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España jugará de blanco las semifinales
Argentina, Spain, France, England: A World Cup Semifinal Round Like No Other
A historic World Cup semifinal round is officially set.For the first time since FIFA introduced its world rankings in 1992, each of the top four ranked teams entering the tournament have reached the semifinals. Argentina (No. 1), Spain (No. 2), France (No. 3), and England (No. 4) were the highest ranked teams in the world before the opening match, and each nation has lived up to those expectations.France and Spain will square off on July 14 in Arlington, while England and Argentina meet the following day in Atlanta. The winners of each match will meet in the final on July 19 in East Rutherford. The semifinal field has also been just as remarkable from a betting standpoint. Before the tournament, Spain (+450), France (+450), England (+700), and Argentina (+900) all ranked among the five favorites to lift the trophy. The only pre-tournament top-five betting favorite not to reach the semifinals was Portugal (+700), making this one of the chalkiest final fours the World Cup has ever seen. Since 1994, this is the first World Cup in which all four semifinalists were below +1000 on the oddsboard before the tournament began. Below, we broke down all of the semifinalists back to the 1994 edition, as that was the first World Cup in which rankings were used. We additionally provided context on just how historic each of the 2026 semifinalists' runs have been. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. World Cup Semifinalists Since 1994 2022 Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2018: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2026 Argentina (1) 2014: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2010: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2026 Spain (2) 2006: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2002: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2026 France (3) 1998: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 1994: Pre-Tournament Favorites Actual Semifinalists 2026 England (4) truewildgame.online
El día que Fermín superó a la Francia de Olise y Doué en los JJOO de París
Spain vs. France Combined XI: Mbappé, Yamal Lead Star-Studded Team
Spain will take on France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, as both teams battle for a spot in the World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Both teams are powerhouses, both teams are star-studded, and both teams are absolutely thrilling to watch with rich histories playing each other. And with so much talent on each roster, you could build a truly exceptional starting lineup, so we did. Below is our combined best XI for Spain vs. France ahead of their World Cup semifinal match on Tuesday. Formation: 4-2-3-1 Goalkeeper Both goalkeepers have had strong tournaments. Maignan has only conceded two goals, while Simón had not conceded until Belgium scored in the quarterfinals. Simón has been excellent for Spain, but Maignan gets the slight nod as the better all-around goalkeeper. Verdict: Mike Maignan, France Right Back Pedro Porro has come onto the scene in his first major international tournament for Spain, providing real value in attack from the right-back position, including a goal against Austria. But Koundé gives you more stability as a polished defender and converted center back, while still having the capability to join the attack and provide value going forward. Verdict: Jules Koundé Right Center Back Both Pau Cubarsí and Dayot Upamecano are great center backs, and this is a very tight battle between the two. Upamecano has the athletic advantage, while Cubarsí provides more ability to play with the ball at his feet. Upamecano can be an accident waiting to happen at times, but in this tournament, he has hardly put a foot wrong. At his best, he is easily one of the best defenders in the world. Verdict: Dayot Upamecano Left Center Back The Premier League-winning Saliba wins this battle over Aymeric Laporte, who is having a strong tournament and has been a veteran leader alongside the young Cubarsí at the back. Despite Spain’s excellent defensive record, Saliba and Upamecano complete the clean sweep over the Spanish center backs. Verdict: William Saliba Left Back It has been a remarkable comeback story for Lucas Digne, starting at this World Cup after his last World Cup for France came in 2014. He has returned and has not been bad, but if there is a weakness in this France team, it is at left back. Cucurella continues to show in this tournament why he is one of the best left backs in the world, and he is now a Real Madrid player after completing his move from Chelsea. Verdict: Marc Cucurella Right Central Midfielder This is another tight battle, with both players widely recognized as world-class players at their position and important to their national teams. But the slight nod goes to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is showing signs of his pre-ACL-injured self at this World Cup. He has been Spain’s composer throughout the tournament, just as he was for Spain at Euro 2024. Verdict: Rodri Left Central Midfielder On paper, this might seem like no conversation, but Rabiot has not laid a foot wrong in this tournament. He has done all the dirty work for France in midfield with his work rate, cleaning up scraps and allowing Michael Olise to roam around and pick up different pockets without having to worry as much about the defensive side. But Pedri is an incredible player on a technical level and gets the nod. Verdict: Pedri Right Winger Both are young star players who will be stars for many years to come. Doué has been important for this France team, splitting time with Bradley Barcola and making an impact off the bench, including winning the penalty that won France the game against Paraguay in the round of 16. But Lamine Yamal is already one of the best players in the world, even at 18 years old. Verdict: Lamine Yamal Central Attacking Midfielder Michael Olise is having as dominant of a tournament as you can possibly have without scoring a goal up to this point. Olise has completely bossed games from the No. 10 position, creating countless opportunities for the front three ahead of him. He already has five assists, which is only one away from tying Pelé’s all-time record at a single World Cup. Every time Olise gets on the ball, magic happens for this France team. Dani Olmo is a pivotal part of this Spanish side, with his intricate line-breaking passing and ability to make late runs into the box and cause havoc. But Olise can make a real case for the Golden Ball at this World Cup. Verdict: Michael Olise Left Winger Despite Yamal playing on the left-hand side, where Dembélé traditionally plays, Dembélé still finds a way into this team. The Ballon d’Or winner was a pivotal piece in a PSG side that won back-to-back Champions League titles, and he is now having his best international tournament ever. He has scored five goals, which in many past international tournaments would put a player firmly in the Golden Boot race. But this tournament has been an anomaly, with three players scoring at least seven goals. Álex Baena has been solid for Spain, but Dembélé is playing at a different level. Verdict: Ousmane Dembélé Striker Mikel Oyarzabal is an underrated piece of this Spanish side. He is not a typical No. 9, but more of a forward who floats around and picks up different pockets. When he does get a crack at goal, he is a very efficient finisher, and he has four goals at this World Cup. But Kylian Mbappé has eight goals and is widely recognized as one of the best players in the world. His total World Cup goal tally has now reached 20, despite being only 27 years old. Verdict: Kylian Mbappé Final Combined XI For France And Spain GK: Mike MaignanRB: Jules KoundéCB: Dayot UpamecanoCB: William SalibaLB: Marc CucurellaCM: RodriCM: PedriRW: Lamine YamalCAM: Michael OliseLW: Ousmane DembéléST: Kylian Mbappé