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The World Cup semifinals begin with a blockbuster rematch as France and Spain meet once again in a winner-take-all showdown. New users can use the Polymarket promo code FOX to claim a $50 bonus and trade on one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Golden Boot co-leader Kylian Mbappé leads France into this semifinal match. Mbappé has scored eight goals in six matches. His teammate, Ousmane Dembélé, has six goals of his own, making this duo one of the most dangerous in the tournament.

Spain comes in with one of the best defenses in the tournament, only conceding one goal. Spain’s leading goalscorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, has four goals of his own. Pedri and Rodri control the midfield for La Roja, making it difficult for teams to get possession. 

With a place in the World Cup final on the line, France will look to turn quick counterattacks into goals, while Spain hopes its control of the ball can finally unlock its full attacking potential.

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France vs. Spain Semifinal

France	57%	57¢	43.25¢
Spain	44%	43.25¢	57¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

How to Watch France vs. Spain

• When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Dallas Stadium, Dallas, TX
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

Players to Watch in France vs. Spain match

Kylian Mbappé has been the tournament’s most dominant goalscorer with eight goals, finding the net in every knockout match while leading France’s devastating counterattack. With 20 career World Cup goals, he sits just behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record and is chasing both history and a second World Cup title.

Lamine Yamal has yet to produce the breakout World Cup many expected, recording just one goal through six matches. Spain will need the teenage star to rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s best young players, especially against a French team that can punish every turnover.

From FOX Sports Research:

• What a matchup we have here. In the last two competitive meetings between these two historic nations, Spain has beaten France both times, once in the semifinals at the 2024 European championship (2-1) and the other at the Nations League semifinals (5-4). However, that was over a year ago.
• France has looked like the much better squad throughout this tournament. While Spain has only allowed one goal in six games, its attack has been a bit stagnant as super-sub Mikel Merino has bailed them out in the 90’+1 and 88’ minutes in its last two wins. Meanwhile, Les Bleus has scored 16 goals compared to Spain’s 11 this tournament and has 14 assists to Spain’s eight.

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The World Cup semifinals stage is set with two blockbuster matches with a place in the final on the line.  New users can get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose with bet365 when betting on the semifinal matches.

Tuesday’s semifinal features a rematch of the Euro 2024 semifinal as France takes on Spain. Kylian Mbappé enters tied for the Golden Boot lead with eight goals, while Spain’s possession-heavy attack will look to break down France’s dangerous transition game. 

England and Argentina meet in a history-filled clash on Wednesday featuring some of the biggest stars in the sport. Lionel Messi continues his historic tournament with eight goals and a World Cup assist record. England come in with two superstars of their own, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both have scored six times.

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France vs. Spain Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

To Advance

Method of Victory

Method of Victory	France	Spain
90 Minutes	+155	+220
Extra Time	+900	+1000
Penalties	+850	+850

Score or Assist Odds

Player	Score	Assist	Score or Assist
Kylian Mbappé	+100	+375	-150
Michael Olise	+240	+225	+100
Ousmane Dembélé	+240	+333	+125
Lamine Yamal	+225	+300	+110
Mikel Oyarzabal	+175	+400	+110
Dani Olmo	+400	+375	+187

How to Watch France vs. Spain

• When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Dallas Stadium, Dallas, TX
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

Players to Watch in France vs. Spain match

Kylian Mbappé has been the tournament’s most dominant goalscorer with eight goals, finding the net in every knockout match while leading France’s devastating counterattack. With 20 career World Cup goals, he sits just behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record and is chasing both history and a second World Cup title.

Lamine Yamal has yet to produce the breakout World Cup many expected, recording just one goal through six matches. Spain will need the teenage star to rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s best young players, especially against a French team that can punish every turnover.

From FOX Sports Research:

• What a matchup we have here. In the last two competitive meetings between these two historic nations, Spain has beaten France both times, once in the semifinals at the 2024 European championship (2-1) and the other at the Nations League semifinals (5-4). However, that was over a year ago.
• France has looked like the much better squad throughout this tournament. While Spain has only allowed one goal in six games, its attack has been a bit stagnant as super-sub Mikel Merino has bailed them out in the 90’+1 and 88’ minutes in its last two wins. Meanwhile, Les Bleus has scored 16 goals compared to Spain’s 11 this tournament and has 14 assists to Spain’s eight.

