Only four teams are left standing in the World Cup, and for the first time ever, it's FIFA's top four squads squaring off in the semifinals. Reigning world champions Argentina, alongside England, France, and Spain, are battling it out, all dreaming of lifting that trophy in New Jersey on July 19. The intensity is already off the charts, and we're about to see some legendary matchups.
The "Final Before The Final" Is Already Here
France's march to the semifinals has been nothing short of dominant. They’ve won all six of their games, looking relatively trouble-free, and they’ve earned the attention of everyone watching. Former France star Frank Leboeuf isn't holding back, calling their upcoming clash against Spain the "final before the final." You know what? He might be right. This is going to be an absolute fireworks show, with two titans going head to head. That France versus Spain game on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas, is going to be epic. Get ready for some serious football.England's Grit Meets Argentina's Magic
On the other side of the bracket, we've got a match loaded with history and massive stakes. Argentina, led by Messi who's already praising his "not normal" team, has found another gear. It wasn't just Messi carrying them through either; the magic from Álvarez saw Argentina into the semifinals. Across from them are England, a team that has shown incredible grit to overcome adversity in this tournament, and that resolve has them believing they can go all the way. The odds are clearly seeing it too, as England has moved to third on the oddsboard. Given the legendary, and sometimes controversial, moments between these two nations like the Hand of God and Beckham versus Simeone, this match is going to be absolutely explosive.The Path to Glory Is Clear
As these four powerhouses prepare to write the next chapter in World Cup history, we can't forget the 44 teams that have already fallen by the wayside. Heavyweights like co-hosts Canada, Mexico, the United States, and traditional giants Brazil and Germany are all out. Even Norway, whose boss fumed about a "clear" TV wire goal assist and whose captain Haaland Sr. felt they were "robbed" in the quarterfinals, still earned an A- grade for their efforts and cemented themselves as superstars. Now, the stage is set, the tension is palpable, and two of these four giants will punch their ticket to the final on July 19. Who's making it? I can barely wait to find out.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.