World Cup Semi-Finals Set France-Spain, Argentina-England

ARLINGTON: The World Cup semi-finals will feature France against Spain on Tuesday, followed by holders Argentina against England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Argentina reached the last four after beating 10-man Switzerland in extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Dan Ndoye forced extra time for Switzerland.

Julian Alvarez struck in extra time before Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina’s win late. Argentina now aim to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

England reached their fourth World Cup semi-final after beating Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami. Jude Bellingham scored both England goals.

Lionel Messi is set for his 206th Argentina appearance and his first international match against England. The fixture also revives memories of Argentina’s 2-1 win over England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

France and Spain will meet in Arlington, near Dallas, in a repeat of their UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final. Spain won that match 2-1 before lifting the European title.

Lamine Yamal scored in that Euro semi-final and turns 19 before the World Cup meeting. France forward Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals at the tournament.

Read: Argentina Beat Switzerland 3-1, Set Up England Semi-Final

Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals in the tournament, including one in France’s quarter-final win over Morocco. Lamine Yamal has scored once in six games for Spain after entering the tournament with an injury.