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Lionel Messi of the Argentine national football team celebrates after defeating Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium in the United States on July 11 (local time). /AFP, Yonhap News

The semi-final brackets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been finalized, setting the stage for a historic "Falklands Match" between England and Argentina. Coupled with a heavyweight clash between European powerhouses France and Spain, this star-studded final four is expected to keep football fans up through the early morning hours.

England and Argentina secured their spots in the semi-finals after defeating Norway and Switzerland, respectively, in their quarter-final matches on July 11 (local time). Driven by a two-goal performance from Jude Bellingham, England edged out Norway -1 after extra time to return to the semi-finals for the first time in eight years. Meanwhile, Argentina, backed by an assist from Lionel Messi and successive goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez, defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to advance to the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament.

Norway’s underdog run came to an end as their star striker Erling Haaland was held scoreless, concluding their campaign with a historic first-ever quarter-final finish. Switzerland, making its first quarter-final appearance in 72 years since hosting the 1954 tournament, put up a fierce fight but ultimately fell short following the ejection of Breel Embolo, ending their run with a joint-best historical performance.

With these results, the final four has narrowed down to two blockbuster matchups: France versus Spain and England versus Argentina. The remaining contenders boast exceptionally talented rosters, ensuring a true clash of titans fitting for the sport's biggest stage.

France is looking to capture its first title in eight years since the 2018 Russia World Cup, while Spain aims to clear its path to a first championship in 16 years since the 2010 South Africa tournament. Defending champion Argentina faces England as it strives to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). To keep their hopes alive, England must overcome their historic rivals to pursue a second World Cup title, 60 years after their sole victory on home soil in 1966.

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Jude Bellingham of the English national football team opens his arms wide in celebration after scoring during the World Cup quarter-final match against Norway at Miami Stadium in the United States on July 11 (local time). / AFP, Yonhap News

The matchup between England and Argentina is drawing immense attention as a reunion of bitter rivals whose animosity extends far beyond the football pitch into the pages of history. Ever since the two nations went to war in 1982 over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, their World Cup clashes have transformed into emotionally charged battles. Iconic moments—such as Diego Maradona’s infamous "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century," as well as David Beckham’s red card and his subsequent penalty kick redemption—all unfolded within these high-stakes "Falklands Matches." Since the Falklands War, the two sides stand neck-and-neck in their official head-to-head World Cup record with one win, one draw (with Argentina advancing on penalties), and one loss each.

The clash between France and Spain will kick off at 4:00 a.m. on July 15 (KST) at Dallas Stadium in the United States, followed by the showdown between England and Argentina at 4:00 a.m. on July 16 at Atlanta Stadium.

As the titans of Europe and South America lock in the final four, the race for the tournament's top scorer is reaching a fever pitch in the closing stages. Messi and Kylian Mbappé (France) enter the semi-finals deadlocked at the top of the leaderboard with eight goals each. Messi failed to find the net in his latest match, bringing his record-breaking streak of scoring in consecutive World Cup games to a halt at nine. Assessing the defensive strength of their upcoming opponents, Messi appears to hold a slight advantage, though the outcome remains entirely unpredictable. Mbappé will have to puncture a rock-solid Spanish defense that has conceded just one goal across six matches, while Messi aims his sights at an English backline that has allowed six goals in six games. Currently, Mbappé leads Messi in assists three to two, giving the Frenchman the edge for the Golden Boot under tie-breaking rules if they remain tied on goals. England's Bellingham and Harry Kane are also firmly in the hunt, tied for fourth place with six goals apiece, leaving them with a chance to mount a comeback over their remaining two fixtures, which include the finals or the third-place playoff. Both Bellingham and Kane have recorded one assist so far. Meanwhile, Haaland, who had been neck-and-neck with Messi and Mbappé, bows out of the Golden Boot race, concluding his tournament with seven goals.

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Kylian Mbappé of the French national football team runs in celebration after scoring during the World Cup quarter-final match against Morocco at Boston Stadium in the United States on July 9 (local time). / Photo by AFP via Yonhap News

                                                                                                            Lee Jang-won