The World Cup 2026 last four is set — France vs Spain and England vs Argentina. Here’s the bracket, the road to the final, and what the bookies think.
Sunday is a rest day in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but there’s no shortage of talking points. The quarter-finals wrapped up on Friday night, and the World Cup 2026 semi-final bracket is now complete. Four teams remain, and Nigerian fans have two huge nights of football to look forward to this week.
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the last African team’s final appearance at this World Cup, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the scoresheet. Spain edged Belgium 2-1 courtesy of a late Mikel Merino winner. England needed extra time to see off Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. And Argentina also required extra time, with Julián Álvarez settling things against Switzerland in the 112th minute.
That leaves defending champions Argentina, along with France, Spain and England, fighting for a place in the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Semi-Final One: France vs Spain
Tuesday, 14 July — 8:00pm WAT — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Semi-Final Two: England vs Argentina
Wednesday, 15 July — 8:00pm WAT — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
The winners meet in the final on Sunday, 19 July. The two losing semi-finalists play the third-place match on Saturday, 18 July.
Spain arrive as the tournament’s most complete side. They have not conceded a single goal through five matches, and Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal have shared the goal-scoring load up front while Rodri continues to control games from midfield. Bet9ja have Spain as the narrow favourites at 2.10 to win the semi-final, with SportyBet slightly shorter at 2.05.
France have needed late goals to get out of tighter spots, but Mbappé remains the most dangerous individual left in the competition. He has scored in four of his last five World Cup appearances and will fancy his chances against a Spanish back line that, while excellent, hasn’t faced a runner with his pace all tournament. France are priced around 3.40 to reach the final.
Argentina have looked the sturdier of the two sides throughout the knockout rounds. Lionel Messi has scored in every knockout match so far and sits on eight goals for the tournament, level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland at the top of the Golden Boot race. Bet9ja price Argentina at 2.20 to win, with SportyBet slightly shorter at 2.15.
England have the firepower to trouble anyone, with Bellingham and Harry Kane both in form, but their defence has been leaky — they’ve conceded in three of their last four matches. England are out around 3.20.
For punters looking further ahead, most Nigerian bookmakers are already pricing outright winner markets. Argentina remain among the shortest-priced teams to lift the trophy given their knockout pedigree, with Spain close behind on the back of their unbeaten defensive record. France and England are viewed as slightly bigger outsiders at this stage, largely down to the tougher route both have needed to survive so far.
Before placing anything on the semi-finals, it’s worth comparing markets across Bet9ja, SportyBet and BetKing — odds on outright and match-result markets can shift noticeably once team news lands closer to kick-off. Check our best betting sites in Nigeria guide for a full rundown of where to get the sharpest lines.
With Morocco’s exit in the quarter-finals, this is now the first World Cup semi-final round since 1994 without a single African nation involved at any stage of the last four. It’s a blow after Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and DR Congo all flew the flag through the group stage and beyond, but the football on offer over the next week is still some of the best the tournament has produced — four genuine title contenders, no easy games left.
For the latest team news, injury updates and confirmed line-ups ahead of Tuesday and Wednesday, FIFA’s official match centre is the most reliable source. We’ll have full previews, tips and accumulator picks for both semi-finals landing on the site before kick-off.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
⚡ Back today’s picks: 22Bet — 100% up to ₦207,500. Read our 22Bet review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
