Four teams remain. Two semi-finals have been played or are being played today. By the end of July 15, the world will know who will contest the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New York on July 19. Whoever lifts that trophy will be crowned champions of the world on American soil, in a tournament that has already produced drama, upsets, and individual performances for the ages.
The Semi-Final Picture
France face Spain in what is a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final — only this time on a bigger stage. Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are the two most exciting young players on the planet and the collision between them has electrified the tournament. England take on Argentina in Atlanta in a fixture soaked in history, rivalry, and 40 years of unresolved emotion stretching back to Maradona's Hand of God in 1986.
What a Final Could Mean
If Argentina reach the final, Lionel Messi will have the chance to win a third World Cup at 38 — something no player in the modern era has achieved. If England get there, it will be their first appearance in a World Cup final since 1966. A France final appearance would be their third in four tournaments, cementing their place as the dominant international force of this generation. Spain reaching the final would confirm Lamine Yamal as the heir to Messi's throne before he even turns 19.
The Prize
The FIFA World Cup trophy is the most recognizable sporting object on earth. Every four years, one nation gets to hold it. This year, in front of 90,000 fans at MetLife on July 19, someone will. The journey to that moment has been extraordinary. The final itself promises to be the greatest yet.
Source: FIFA.com, ESPN, Sky Sports. Image: Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0.
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