World Cup Predictions 2026, Projecting Final Bracket Matchup Before Semifinal Game 2

The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is only days away, and Spain has already punched its ticket for the championship bout.

La Roja entered Tuesday's match as an underdog against Kylian Mbappé and the explosive French attack. However, a brilliant performance from keeper Unai Simón and the Spanish defense—along with critical goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro—gave Spain the decisive 2-1 victory.

Spain is now in the World Cup final for the first time since its 2010 championship run.

On Wednesday, we'll find out which nation will earn the remaining spot in the final and which will join France in Saturday's third-place game. Will defending-champion Argentina advance, or will England reach the final for the first time since 1966?

Here, you'll find a preview and prediction for the last semifinal game, along with scheduling information for the rest of the tournament.

Remaining World Cup TV Schedule

Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Semifinal Match 2

Who: England vs. Argentina

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

Venue: Atlanta Stadium

Third-Place Match

Who: France vs. TBD

Time: Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m. ET

Venue: Miami Stadium

2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Who: Spain vs. TBD

Time: Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET

Venue: New York/New Jersey Stadium

TV and Live Stream for Remaining Games: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One

England vs. Argentina

Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane of England celebrating victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026

Money Line: England -124 (bet $124 to win $100, Argentina +106 (bet $100 to win $106)

Over/Under 3.5 Goals: Under -430, Over +320

To Win World Cup Final: England +290, Argentina +370

Successfully defending a World Cup title is exceptionally difficult, something France proved last tournament during its loss to Argentina in the final. Now, Argentina is the defending champ, looking to accomplish a feat that has only occurred twice.

Brazil (1958, 1962) and Italy (1934, 1938) are the only nations that have successfully repeated.

"It's not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four, playing in another semifinal," Argentina superstar Lionel Messi told ESPN Argentina. "…It's not normal, that's why we have to enjoy it so much."

La Albiceleste has given itself a chance to return to the final, thanks in no small part to another fantastic tournament run by Messi. While Messi was relatively quiet in Saturday's win over Switzerland, he's in the hunt for the Golden Boot with eight goals and one assist.

However, Argentina's attack hasn't relied on Messi alone. Entering the semifinal round, La Albiceleste was the World Cup's top scoring team with 17 goals. While Argentina's attack might not be as creative or as explosive as the lauded French offense—led by the quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise—it has done an excellent job of getting multiple players involved and generating opportunities.

Eight different players have scored for Argentina in this year's tournament. That spread of opportunities could be a real problem for English keeper Jordan Pickford and a backline that has been wildly inconsistent.

However, the Three Lions seemed to find something defensively in their last two matches. They survived Mexico in a 3-2 contest after losing Jarell Quansah to a red card, and they managed to corral Erling Haaland in a 2-1 win over Switzerland.

England's offense, while not as diverse as Argentina's, is also well-suited for this matchup. England's 13 goals have been scored by just three players, but Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane (six apiece) are explosive threats who will challenge an Argentina defense that has been leaky during the knockout stage.

The prediction here is that England uses its physicality, speed, and pace to get out to an early lead. While Argentina is no stranger to playing from behind—it overcame a late 2-0 deficit to survive against Egypt—the Three Lions will do just enough to prevent the comeback.

Prediction: England 3-2 Argentina

*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook