France Top Attack, Spain Best Defense Among Final Four
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- France lead the semi-finalists in attacking metrics, posting the most goals per game, joint-most shots (110), and the highest Expected Goals per 90 minutes among the final four.
- Spain are the least clinical of the four, scoring just 11 goals on 110 shots compared to France's 16, but are the most solid defensively having conceded their first goal only in the quarter-final against Belgium.
- Argentina have scored the most goals (17) and are the most clinical at 18% conversion, but Messi has threaded 15 through balls — more than any other player at the tournament — while his teammates rarely attempt dribbles.
- England have been the least creative side but compensate as the tournament's most dangerous crossers (one in four open-play crosses finds a teammate), scoring the joint-most headed goals (four) from a tournament-high 24 headed shots.
- Argentina have the worst aerial duel success rate of the final four, while England have the best 50-50 success rate — a direct mismatch ahead of their semi-final.
- Spain are the hardest-working semi-finalist, leading in distance covered, sprints, and high pressing, while also boasting 66% possession — the highest of any side at the tournament — and joint-best passing accuracy (90.4%) alongside Argentina.
Why it matters: The stats point to where each semi-final will likely be decided: France's firepower meets Spain's best-in-tournament defense, while Argentina's worst aerial duel record is a direct invitation for England's cross-heavy attack — a tactical mismatch the numbers make obvious.
