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A Legendary Semifinal Round — Spain Dismantle France, Argentina Stun England Late; the Final Is Messi vs Yamal
Two classics closed out the semifinals and set the final. Spain outplayed favorites France 2-0, and Argentina came from 0-1 down to beat England 2-1 through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez — both goals made by Messi. The July 19 final pits defending champions Argentina against Spain, in what is likely Messi's last World Cup final.
Clinch Desk · Wed, Jul 15
The semifinals of the 2026 World Cup ended with two classics, setting up a final between Spain and Argentina. Europe's Spain dismantled favorites France, while South America's defending champions Argentina wrote a dramatic late comeback against England. And at the centre of it all was Lionel Messi, walking towards what may be his final World Cup final.
In the first semifinal on July 14, Spain outclassed France 2-0. In the 22nd minute, Lamine Yamal won a penalty when Lucas Digne fouled him in the box, and Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot. In the 58th, Pedro Porro finished a give-and-go with Dani Olmo, side-footing past Maignan to seal it. With teenager Yamal comprehensively outshining Kylian Mbappé, France produced one of their worst attacking displays in 60 years.
The following day's semifinal was a dramatic turnaround. England edged ahead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute and closed in on the final, but Argentina refused to fold. Enzo Fernández levelled with a long-range strike in the 85th, and in stoppage time (90+2') Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner for a 2-1 comeback. Both goals were made by Lionel Messi. Without scoring himself, Messi dominated the game and dragged Argentina to a second straight final.
That sets the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey: defending champions Argentina against Spain. Messi, the hero of 2022 now playing his last World Cup, faces a Spain side spearheaded by teenage sensation Yamal, with the trophy on the line — a clash of generations, continents and two title narratives. France and England, beaten in the semifinals, meet in the third-place match on July 18.
You can find the final and third-place matchups and kickoff times, plus every match recap, on our bracket (/bracket) and news (/news) pages. Once the tournament ends, we will complete our '2026 World Cup recap' with the champion.