The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought enough excitement and controversy to last us for four years. From major disappointments, like Germany’s early exit, to comeback victories like Argentina’s versus Egypt, it has been a wild tournament. And while we can certainly criticize the organizational aspects, especially the visa issues in the U.S., we choose to focus on the football.

On the eve of the third-place match and a day before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, we look back at the semi-finals. We saw European giants France and Spain face off in the first semi-final, and eternal rivals England and Argentina face off in the second. So, this is our review of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

France vs Spain

Without a shadow of a doubt, France was the favorite leading up to this game. As the most convincing team at the tournament, France had six wins and a 14-2 goal differential. Not only that, but they had won most matches so dominantly that stars like Mbappe and Olise subbed out of the games around the 70th minute. So, most people and betting platforms expected them to win. But, our review of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals tells a different story.

Spain, on the other hand, had a rough start with a 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde. They also struggled to beat Uruguay 1-0, and they played closely contested matches against Belgium and Portugal. But they always found a way to win, and that persistence helped them beat the mighty France.

In the semi-final, Spain controlled the game from the very first minute. The French team is incredibly dangerous on the counter, but it seemed like the midfield couldn’t connect with the attack. The trio of Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise barely managed to develop an attack near the opponents’ goal. Then Mikel Oyarzabal scored from a penalty in the 22nd minute, and it seemed like France gave up. Spain dictated the tempo and created chances, almost toying with Les Bleus. Any chance France might have had to come back into the match vanished when Pedro Porro scored for Spain in the 58th minute.

That propelled Spain into the final and put a heartbreaking end to France’s hopes for a third World Cup win.

England vs Argentina

England versus Argentina is one of the most politically and emotionally charged football matches in the world. This match is always tension-filled primarily because of matters outside of the football pitch, though Maradona’s “Hand of God” certainly helps stoke the fire. Going into this match, England were the favorites because they won five of their six matches thus far. Their performances weren’t always convincing, but they were enough to get them a 12-6 goal differential. Jude Bellingham was definitely the stand-out player, with bright moments by Harry Kane.

On the other hand, Argentina went into this tournament as the defending champion. While La Albiceleste dominated in the group stage, they showed signs of weakness in the knockout round. They barely eked past Cabo Verde with a 3-2 in the round of 32. Then, they had to come back from 2-0 down against Egypt in the round of 16. While they cruised past Switzerland in the quarterfinal, they definitely weren’t the favorite going into the semifinal.

This match started slowly, with only a couple of yellow cards to show for in the first half. Then England finally opened the scoring with a goal by Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Instead of pushing for another goal, the English retreated and opted to defend their 1-0 against Messi’s team. And that was their cardinal mistake. The Argentinians circled the English goal like sharks until Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute. While the English were still stunned, Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in the lead with a goal in the 92nd minute.

The English seem to have endless potential that they never manage to fulfill at World Cups. This time, the Messi-led Argentina ended the English dream of football coming home.