The World Cup semi-finals delivered two dramatic encounters as Spain, France, Argentina, and England fought for a place in the final.
Both matches had everything expected from the biggest stage in football — intensity, quality, pressure, and moments of individual brilliance. With so much at stake, the world’s best players were called upon to deliver, and several stepped up when their teams needed them most.
Spain secured their place in the final with a confident 2–0 victory over France. They dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and showed great discipline without the ball to keep France’s dangerous attackers quiet.
Their performance highlighted the balance in Luis de la Fuente’s side, combining technical ability going forward with defensive organisation and composure under pressure.
The second semi-final between England and Argentina produced a classic World Cup knockout match. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon and looked on course to reach their first final since 1966, but Argentina’s experience and mentality proved decisive.
Enzo Fernández brought them level before Lautaro Martínez scored a dramatic late winner from a Lionel Messi cross. The comeback sent Argentina into another World Cup final and ended England’s hopes after a brave performance.
Spain and Argentina will now meet in a final between two of the tournament’s strongest teams. Spain’s possession-based approach and tactical discipline will face Argentina’s experience, resilience, and attacking quality in what promises to be a memorable final.
Spain secured their place in the final with a confident 2–0 victory over France
Spain’s possession-based approach and tactical discipline will face Argentina’s experience, resilience, and attacking quality in what promises to be a memorable final
GK – Unai Simón (Spain) – 7.0/10
Unai Simón continued his impressive tournament with another calm and controlled performance. Against France, he was rarely forced into constant action, but he showed his quality whenever he was needed, making important saves and dealing confidently with crosses into the box.
His positioning was excellent throughout, allowing him to deal with France’s limited chances effectively. Simón was also important in Spain’s build-up play, remaining composed under pressure and helping his team maintain possession from the back. Another clean sheet underlined his reliability and importance to Spain’s defensive success.
Against France, Unai Simon was rarely forced into constant action, but he showed his quality whenever he was needed
RB – Pedro Porro (Spain) – 8.1/10
Pedro Porro produced a confident and complete performance at right-back. Defensively, he handled France’s attacking threats well, staying disciplined and making smart decisions when under pressure. In possession, he offered Spain an attacking outlet with his runs down the flank and quality delivery into dangerous areas.
His goal was the perfect reward for an excellent performance and highlighted his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Porro’s energy and confidence helped Spain maintain control throughout the match.
CB – Pau Cubarsí (Spain) – 7.4/10
Pau Cubarsí produced one of the standout defensive performances of the semi-finals. Despite facing a world-class French attack, the young centre-back played with incredible maturity, showing confidence beyond his years. He made crucial interceptions, won important duels, and displayed excellent awareness when tracking France’s movements.
On the ball, Cubarsí was equally impressive, using his passing ability to help Spain play through pressure and start attacks from deep. His composure and defensive intelligence were key reasons Spain kept another clean sheet.
Despite facing a world-class French attack, young centre-back Pau Cubarsi played with incredible maturity, showing confidence beyond his years
CB – Aymeric Laporte (Spain) – 7.2/10
Aymeric Laporte delivered the type of experienced performance expected from a player who has played at the highest level. He provided leadership at the heart of Spain’s defence, organising those around him and dealing effectively with France’s attacking threats.
Laporte’s positioning was excellent, allowing him to make important clearances, win aerial battles, and prevent France’s forwards from finding dangerous areas. His ability to remain calm in possession also helped Spain maintain control and build attacks confidently from the back.
LB – Marc Cucurella (Spain) – 7.1/10
Marc Cucurella showed exactly why he has become such an important part of Spain’s system. He was full of energy throughout the match, combining strong defensive work with a constant willingness to support attacks.
Cucurella dealt well with France’s wide players, making important tackles and limiting their influence. Going forward, his overlapping runs and movement created extra options for Spain in attack. His work rate, discipline, and consistency made him a valuable contributor to Spain’s semi-final victory.
Cucurella was full of energy throughout the match, combining strong defensive work with a constant willingness to support attacks
CM – Leandro Paredes (Argentina) – 7.3/10
Leandro Paredes played a vital role in Argentina’s midfield battle against England. He provided defensive stability, breaking up attacks and protecting the back four with his positioning and tackling.
Paredes also showed composure on the ball, helping Argentina slow the game down when needed and regain control during difficult periods. His experience and ability to handle pressure were important factors in Argentina’s comeback victory.
CM – Elliot Anderson (England) – 7.3/10
Elliot Anderson delivered a hardworking and determined performance for England. He covered plenty of ground in midfield, pressed aggressively, and competed against Argentina’s experienced players.
His energy helped England disrupt Argentina’s rhythm at times, and he showed a willingness to fight for every challenge. Although he could not prevent Argentina’s late comeback, Anderson’s commitment and work rate stood out in a difficult semi-final.
Anderson’s energy helped England disrupt Argentina’s rhythm at times, and he showed a willingness to fight for every challenge
CM – Rodri (Spain) – 7.5/10
Rodri once again showed why he is considered one of football’s elite midfielders. He controlled the game with his intelligence, passing range, and ability to read situations before they developed.
His positioning allowed Spain to recover possession quickly, while his calmness helped his team manage the pressure of a World Cup semi-final. Rodri’s influence was felt throughout the match as he dictated the tempo and provided the foundation for Spain’s dominance.
CAM – Enzo Fernández (Argentina) – 7.5/10
Enzo Fernández was one of Argentina’s most influential players against England. He combined defensive effort with attacking quality, constantly working to win the ball back while also pushing his team forward.
His late equaliser was the turning point of the match, giving Argentina belief when they needed it most. Beyond the goal, his energy, passing, and ability to perform under pressure showed why he remains such an important player for Argentina.
Fernandez’s late equaliser was the turning point of the match, giving Argentina belief when they needed it most
ST – Lautaro Martínez (Argentina) – 7.3/10
Lautaro Martinez delivered a true match-winning performance in the semi-final. Despite only coming on in the 81st minute, Martinez immediately caused problems with his movement, physical presence, and ability to find space between England’s defenders.
When the decisive moment arrived, he showed the composure of a top striker, rising to score the late winner that sent Argentina into the final. His ability to deliver on the biggest stage made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
ST – Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8.1/10
Lionel Messi once again showed his quality when it mattered most. The Argentina captain influenced the game with his creativity, movement, and ability to create opportunities from difficult situations.
He provided leadership throughout the match and produced the decisive moment with a perfectly timed assist for Lautaro Martínez’s winner. Even at the highest level of competition, Messi’s vision, composure, and ability to change a game remain unmatched.
