World Cup 2026 semifinals: Four former champions battle for glory
Four former World Cup champions—France, Spain, Argentina, and England—have advanced to the semifinals after 100 matches. The lineup features the four top-ranked teams in the world, setting up a clash of heavyweights. France faces Spain, while England takes on Argentina, with star power including Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane. Mbappé has been cleared to play despite an ankle concern, as confirmed by coach Didier Deschamps. Expert predictions and player rankings highlight the tight margins between the teams. The semifinals also revive a bitter rivalry and offer a generational duel between Mbappé and 18-year-old Yamal, alongside Messi’s quest for another title versus Kane’s England.
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Is Kylian Mbappe carrying an injury? Didier Deschamps delivers update on France captain ahead of World Cup semi-final tie vs Spain
Didier Deschamps has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is fit to face Spain in France's World Cup semi-final despite concerns over an ankle problem. The France captain trained separately for part of Monday's ...
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