prepares Argentina tactical battle

Tuchel's England prepares Argentina tactical battleEngland manager Thomas Tuchel is drawing up tactical plans to overcome Argentina in the semifinal. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, an Argentina international, is getting attention for his World Cup performances. Meanwhile, Argentine war veterans urge the nation to focus on football rather than politics ahead of the England clash.

Sources:
England vs Argentina tactical dossier: How Tuchel's side can reach World Cup final (Sky Sports)
What's next at Liverpool for Argentina's proven winner Mac Allister? (BBC)
Argentina war vets urge focus on football for England World Cup semifinal (Al Jazeera)