B/R Staff Predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals

It doesn't get much bigger than this: Spain vs. France, and Argentina vs. England.

Four of the world's biggest soccer-playing nations will duke it out this week for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.

So, who's moving on? The B/R Football writers offer their predictions here.

Spain vs. France

Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

With its unique ability to control the ball high up the field, Spain will test France like no other team at this tournament.

Still, with their elite center-back duo, sturdy midfield pairing and top-tier transition attack, the French will find themselves in the final.

Prediction: Spain 1-2 France

- Joe Lowery

Both teams have boasted lockdown defenses at the tournament, but one has had greater success at finding the net than the other. Because of that, France is my pick.

Prediction: Spain 0-2 France

- Leo Collis

Spain are the best-equipped team left in the tournament to deal with France, but it won't be enough if its attack continues to look slightly undercooked. Didier Deschamps' men have faced all types of opponents and found a way beyond each one. The same will happen again here.

Prediction: Spain 0-1 France

- Nick Akerman

France looks determined to make it back to the final, while Spain has finally started to click offensively. However, Les Bleus look like a well-oiled machine under manager Didier Deschamps and will likely be the favorites here once again.

Prediction: Spain 1-2 France

- Alex Windley

France has looked unstoppable, and while Spain's sturdy defence stands a better chance than anyone Les Bleus have faced so far, it's just impossible to pick against Kylian Mbappé right now.

Prediction: France win 2-1 

- Calum Rogers

Argentina vs. England

Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Jude Bellingham

Neither Argentina nor England have been especially convincing at this tournament. But with their physical advantage in midfield and quickness on the wings, Thomas Tuchel's team will come out on top.

Prediction: Argentina 1-2 England (AET)

- Joe Lowery

A really tough one to call, with both teams getting through to the semifinals despite some stumbles along the way. I see this going all the way to penalties, with England putting their historic spot-kick woes aside to progress to the final.

Prediction: Argentina 2-2 England (England win on penalties)

- Leo Collis

This is a hell of a game between two teams that have been forced to put in the hard yards. England finished the last round looking cumulatively tired after gruelling matches against Norway and Mexico. Argentina will pounce to set up the same final as four years ago.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 England (AET)

- Nick Akerman

It's hard to bet against Lionel Messi, but the Argentina defense does look rather suspect. England, on the flip side, has continued to find ways to win throughout the tournament. It'll be a close one, but ultimately, La Albiceleste will put up a fight to get back to the final.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 England (AET)

- Alex Windley

Both teams have slogged their way through the knockout rounds, but in a tight game that will likely be decided by a moment of magic, Jude Bellingham seems more likely than anyone to send his team to New York.

Prediction: Argentina 0-1 England

- Calum Rogers