World Cup semifinals feature all former champions and top-ranked teams

Argentina, Spain, France and England entered the tournament as the top four in FIFA's rankings and each has previously won the World Cup. The semifinals will see France play Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, while England meets Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.

The matchup revives historic rivalries. The England-Argentina tie recalls past World Cup clashes, including the 1986 quarter-final when Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" goal gave Argentina a 2-1 win, and the 1998 encounter in which David Beckham was sent off. The fixture also carries political overtones linked to the 1982 Falklands conflict.

France and Spain last met in a major tournament final at Euro 2022, where Spain won 2-1 with a goal from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. France, regarded as the tournament’s most impressive side, relies on a potent attack led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored eight goals, matching Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The race for the Golden Boot remains open, with Mbappé and Messi tied at eight goals each, followed by Norway’s Erling Haaland (seven, now eliminated), England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane (six each), and Ousmane Dembélé (five). Messi, at 39, is playing what is likely his final World Cup and could become the all-time leading scorer if he reaches 22 goals.

"If Messi can lead Argentina to the title, he would surpass the great Maradona by winning two World Cups for his country," a commentator noted.

A victory for either France or Argentina would set up a possible repeat of the 2022 final, while a win for England or Spain would guarantee a new champion.