World Cup semi-finals: Stars ready for defining matches

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its defining phase, with the semi-finals set to feature four nations that have previously lifted the trophy and currently occupy the top four positions in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking. The tournament, widely dubbed the 'World Cup of superstars', has seen the biggest names take centre stage in North America this summer.

Star-studded semi-final line-up

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele's France will face Lamine Yamal and Rodri's Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, 14 July. The following day, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham's England will take on Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi's Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. These players carry the hopes of four nations on their shoulders.

Messi and Alvarez lead Argentina

Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, continues to discover new emotions in his storied World Cup career. The Argentina captain is set to face England for the first time. 'It'll be a special match because I've never played against England,' Messi said. 'They're also a great team, one of the world's powerhouses, and it's always wonderful to play against sides like that. It's an encounter that promises to be huge, even more so in a World Cup semi-final.'

Alongside him, Julian Alvarez appears to be peaking at the right time. After scoring a long-range goal in extra time to help Argentina defeat Switzerland in the quarter-finals, the striker expressed his excitement. 'Scoring that goal was important,' he said. 'I've got better as the World Cup has gone on and I hope to be even better in the semi-finals. What matters most is the team winning, but as a striker, I want to help by finding the net. It makes me feel really emotional. I can only imagine what it must've been like back home.'

England's Kane and Bellingham seek legacy

England have advanced through hard-fought contests, handling intense pressure until the final whistle. Harry Kane believes winning the World Cup is the final piece needed to turn the Three Lions' recent tournament runs into a lasting legacy. 'This is an extremely successful period for our national team,' Kane explained. 'We want to take that final step. We've been together for six weeks now, giving everything for this badge every single day.'

Jude Bellingham has been one of England's standout performers en route to the semi-finals. 'This is probably a bit beyond [my wildest dreams],' he said. 'I'm a confident boy, but I don't think you go to bed at night dreaming about games like that. It's nice to have an impact and help my team, but I'm just so proud of how the lads keep battling regardless of what situation we find ourselves in.'

France's Mbappe and Dembele eye invincibility

France are considered by many as the team to beat, but Kylian Mbappe refuses to believe the job is done. 'I don't know if I'd call it a 'mission', but we all know we can only relax if we win it,' he said. 'We can't let our guard down until then. We still have a lot to prove if we want to be recognised as an 'invincible team'.'

Ousmane Dembele struck a more measured tone. He has reached his third World Cup semi-final, feeling his development has gone hand in hand with France's progress. 'I'm very happy,' he revealed, continuing to prioritise the team over personal acclaim.