Argentina and Spain set up 2026 World Cup final after semifinal wins

Argentina and Spain will meet in the 2026 World Cup final after contrasting semifinal wins, Al Jazeera reported. The matchup matters because it pairs the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions with the current European champions.

Al Jazeera said the final will be the first all-Spanish-speaking title match since the inaugural World Cup in 1930. The tournament has reached its last game after 102 matches across five weeks.

Spain punish France early

Spain beat France 2-0 in Dallas, with Al Jazeera reporting that the decisive early moment came when Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot kick in the 22nd minute, one day after Yamal turned 19.

Al Jazeera credited Spain’s midfield, led by Dani Olmo, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, with taking control of the match. Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro limited France on the flanks, while Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte were left mainly to deal with Kylian Mbappe.

Unai Simon also played an active role off his line, according to Al Jazeera, including interventions against Mbappe and Desire Doue. Porro scored Spain’s second goal in the 58th minute, after which Spain used possession to close down the game.

Al Jazeera reported that Spain have grown stronger since a 0-0 opening draw with Cape Verde, with Olmo’s addition to the midfield a key factor. The report noted that Luis de la Fuente had also initially kept Olmo out of Spain’s starting team during their 2024 European Championship run before Olmo became decisive.

France face a change after the playoff

Didier Deschamps’ 186th match in charge of France ended with a semifinal defeat, Al Jazeera reported. Deschamps will still lead France in the third-place game before Zinedine Zidane takes over, according to the report.

Al Jazeera said Deschamps questioned the standard of referee Ivan Barton after the match. The report also pointed to France’s midfield problems after Adrien Rabiot was booked, Aurelien Tchouameni appeared short of full speed following a thigh injury, and William Saliba left in the first half with a back issue.

France’s attack also struggled, according to Al Jazeera. Michael Olise dropped deep to avoid Rodri but had limited influence, Rayan Cherki entered too late to alter the match, Bradley Barcola could not get past Porro, and Doue shot at Simon when the goalkeeper was far from goal.

Messi sets up Argentina’s comeback

Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta after falling behind, Al Jazeera reported. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute after trying from distance several times rather than looking first for Lionel Messi.

Messi assisted Fernandez from the right, prompting England to send extra defenders toward him late in the match, according to Al Jazeera. Messi then crossed right-footed for Lautaro Martinez to score the winner during a finish that included 12 minutes of stoppage time.

Al Jazeera reported that Messi has now recorded a goal or assist in 11 straight World Cup matches dating to 2022, extending the longest such run in at least 60 years. The report said Argentina had appeared heavily reliant on Messi earlier in the tournament, when he had eight goals through the first five matches.

Martinez and Giuliano Simeone were emotional after the win, Al Jazeera reported. Martinez said he had dreamed of scoring “this goal” since his father bought him his first pair of shoes, while Simeone said he was surprised to learn he would start in only his second World Cup appearance.

England’s defensive shift fails

Al Jazeera reported that England manager Thomas Tuchel moved to a five-man back line in the 72nd minute, after a water break. The approach had worked against Mexico and Norway, but Argentina broke through late.

The report said England lost much of their counterattacking outlet when Anthony Gordon came off, allowing Argentina to push forward for the final half hour, including added time. Al Jazeera also noted that Tuchel faced questions over not using Marcus Rashford earlier and not using Bukayo Saka at all.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.