World Cup Semi-Finals Begin: France Face Spain, Argentina to Wear Blue Against England

Dragon Media News Desk

The semi-final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Tuesday, with France facing Spain in the first match and defending champions Argentina taking on England in the second.

France and Spain will meet on July 14 at Dallas Stadium, while Argentina and England will face each other on July 15 at Atlanta Stadium.

All four semi-finalists are former world champions. France lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2018, Argentina in 1978, 1986 and 2022, Spain in 2010, and England in 1966.

France and Spain Prepare for Midfield Battle

The first semi-final is expected to feature a tactical contest between France’s pace-driven attacking style and Spain’s possession-based football and high pressing.

France reached the last four after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, while Spain secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium.

Neither side has fallen behind at any stage of the tournament, underlining their defensive discipline and ability to control matches.

French coach Didier Deschamps has indicated that his team will not simply sit deep and allow Spain to dominate possession. He believes control of midfield could determine the outcome of the match.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the previous two matches because of a muscle problem, has returned to the squad. Although he may not yet be fully fit, he is expected to be available for the semi-final.

Kylian Mbappe has also been managing a minor problem below his knee but is expected to play. With eight goals, he is level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

Spain’s attack will again feature 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, while Mikel Merino has emerged as one of the team’s most influential players after scoring decisive goals in the previous two knockout matches.

Spain defeated France at Euro 2024 and again in the 2025 Nations League semi-finals, although Deschamps has insisted that previous results will have little influence on the World Cup meeting.

France are seeking to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat previously achieved only by Brazil and Germany. Spain are attempting to return to the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010.

Argentina to Revive Historic Blue Kit Against England

Argentina will wear their dark blue away kit instead of their traditional sky-blue and white shirt in the second semi-final against England.

FIFA approved Argentina’s request to use the kit, which carries strong historical associations for supporters. England will play in an all-white strip.

Argentina wore blue when they defeated England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s two famous goals.

They also wore blue during their 1998 knockout-stage meeting with England. That match ended 2-2 after extra time before Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-3.

By contrast, Argentina wore their traditional home colours when they lost to England in the 1966 and 2002 World Cups.

The historical symbolism has generated excitement among Argentine supporters, although the outcome will ultimately depend on how the defending champions deal with England’s physical strength, midfield intensity and depth on the bench.

Rice Expected to Recover, Konsa Under Observation

England midfielder Declan Rice is expected to recover from illness in time to start against Argentina.

Rice spent several days resting before playing only the first half of England’s quarter-final victory over Norway. His condition has reportedly improved, and he is likely to partner Elliot Anderson in midfield.

Defender Ezri Konsa remains under observation after suffering muscle cramps against Norway. Reece James and Bukayo Saka are also among the players who could return to the starting line-up.

England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to send the team into its first World Cup semi-final since 2018.

Argentina also came through a demanding quarter-final, defeating Switzerland 3-2 after extra time.

Both sides have therefore reached the last four after physically exhausting knockout matches.

Messi to Face England at a World Cup for the First Time

Lionel Messi is set to face England at a World Cup for the first time in his international career.

The semi-final will also mark the first World Cup meeting between Argentina and England since 2002.

Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament and is level with Mbappe in the Golden Boot race. He is attempting to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title.

Should Argentina retain the trophy, they would become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

England, meanwhile, are seeking their second world title and their first in 60 years.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has warned that England cannot focus solely on Messi, stressing that Argentina possess quality throughout the team.

The match will be officiated by American referee Ismail Elfath.

Final Scheduled for July 19

The winners of the two semi-finals will meet in the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The two losing semi-finalists will play for third place on July 18 in Miami Gardens.

With all four remaining teams former champions, this year’s semi-final line-up combines experience, emerging talent, tactical contrast and historic rivalry.

France against Spain will test contrasting approaches to possession and midfield control, while Argentina against England will revive one of international football’s most famous rivalries, with Messi’s presence and Argentina’s historic blue kit adding further significance to the occasion.