A look at Argentina vs. England 

2026 Argentina (1)

• Argentina has made consecutive World Cup semifinals for the second time ever, last doing so in 1986 and 1990.
• Argentina has now won a team-record 13 straight games and is unbeaten in a team-record 12 straight World Cup games.
• Argentina is the only team to score at least two goals in all six matches at this World Cup; Argentina has scored multiple goals in 12 straight World Cup matches, a new World Cup record.
• Argentina is looking to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, last happening 64 years ago (Brazil in 1958 and 1962, Italy in 1934 and 1938).
• Lionel Messi has scored 21 goals and recorded 10 assists, both the most in World Cup history; he’s also recorded 32 matches played and 21 matches won— both also the most in tournament history.
• Messi has scored a goal against 15 different opponents at the World Cup, the most of any player in World Cup history.
• Messi scored in every match from the 2022 Round of 16 up until this year’s Round of 16, marking nine consecutive matches scored in, and six consecutive knockout stage matches scored in— both World Cup records.

2026 England (4)

• England has reached the World Cup semifinal for the fourth time, and for the second time in the last three World Cups— the first time that’s ever happened (reached semifinal in 2018).
• England has matched its record for the most victories in a single World Cup tournament (five), which was set during the 1966 championship run.
• England joined France in this tournament as the only teams with two players to score five or more goals each (Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham).
• England has now reached the semifinals in four major tournaments (World Cup and Euros) since 2018, as many as they had reached in their history prior to the 2018 World Cup (four).
• England is now 3-5-17 (W-D-L) all-time at the World Cup when conceding first, with two of those wins coming this tournament (vs. Norway and vs. DR Congo).
• Jude Bellingham has nine goal contributions (seven goals, two assists) in his World Cup career, tied for the third-most since assists were first tracked in 1966 (Harry Kane- 18, Gary Lineker- 10, David Beckham- 9).
• Bellingham has joined Kylian Mbappé (12) and Pelé (seven) as the only players to reach seven career World Cup goals while age 23 or younger.

How to Watch England vs. Argentina

• Time: 3 p.m. ET (Wednesday, July 15)
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The FIFA World Cup semifinals kick off with two European powerhouses renewing their rivalry in another semifinal match. BetMGM is delivering one of the best new user promos for this stellar match. Use promo FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $1,500 in bonuses.

France and Spain renew a rivalry that was last seen in the Euro 2024 semifinals, where Spain advanced on its way to lifting the trophy. 

This time, France will look to flip the script behind Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Both Mbappé and Dembélé have been goalscoring machines in this tournament.

Spain, led by Mikel Oyarzabal goalscoring and Rodri’s and Pedri’s controlling the midfield, have been one of the best defensive teams in the World Cup, and now they take on one of the best attacking teams in the tournament.

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France vs. Spain Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

Goalscorer Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

Player	First	Anytime	Last
Kylian Mbappé	+350	+120	+350
Mikel Oyarzabal	+525	+195	+500
Lamine Yamal	+550	+200	+525
Ousmane Dembélé	+625	+260	+675

How to Watch France vs. Spain

• When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Dallas Stadium, Dallas, TX
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

Players to Watch in France vs. Spain match

Kylian Mbappé has been the tournament’s most dominant goalscorer with eight goals, finding the net in every knockout match while leading France’s devastating counterattack. With 20 career World Cup goals, he sits just behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record and is chasing both history and a second World Cup title.

Lamine Yamal has yet to produce the breakout World Cup many expected, recording just one goal through six matches. Spain will need the teenage star to rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s best young players, especially against a French team that can punish every turnover.

From FOX Sports Research:

• What a matchup we have here. In the last two competitive meetings between these two historic nations, Spain has beaten France both times, once in the semifinals at the 2024 European championship (2-1) and the other at the Nations League semifinals (5-4). However, that was over a year ago.
• France has looked like the much better squad throughout this tournament. While Spain has only allowed one goal in six games, its attack has been a bit stagnant as super-sub Mikel Merino has bailed them out in the 90’+1 and 88’ minutes in its last two wins. Meanwhile, Les Bleus has scored 16 goals compared to Spain’s 11 this tournament and has 14 assists to Spain’s eight. Take France to advance at -148.

Source

England will take on Argentina in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium, with both nations competing for a place in the final. It is an intercontinental rivalry shaped by memorable World Cup encounters and intensified by political tensions away from the pitch.

