World Cup Predictions 2026, Projecting Final Before Semifinals Bracket

This year, soccer fans have been treated to one of the most memorable World Cups in recent history. The tournament began with a record 48-team field, is now down to just four teams, and has featured plenty of twists and turns along the way.

We've had underdog surprises like Cabo Verde, superstar performances from the likes of Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, and stunning finishes in almost every round.

Two matches were decided in extra time in the quarterfinals alone.

Now, France, Spain, Argentina, and England are set to battle for a spot in Sunday's final. Before the semifinals get underway, let's make some predictions about who will make the final match.

France vs. Spain

Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe 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 +128 (bet $100 to win $128)

France was the pre-tournament favorite and at +140 to win it all, Les Bleus are also the favorites out of the remaining field. Led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise, the French have showcased arguably the most dynamic attack in the entire tournament.

No team has figured out a solution for stopping France's offense to this point, but if there's a team equipped to do it, it's Spain. If France has boasted the best offense in the entire tournament, La Roja has unquestionably fielded its best defense.

With a dominant backline and a truly remarkable keeper in Unai Simón, Spain has conceded just a single goal in this year's World Cup. Tuesday's matchup, therefore, might be the stylistic clash of the entire tournament.

However, even the Spanish defense will have a difficult time matching the offensive creativity and explosiveness of the French attack. While La Roja can give itself a chance to win by good defense and its passing-oriented ball control, actually besting Les Bleus will require more than that.

The Spanish will have to create opportunities for Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal in order to pressure France early. It can be done, as Spain has won its last two meetings against France. However, the prediction here is that Mbappé and Co. become too difficult to pace.

Prediction: France 1-0 Spain

England vs. Argentina

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Jude Bellingham 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 -128, Argentina +108

Wednesday's match between England and Argentina won't quite feature the strength-versus-strength dynamic of France's offense and Spain's defense. However, it should be a terrific battle between two fairly complete squads.

Defending-champion Argentina hasn't looked sharp for the entirety of the tournament and has often relied on the brilliance of Messi to break through. However, La Albiceleste seemed to find something late in Saturday's 3-1 win over Switzerland.

Though, to be fair, two of Argentina's goals came in extra time against an undermanned Swiss squad.

England has looked like the more complete team during the knockout stage while surviving brutal matchups against Mexico and Norway. Led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, the English attack has also started to find its rhythm.

Though England and Argentina have a historic rivalry, it's been more than 20 years since the two faced off.

"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."

England won the last two matches between these nations, and while these are obviously two very different teams from the ones that met in 2005, the prediction here is that the Three Lions follow history with a win.

Prediction: England 2-1 Argentina

*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook