France remain outright favourites for World Cup glory but now face a titanic semi-final against Spain , with the 2026 world champions expected to emerge from the winner of that tie. The other last-four clash pits England against holders Argentina for a place in Sunday’s showpiece in New York .
Here we take a look at the four nations still standing heading into the last week of the tournament.
France
France @ 7/5
France have looked likely champions elect from the outset in North America, producing a series of hugely impressive performances as they chase a third successive World Cup final appearance . Boasting a formidable attack including Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise , a miserly defence that has only conceded two goals, and a plethora of options in a talent-packed squad, boss Didier Deschamps is on course to leave Les Bleus as a three-time world champion.
However, critics will point out that Morocco are the only nation France have faced who are in the current top 17 of the world rankings, and reigning European champions Spain will pose an altogether different challenge.
Spain
Spain @ 10/3
Ominously for the other three semi-finalists, Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign has been eerily similar to their triumphant 2010 one. In South Africa, La Roja suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Switzerland in their opening match before going on to win six successive matches, conceding just one goal in the process, as they were crowned world champions for the first time.
This summer, the reigning European champions - as they were in 2010 - started off with a shock goalless draw against Cape Verde but have now progressed to the semi-finals on the back of five successive wins , during which they have kept four clean sheets . That watertight defence combined with the magical talents of Lamine Yamal , understated goal threat of Mikel Oyarzabal and supersub heroics of Mikel Merino means Spain will be feeling pretty confident about their chances of winning a second World Cup.
England
England @ 7/2
England’s World Cup performances have been arguably the least convincing of the four semi-finalists, largely relying on workmanlike displays and the individual magic of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to overcome opponents. Thomas Tuchel will be demanding much more from his troops as England prepare to face old foes Argentina in the last four, and it feels like the Three Lions have yet to scratch the surface of their potential.
Fitness issues surrounding a host of key players has undoubtedly hampered England’s cause and much could depend on how the likes of Declan Rice , John Stones and Bukayo Saka fare in the last week of the World Cup.
Argentina
Argentina @ 7/2
Argentina are seeking to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups but, like England, they have not had the smoothest of passages to the last four. They cruised through the group stage with a 100% record but then needed extra time to see off minnows Cape Verde 3-2 in the last 32, before staging a stunning late fightback to beat Egypt by the same scoreline in the last 16. The holders also needed extra time to see off 10-man Switzerland in the quarter-finals and while Lionel Scaloni ’s men are definitely battle-hardened, they look far from unbeatable .
However, they still have talisman Lionel Messi at close to the peak of his considerable powers, with the record-breaking veteran having struck almost half of Argentina’s 17 goals in these finals.
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