World Cup 2026 Predictions for Semifinals Bracket Based on Latest Odds

The largest World Cup in history has reached its penultimate stage. What began as a 48-nation field is down to its final four. This week, the final match will be set.

For the first time in history, the top four teams in the FIFA world rankings have reached the semifinals. Top-ranked France, defending World Cup champion Argentina, Spain, and England are still alive with a shot at winning it all.

Here, you'll find previews and predictions based on the latest odds for this week's semifinal matches.

France vs. Spain

Jussi Eskola/Soccrates/Getty Images

Kylian Mbappé of France

Time: Tuesday, July 14 at 3 p.m. ET

Venue: Dallas Stadium

TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One

Money Line: France -148 (bet $148 to win $100), Spain +120 (bet $100 to win $120)

Led by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, France entered the tournament as the top favorite, and Les Bleus have done nothing to suggest they can win it all. Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise have led one of the most lethal attacks we've seen in the entire field, while William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have helped to anchor an underrated backline.

France's ability to run with a legitimate four-player attack while still playing stiff defense could cause serious problems for Spain, which has relied heavily on its defense while fielding a somewhat inconsistent attack.

France has yet to concede a goal in knockout play and has actually allowed few scoring opportunities.

Spain has conceded just a single goal in the entire tournament, and that came on Friday against Belgium. The La Roja defense and star keeper Unai Simón can limit France's offense, even as great as it is. However, Mikel Merino and the Spanish attack could struggle to keep pace in terms of on-target shots.

A bit of good fortune could still allow Spain to pull off the upset. However, the prediction here is that France sees significantly more opportunities and wins a low-scoring match.

Prediction: France 1-0 Spain

England vs. Argentina

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Harry Kane of England

Time: Wednesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. ET

Venue: Atlanta Stadium

TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One

Money Line: England -130, Argentina +106

Wednesday's match will feature two terrific teams and two of the tournament's biggest stars in Harry Kane of England and Lionel Messi of Argentina. As semifinal matches go, it can't get much bigger than this.

For Messi, it'll be a memorable affair.

"Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special," Messi told ESPN Argentina (h/t Alex Young of The Standard). "It's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too."

Messi has been magical throughout the tournament, but the team around him has looked a bit lackluster at times. While La Albiceleste did notch a 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Saturday,it needed extra time and a shorthanded Swiss squad—due to a Breel Embolo red card—to break the stalemate.

England hasn't been perfect either, but the Three Lions are playing with a ton of confidence after beating Mexico at Stadium Azteca—while shorthanded following Jarell Quansah's red card—and surviving against Erling Haaland and Norway.

Expect Kane, Jude Bellingham, and the Three Lions attack to consistently pressure Argentina early and often, while England's physicality and defense put an end to Messi's latest run.

Prediction: England 2-1 Argentina

*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook