As expected, the quarter-finals resulted in FIFA’s highest-ranked nations meeting in the semi-finals. World number one France will face world number three Spain, while world number two Argentina will take on England, ranked fourth. With the exception of regular powerhouses Brazil and Germany, the semi-finalists come as no real surprise.

The last time Argentina and England met in a World Cup context was in 2002, when Beckham’s penalty led the English to victory, 1–0. However, most people will recall the quarter-final in 1986, when Maradona scored twice — the first with his hand (“the Hand of God”) and the second with his foot, dribbling past five English players including goalkeeper Peter Shilton from halfway down the pitch.

That same Shilton, who conceded only one goal in the 1982 World Cup, had to pick the ball out of his net three times in 1986, one of which was the obvious handball goal.

Time for England After 60 Years?

“Hurricane” versus “The Flea” (La Pulga), the two team captains Kane and Messi — the tall Harry Kane, at 188 cm above sea level, and the shorter Leo Messi at 166 cm — but who will come out on top?

Is it finally England’s turn after a 60-year wait — their last home win was in 1966 — to reach another World Cup final? Still, it feels like Argentina are the favorites, with six previous final appearances and three wins (1978, 1986, 2022), plus silver in 1930, 1990, and 2014.

France Favorited Over Spain

France will surely enter as favorites against Spain, having reached the finals the last two times. Spain, long considered title contenders at every tournament they enter, have surprisingly struggled on the world stage, even though in the 1950s and 1960s they boasted perhaps the world’s best club side, Real Madrid.

The nation’s club football dominance was later matched by their rivals, FC Barcelona, who have now won the Champions League five times. Eventually, all the pieces fell into place for Spain — they became world champions in South Africa in 2010, with stars such as Iniesta, Puyol, Xavi, Torres, and David Villa.

Still, my prediction is a repeat of the 2022 final: France against Argentina.