2026 World Cup semi final predictions as Yamal and Bellingham aim to stop Messi-Mbappe repeat
The semi-finals of the World Cup begin on Tuesday, two mouths will compete to decide who will participate in the 2026 final in New York/New Jersey on Sunday.
A repeat of the dramatic 2022 final between Argentina and France is still possible, with England and Spain the two teams standing between the last two winners of the world cup and a repeat of their Qatar epic.
Ahead of the meeting between neighbors France and Spain in Texas, 101GreatGoals predicts the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
France v Spain
Tournament favorites France have yet to be tested as they head into the last four. Having not conceded a goal in the knockout stages, their defense was given an easy chance with wins over Paraguay and Morocco where passive opposition provided little serious threat.
Spain are expected to provide a stern test for Les Blues’ backline despite not being satisfied with reaching this stage.
The European champions beat France in last June’s Nations League 5-4 in a classic that marked their second consecutive victory over Didier Deschamps’ side. Spain also defeated France 2-1 in the semi finals of Euro 2024.
A repeat of the Nations League thriller is unlikely, but both sides have the attacking talent to make this a semi-final that will live long in the memory.
The big question for Spain is whether Lamine Yamal will rise to the occasion. He scored a stunning goal against France at this stage of the Euros and was on the scoresheet twice in the Nations League, but is yet to find the net in the competition.
History suggests Yamal will get his best, but, with Frenchman Kylian Mbappe in stunning form and Spain showing defensive vulnerability against Belgium, Deschamps can hope his side can get revenge and reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
Prediction: France 3-2 Spain
England v Argentina
Defending world champions Argentina made an unexpected comeback to reach the semi-finals. La Albiceleste were pushed to extra time by Cape Verde and Switzerland, those 120-minute games coming either side of the last 16 match against Egypt where Lionel Scaloni’s men came from 2-0 down late on to win 3-2.
Their reward is Lionel Messi’s first meeting with England, with Argentina facing their fiercest non-South American rival for the first time since the Three Lions won a memorable 3-2 friendly in 2005.
England were a long way from Norway and continue to struggle with problems at right-back and concerns over the fitness of midfielder Declan Rice.
However, in Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel has a player who competes with Messi and Mbappe for the Golden Ball. A decisive blow against Argentina will cement his place as an England legend.
After playing in the sweltering heat in Miami, England will be happy to return to the air-conditioned areas of Atlanta. England have a few more miles in their legs and, with Bellingham and Harry Kane each in excellent form, they have enough to ensure Argentina’s luck runs out, though.
Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina (England win on penalties)
