World Cup semi-finalists: Who will lift the trophy?

The World Cup has reached its decisive stage, with four teams remaining in contention for the title. France, Spain, Argentina and England will compete in the semi-finals, with the final set for Sunday in New York. BBC Sport has gathered insights from journalists and fans from each country to assess the chances of each team.

Spain: The tactical favorites

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Spain have the best team in the tournament, but acknowledges the challenges ahead. "Spain - the best team. France - the best player and the most frightening attack. Argentina - the best idea: doing more with less than anyone else. England - two world-class players on form," Balague said. He emphasized that Spain must play a perfect game to beat France, particularly by neutralizing their counter-attacks and being more efficient in front of goal. "If Spain take the ball off France and stop their counters – plus if they are more efficient than they have been – they have a very good chance of making it to the final. But they have to play the perfect game, with the perfect (or a very good) Lamine Yamal."

Balague also expressed a personal wish for an England victory. "A final of Spain v England would be incredible. And in a way a win-win for me, but I would like England to win a World Cup soon. This could be the summer."

Spanish fans in the United States shared mixed views. Lionel said: "France will be tough but I think we can beat them and, if we do, we have a strong chance. We are strong in attack and strong in defence. The only downside is Pedri hasn't played at this top level yet." Jack noted: "Argentina are looking strong but England can't be ruled out. They have Harry Kane, who is one of the most difficult strikers in the world." Michel was confident: "Spain will win the tournament, I have no doubt. No one is giving us a chance against France but we will control the match and beat them. The winners of that game will win the tournament."

France: The attacking powerhouse

BBC Sports chief football writer Phil McNulty sees France as the overwhelming favorite. "I would love to be able to say England, but the evidence of what we have seen so far in this World Cup tells me France will make up for losing to Argentina in Qatar in 2022 by lifting the trophy this time," McNulty said. He predicts England will reach the final by beating Argentina, but doubts they can overcome France's attacking depth. "It is very hard to see past France's sheer attacking brilliance, with Kylian Mbappe on a mission and others such as Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue backing him up. This is before we even get to Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki, who were on the bench when Morocco were beaten in the quarter-final." McNulty envisions an England v France final, with Didier Deschamps winning the World Cup in his farewell. "My predictions have been known to be wrong before so there is plenty of hope for Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel and his players."

England: Hope and uncertainty

England fans in the United States expressed a mix of optimism and caution. Paul said: "It's coming home. Seriously. Why not? We know England haven't played brilliantly but we have Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane and I think that will be enough. I can't see Argentina stopping us and then a final against France or Spain is 50/50." Dean was more cautious: "I would love to be so confident, but I'm struggling. We looked like we were struggling with injury and fitness in the game against Norway and it is all taking its toll at the moment. I can just see Lionel Messi spoiling our party." Kane was blunt: "France are going to win the World Cup. The rest of us are also-rans. Will England beat Argentina? It's touch and go but they won't beat France."

Argentina: Defending champions

Argentina aim to become only the third team to successfully defend the World Cup, following Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). Balague noted their strategy: "Argentina will try to make the game against England uneventful, and then wait for a moment of brilliance from Lionel Messi or Julian Alvarez. But they have been playing with fire." The defending champions have shown resilience but face a tough semifinal against England.