The two countries have not faced each other since 2005, while this will also mark the first time in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career that he has played against England. The Three Lions possess one of the most talented squads in the tournament, while Argentina is filled with players who understand what it takes to win at the highest level.

Below is our combined England-Argentina XI ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal:

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

Both Premier League goalkeepers have been between the posts for their respective nations at multiple major international tournaments, and both have been critical to their national teams’ success in the past and present.

Emiliano Martínez gets the slight nod as the better shot-stopper of the two. He has come up huge for Argentina as they won two Copa América titles and a World Cup, including massive performances in penalty shootouts.

Of course, his most iconic moment came in the final minute of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final, when he made the save of a lifetime against Randal Kolo Muani. That stop kept Argentina alive, and they went on to win the final on penalties.

Verdict: Emiliano Martínez, Argentina

Right Back

Nahuel Molina continues to command the right-back position for Argentina and scored a huge goal in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands.

But Reece James, despite being banged up at times, gets the nod pretty clearly. When healthy, James is widely recognized as one of the best right backs in world football.

Verdict: Reece James

Right Center Back

Ezri Konsa has been versatile for England, playing as the center back next to Marc Guéhi while also providing cover at right back because of England’s injuries and suspensions in that area. His versatility has been important to Thomas Tuchel.

Cristian Romero gets the nod, though, as he has anchored Argentina’s back line for many years and continues to be one of the most reliable defenders in this side.

Verdict: Cristian Romero

Left Center Back

Marc Guéhi made the move to Manchester City in January and completely changed the outlook of a back line that had been struggling. He has provided that necessary backbone defensively for England, consistently performing as one of their most reliable center backs throughout this World Cup and the last European Championship.

Lisandro Martínez’s ball-playing ability and physicality are key for Argentina, but Guéhi gets the nod here.

Verdict: Marc Guehi

Left Back

Nicolás Tagliafico feels like he has been part of this Argentina squad for decades, and he has always been that consistent piece at left back for his national team.

But on a technical level, Nico O’Reilly is really out of this world. Even as a converted midfielder, he has shown his recovery speed and ability to handle the defensive demands of playing fullback.

O’Reilly is one of those youngsters at this World Cup who is showing that he can go to the very top.

Verdict: Nico O’Reilly

Holding Midfielder

Elliot Anderson’s ability off the ball, along with his passing range, has been important for England while playing in that double pivot. He looks like one of those players who will be involved in the English setup for a long time.

But Enzo Fernández is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is playing a slightly deeper role than he usually does for Chelsea, but he is still doing it at a high level.

Enzo gets the nod in this one, but Anderson is a proper player.

Verdict: Enzo Fernández

Left Central Midfielder

Due to formation issues, Anthony Gordon is listed as a left central midfielder, and he has shown signs of why Barcelona brought him into the club for $80 million.

But Alexis Mac Allister has to get the nod because of the winner he is. He played a huge role in Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup and Liverpool winning the Premier League, doing all the dirty work in midfield while also having the ability to be a threat going forward.

He showed that again in the quarterfinals against Switzerland, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 10th minute.

In those big games, you want Mac Allister on your team.

Verdict: Alexis Mac Allister

Right Central Midfielder

Coming off winning the Premier League, Declan Rice would love to double up by adding a World Cup to his résumé.

Playing in the double pivot with Elliot Anderson has been important to England, especially earlier in the tournament, and his set-piece delivery has also been a real weapon.

Rice has had to deal with a sickness during the tournament, but on his day, he is still seen as one of the best midfielders in the world. Because of that, he gets the nod over Leandro Paredes, who was introduced into Argentina’s starting lineup as the tournament unfolded.

Verdict: Declan Rice

Central Attacking Midfielder

Jude Bellingham has been one of the players of the tournament, scoring six goals as a midfielder while providing ball-carrying ability, doing the dirty work in midfield and still having the capacity to make late runs into the box and score goals.

He has been doing it all for England. And despite Rodrigo De Paul having a solid tournament and elevating the level we have seen from him at Inter Miami, Bellingham has the clear advantage in this one.

Verdict: Jude Bellingham

Right Forward

This is one of the most lopsided conversations in this combined XI.

Lionel Messi has eight goals through six games, and everything Argentina does going forward runs through him. He is widely recognized as the best to ever do it, and he continues to be the focal point of this Argentina side.

