The 2026 FIFA World Cup has narrowed to four contenders, with Argentina, France, Spain and England battling for a place in the final scheduled for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
As the semi-finals begin on Tuesday. Defending champions Argentina are chasing a fourth World Cup title and could become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
France is aiming for a third World Cup title, while Spain and England are both seeking a second triumph.
France vs England
A France-England final would be the first World Cup final between the two European rivals.
France would be appearing in a third consecutive World Cup final after reaching the deciders in 2018 and 2022, while England would be bidding for their second title after winning the tournament on home soil in 1966.
The fixture could also renew the rivalry between Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, while Harry Kane and Michael Olise would line up on opposing sides
England would also be seeking revenge after France eliminated the Three Lions in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup.
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France vs Argentina
A meeting between France and Argentina would be a repeat of the dramatic 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw to lift the trophy.
France would be looking to avenge that defeat, while Argentina would attempt to retain the World Cup for the first time since Brazil won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962.
The clash would also feature two of the tournament’s joint top scorers, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who have both scored eight goals at the 2026 tournament’s It would also renew a rivalry that saw France defeat Argentina 4-3 in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
Spain vs England
A Spain-England final would be a rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1.
England would have the opportunity to avenge that defeat and claim only their second World Cup title, while Spain would be chasing a second global crown after their 2010 triumph.
The two nations have met only twice at the World Cup. Spain won 1-0 in the group stage in 1950 before the teams played out a goalless draw in the second group stage of the 1982 tournament.
Spain vs Argentina
A Spain-Argentina final would pit the reigning European champions against the reigning world champions for the first time in a FIFA World Cup final.
It would also mark the first World Cup meeting between the two countries since Argentina defeated Spain 2-1 in the group stage of the 1966 tournament.
Victory for Spain would see La Roja claim a second World Cup title, while Argentina would lift the trophy for a fourth time, moving level with Germany and Italy on four World Cup crowns.
The fixture would also showcase a generational battle between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal.
The World Cup semi-finals begin on Tuesday, with Spain facing France, while Argentina take on England on Wednesday. The winners will meet in the final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
