World Cup Final Four Set: France, Spain, England, Argentina
SkimNews Take
Three US host cities in one week—Arlington, Atlanta, New Jersey—means each region absorbs one peak-intensity match before the tournament's center of gravity shifts, concentrating economic and emotional return into narrow geographic windows.
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- France have won all six games at the 2026 World Cup, outscoring opponents 16-something, with Mbappé posting 8 goals and 3 assists to reach 20 World Cup goals in 20 career appearances
- Spain advanced past Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals on an 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament so far
- England reached the semifinals with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in Miami, powered by Jude Bellingham's second two-goal performance of the tournament, giving him six goals overall
- The semifinal matchups are France vs Spain (Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET, Arlington, Texas) and England vs Argentina (Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, Atlanta), with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
- DraftKings odds list France as -155 favorites over Spain (+125), reflecting bookmaker confidence in Mbappé & Co. despite Spain beating France in 2024 and 2025
- 44 teams have been eliminated, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States, plus traditional powers Brazil and Germany, leaving only Argentina, England, France, and Spain
Why it matters: The semifinals pit the tournament's two most complete teams (France, who have won all six games) against a Spanish side that has conceded just one goal and leaned on Mikel Merino's two late off-the-bench winners. On the other side, Bellingham (six goals) carries England against defending champion Argentina, with DraftKings installing France as -155 favorites and the final just two wins away on July 19.