Madueke, who is probably only playing for England because of Saka’s fitness, has been pretty disappointing on multiple occasions this tournament, including being subbed off at halftime in the quarterfinal matchup against Norway.

Messi has a clear and wide advantage over Madueke in this one.

Verdict: Lionel Messi

Left Forward

Harry Kane has had a phenomenal tournament, scoring six goals at this World Cup and becoming England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.

He had a pivotal late brace against DR Congo that saved England and allowed them to still be here today. Kane and Jude Bellingham have done some unbelievable heavy lifting for this England squad.

Julián Álvarez had a quiet start to the tournament, but it was only a matter of time until his quality showed through. He produced a brilliant moment of magic against Switzerland late in extra time to put Argentina ahead 2-1 and win them a nail-biting quarterfinal.

Álvarez is a very good player, but Kane gets the advantage in this one.

Verdict: Harry Kane

Final Combined XI For Argentina And England

GK: Emiliano Martínez
RB: Reece James
CB: Cristian Romero
CB: Marc Guéhi
LB: Nico O’Reilly
CM: Enzo Fernández
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Declan Rice
CAM: Jude Bellingham
RW: Lionel Messi
ST: Harry Kane

The Joy, Heartbreak & Magic of the FIFA World Cup™ ️ Coming To America

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Source

Kylian Mbappé is in France’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal match against Spain after the striker exited in the 77th minute of the team’s quarterfinal win over Morocco.

Mbappé scored his eighth goal against Morocco and enters the semifinals even with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. The 39-year-old Messi has a World Cup-record 21 goals in his career, one more than the 27-year-old Mbappé.

France coach Didier Deschamps said Mbappé was fine physically after the early exit against Morocco with what was described as a “slight” right ankle injury.

The France captain is among six players to start all seven World Cup matches for the team, along with fellow forward Ousmane Dembélé and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

For the sixth time in seven games, Spain forward Mikel Merino will come off the bench. The versatile Arsenal player scored the winning goals within minutes of coming on as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 and a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium.

Lamine Yamal will start his sixth consecutive game for Spain a day after his 19th birthday. The Barcelona forward came off the bench in a 0-0 draw in the team’s opener against Cape Verde, the tiny island nation that turned into one of the World Cup’s biggest surprises.

Spain forward Nico Williams, who has been battling a muscle injury since the group stage finale against Uruguay, wasn’t in the lineup. He came off the bench in all three group matches before missing the first two knockout games. Williams entered in the 79th minute against Belgium.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Source

Both managers have made their calls. Here are the confirmed starting lineups for today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium.

France Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Mike Maignan
• LB: Lucas Digne
• CB: William Saliba
• CB: Dayot Upamecano
• RB: Jules Koundé
• CM: Adrien Rabiot
• CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni
• Attacking three: Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé
• ST: Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé co-leads the tournament with eight goals and enters the semifinal fresh off carrying France to a perfect 6-0-0 record.

Spain Starting XI (4-1-2-3)

• GK: Unai Simón
• RB: Pedro Porro
• CB: Pau Cubarsí
• CB: Aymeric Laporte
• LB: Marc Cucurella
• DM: Rodri
• CM: Fabián Ruiz
• CM: Dani Olmo
• Front three: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena

Spain brings the tournament’s stingiest defense into the match, having gone six straight matches without allowing a goal before conceding to Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Who’s the Referee?

Ivan Barton of El Salvador has the whistle for France vs. Spain.

How to Watch France vs. Spain

[–>
• Date: Tuesday, July 14
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Venue: Dallas Stadium, Dallas, TX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

The winner advances to face either England or Argentina in the World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Source

Typically, one cannot be sure what or who they will encounter in the jungle. But this summer, one can expect to find Zlatan Ibrahimović on the prowl.

On that note, here’s Ibrahimović’s latest “King of the Jungle” power rankings, which were revealed on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal round match between France and Spain.

10.

What Zlatan Said: “For me, he’s a player that doesn’t get a lot of credit, but the football people who know [the game], they know who important he is.”

9.

2026 World Cup Stats: 1 Goal

What Zlatan Said: “Yamal, for me, is the best player in the world, but I want to see him explode in one game.”

8.

2026 World Cup Stats: 5 Assists

What Zlatan Said: “He has dropped a little bit, but I want a goal from him.”

7.

2026 World Cup Stats: 6 Goals, 1 Assist

What Zlatan Said: “After the last performance, Bellingham has been amazing for England.”

6.

2026 World Cup Stats: 5 Goals, 2 Assists

Dembélé has formed part of a potent attacking trio for France alongside Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise that has Les Bleus firing on all cylinders.

5.

2026 World Cup Stats: 6 Goals, 1 Assist

Kane is in the mix for the Golden Boot chase alongside Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham, as well as France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. 

4.

2026 World Cup Stats: 7 Goals

What Zlatan Said: “He dropped a little bit [after Norway’s loss to England].”

3.

2026 World Cup Stats: 8 Goals, 3 Assists

What Zlatan Said: “Mbappé took the place of Haaland.”

2.

2026 World Cup Stats: 8 Goals, 2 Assists

What Zlatan Said: “He’s the best player, individually, so far in the tournament.”

1.

2026 World Cup Stats: Being Zlatan Is Enough. 

What Zlatan Said: “One month of work. It has been the best tournament so far. Imagine what the other journalists feel when they talk: I do a better job than them. … Lions don’t compare themselves to humans.”

Source

–>

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

With the four best teams remaining, the battle for the trophy couldn’t be more exciting. New users can use the Skrill Promo Code to sign up and claim a $10 bonus ahead of two massive semifinal matches.

France and Spain opens the semifinal stage in a rematch of the Euro 2024 semifinal, with Kylian Mbappé and France’s explosive transition attack facing a Spain side that has controlled the tournament through its possession and midfield dominance. 

England and Argentina will then battle for a spot in the final, featuring a star-studded matchup between Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham.

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How to Watch France vs. Spain

• When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Dallas Stadium, Dallas, TX
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

A look at Spain vs. France

2026 Spain (2)

• Spain has made its second semifinal appearance ever at the World Cup, last making it in 2010 (won title that year).
• Spain is now unbeaten in 36 straight games (27-9-0, W-D-L) since March 2024, the longest such run in team history; the record by a European team is 37 straight games unbeaten by Italy (2018-21).
• Spain and Unai Simón’s shutout streak at the World Cup ended at 649 minutes vs. Belgium, the longest in World Cup history.
• Spain started two teenagers (Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí) against Belgium, becoming the first team to do so in a World Cup quarterfinal since Brazil vs. Wales in 1958 (Pelé and Altafini).
• Lamine Yamal made his sixth World Cup appearance, the most by a player aged 18 or younger in the competition’s history.
• Spain is unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), winning 12 of 13 matches (one draw); no European manager has coached more matches across the two competitions without losing.

2026 France (3)

• France became the third nation ever to make three straight World Cup semifinals (Germany twice, Brazil).
• France is the only team in this tournament to win all six matches in regulation.
• France has one outright loss in its last 20 World Cup matches (17-2-1, W-D-L), losing 1-0 to Tunisia in the final group stage match in 2022.
• France is now unbeaten in 32 straight World Cup games when scoring first (29-2-0, W-D-L) and has won 19 straight such games, last losing the 1982 third-place match vs Poland.
• Mbappé became the first player ever to score eight goals in two separate World Cups; He now has 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches played.
• Mbappé has been involved in 11 goals at the 2026 World Cup (eight goals, three assists); that’s the most by a player in a single edition of the World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, three assists).
• Didier Deschamps has 10 wins in the knockout rounds and 20 wins at the World Cup, both the most of any World Cup manager all-time.

How to Watch England vs. Argentina

• Time: 3 p.m. ET (Wednesday, July 15)
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, GA

A look at Argentina vs. England 

2026 Argentina (1)

• Argentina has made consecutive World Cup semifinals for the second time ever, last doing so in 1986 and 1990.
• Argentina has now won a team-record 13 straight games and is unbeaten in a team-record 12 straight World Cup games.
• Argentina is the only team to score at least two goals in all six matches at this World Cup; Argentina has scored multiple goals in 12 straight World Cup matches, a new World Cup record.
• Argentina is looking to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, last happening 64 years ago (Brazil in 1958 and 1962, Italy in 1934 and 1938).
• Lionel Messi has scored 21 goals and recorded 10 assists, both the most in World Cup history; he’s also recorded 32 matches played and 21 matches won— both also the most in tournament history.
• Messi has scored a goal against 15 different opponents at the World Cup, the most of any player in World Cup history.
• Messi scored in every match from the 2022 Round of 16 up until this year’s Round of 16, marking nine consecutive matches scored in, and six consecutive knockout stage matches scored in— both World Cup records.

