World Cup semifinals: Four previous champions, a bitter rivalry, Mbappé vs Yamal and Messi vs Kane

Charlie Riedel/AP. Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after his team's victory over Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 11, 2026.

WLRN Public Media | By Associated Press

ATLANTA — It’s a World Cup semifinal lineup for the ages.

Four previous champions and the four top-ranking teams in the world. Five of the six top scorers, one GOAT and one of the bitterest rivalries in soccer.

Argentina, Spain, France and England went into the tournament as the top four in FIFA’s rankings and are two wins away from being crowned champion of the world again. It’s just too close to call either semifinal matchup: France will play Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday and England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.

This story was originally produced by WLRN, South Florida’s only public radio station at 91.3 FM, as part of a content sharing partnership with MIA Media Group. Read more at WLRN.org

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