2026 England (4)

• England has reached the World Cup semifinal for the fourth time, and for the second time in the last three World Cups— the first time that’s ever happened (reached semifinal in 2018).
• England has matched its record for the most victories in a single World Cup tournament (five), which was set during the 1966 championship run.
• England joined France in this tournament as the only teams with two players to score five or more goals each (Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham).
• England has now reached the semifinals in four major tournaments (World Cup and Euros) since 2018, as many as they had reached in their history prior to the 2018 World Cup (four).
• England is now 3-5-17 (W-D-L) all-time at the World Cup when conceding first, with two of those wins coming this tournament (vs. Norway and vs. DR Congo).
• Jude Bellingham has nine goal contributions (seven goals, two assists) in his World Cup career, tied for the third-most since assists were first tracked in 1966 (Harry Kane- 18, Gary Lineker- 10, David Beckham- 9).
• Bellingham has joined Kylian Mbappé (12) and Pelé (seven) as the only players to reach seven career World Cup goals while age 23 or younger.

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In a World Cup semifinal like this, there’s so much to unpack. I have already written about the historical, emotional and psychological aspects of England’s World Cup matchup against Argentina, so I want to dive into the tactical elements of this highly anticipated semifinal too. 

On paper, and based on what I have seen from both sides at this tournament thus far, the similarities are possibly stronger than the differences. And even though I think the journey for the Three Lions has been tougher (arguably a tougher group, a hostile, altitude-defying win against Mexico right before facing the heat and humidity of Miami amidst Erling Haaland’s Norway) the fact is that very little separates both of these sides. They are two giants of the game who have shown examples of their genius and their vulnerable state.

There’s also the overall record as England dominates in this area, having only lost twice from its 14 fixtures against Argentina. But one of those losses was in the dramatic match in 1986 to Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and his “Goal of the Century.”  Then there was the 1998 result – which was David Beckham’s sending-off after kicking Diego Simeone – that ended as a draw after extra time, but resulted in an England loss after a penalty shootout.

The fact is that this one is hard to predict. It’s a contradiction due to a sense of familiarity due to the rivalry, but there’s also detachment because they have not faced each other at the World Cup in 24 years.

Let’s also remember that England has never faced Lionel Messi – and that’s a statistic that lives within itself. To stop him is to gamble on your own fate, so I am not even attempting to tell you how Thomas Tuchel plans on doing the almost impossible, especially when England has never even attempted to do it. 

In terms of parallels, let’s focus on the individual side of things and the World Cup superstars as there is a high dependency on them. Both have high-octane, attacking options that contribute significantly higher than anyone else. 

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For England, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have six goals each, making it the first time in men’s World Cup history that any team has had two players net six or more goals in the same tournament. England has scored 13 goals in total, 12 of them from the aforementioned Kane and Bellingham, so the reliance on either is monumental. 

But the same can be said of Argentina and Lionel Messi. La Albiceleste has 17 goals in the competition, more than any other team and one short of its record of 18, which was achieved back in 1930. But eight of these aforementioned 17 goals have come from Messi. Alongside Kylian Mbappé, Messi became the second player on record (since 1966) to earn 10 or more goal contributions in more than one World Cup. 

But I think ultimately, this match is decided in two areas: the midfield and on the flanks. Declan Rice and Eliot Anderson’s battle with the line of Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernández will test out the stealth and momentum from the center, where much of the action will take place. 

And out wide? Argentina is a very narrow team and winger Anthony Gordon, who attempted more dribbles (10) against Norway than any other English player since Darius Vassell in 2002 (per Opta), could have another strong day against right-back Nahuel Molina. More so on the other side — whether it’s Noni Madueke or his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka — against the 33-year-old left-back Nicolás Tagliafico. Lionel Scaloni surely has to find room for defensive midfielder Nico González.   

Anthony Gordon will help England attack the flanks. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) –>

England should have most of the possession, and I think it’s important for Argentina to use it wisely when it does have the ball. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez, excellent with direct, long passes, will be needed once again to find the likes of attacking stars like Julián Alvarez, Messi, Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina will need players like Julian Alvarez to continue to step to help out Lionel Messi. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) –>

But all in all, we know that this is a game that will far supersede tactics or analytical thinking. This is a match made of emotion and steel-minded determination. There will be situations where the actual gameplan can determine a conclusion and I think, overall, on paper, England has enough to win this one.

This isn’t a match written on paper. It’s carved out on the pitch from blood, sweat and undying effort. 

From the moment the first whistle goes, therefore, we can throw everything out of the window and just marvel at a true battle where we won’t know the outcome until we find out the answer to the only true, remaining question: who is willing to sacrifice everything for a chance of glory? We’ll have to wait and see.

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PHILADELPHIA – Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, in a wide-ranging press conference with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Tuesday, continued to push his case for a salary cap, framing the league’s collective bargaining proposal as a fan-driven fix for competitive imbalance. 

As Manfred spoke about ongoing negotiations with the players’ union before the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Dec. 1, he said: “I have an ownership group that is more united than any group in my entire time in baseball.”

MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer, who spoke with the BBWAA before Manfred on Tuesday, came out strongly against some of the league’s tactics in trying to gain public support for a salary cap, including advertisements on MLB.TV.

“Our game is in a great place,” Meyer said. “I have watched over the last few years the owners, the commissioner’s office, try to convince fans, the consumers of their product, that their product is broken.

“I think it’s perverse.”

Asked directly about the state of CBA talks, Manfred struck an upbeat tone. 

“Look, I am an optimist,” Manfred said. “With respect to collective bargaining, I truly believe that if people engage in the process, that you find ways through things. I think that it’s important to point out that what we put forward is a system that has been beneficial in all the other major professional sports. It has resulted in player earnings that are higher, growing faster, than the ones in Major League Baseball.”

Manfred pointed to a recent NHL agreement that added roughly $170 million in player compensation as evidence that a salary cap would benefit the MLBPA. Manfred also noted that MLB has already made concessions toward union priorities, including agreeing to streamline paths to free agency, and argued that the league’s overall proposal is built to address the MLBPA’s core issues rather than dismiss them.

“I think the proposal that we have made has put us in a position to address all the major issues that the MLBPA brought to the table in their initial proposals,” Manfred said. 

Commissioner Rob Manfred has taken MLB’s salary cap case to the public in advance of the end of the current CBA with the players’ union.  (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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The heart of Manfred’s press conference centered on how the league is constantly “listening to the fans.” It’s a strategy that the MLBPA has so far struggled to replicate, in that the union has yet to explain how its demands benefit the fans. Asked how, exactly, MLB is gathering fan opinion, Manfred said the league’s process is “very sophisticated.” It involves relying on professional pollsters and focus groups based on age and demographics, including small- and big-market cities.

Manfred reiterated that fans are most concerned about payroll disparity and how that impacts the ability to retain star players or sign expensive free agents at the top of their class.

The commissioner cited a payroll gap of more than $400 million between baseball’s highest and lowest spending teams, arguing that the disparity erodes what he called “hope” among fans in smaller markets before a season even begins. 

“The number from top to bottom in our sport in terms of payroll, the gap is $441 million,” Manfred said. “It defies human experience to ask a fan to think the bottom end of that gap gets the same opportunity to win as the top end. There is no question that everybody in any sport is not going to win once every 30–32 years, depending on how many teams you have. 

“But the data in our sport is stark. Your opportunity to make the playoffs if you are a larger-market team is dramatically higher. And your opportunity to proceed to the subsequent rounds, that advantage grows with each round.”

Meyer argued that if the league is going to make claims about enormous payroll gaps, then club owners must open their books and make their finances available to the public. He said that request has been part of the MLBPA’s proposals.

He also pushed back on comparisons to leagues like the NBA and NFL, where a handful of teams tend to dominate despite salary caps. Meyer noted that NBA and NFL players are still getting squeezed out of more earnings even after agreeing to salary caps.

Two outcomes, Manfred said, would define a healthier system. Small-market fans should have real confidence that homegrown, developed players can be retained through free agency. And there should be a “more robust free-agent market,” so players uninterested in signing with large markets like New York or Los Angeles still have access to competitive contract offers elsewhere.

Pressed on why the league doesn’t simply address the payroll gap by redistributing more revenue among owners, Manfred said revenue sharing alone can’t solve the problem. He pointed to the growing disparity in ownership groups’ personal wealth as a structural issue that revenue sharing can’t fully offset. No sport, he added, has solved competitive-balance problems purely through the mechanics of revenue distribution.

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