Big stars and old rivals - what to expect in semi-finals
France face Spain and England take on Argentina in heavyweight World Cup semi-final meetings - here's what to expect from the last four.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Key People
Harry Kane is a professional footballer and captain of the England national team.
Jude Bellingham is a professional footballer playing for Real Madrid and the England national team.
Kylian Mbappe is a French professional footballer known for his speed and scoring ability.
Lionel Messi is a renowned Argentine soccer player, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Luis de la Fuente is the coach of the Spanish national football team.
Michael Olise is a 24-year-old French winger.
Mikel Merino is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Spanish national team.
Mikel Oyarzabal is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger.
Ousmane Dembele is a French professional footballer who plays as a winger.
Locations
All Coverage
France face Spain and England take on Argentina in heavyweight World Cup semi-final meetings - here's what to expect from the last four.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Wales captain James has World Cup on her mind
Wales take on Albania over two legs in the semi-finals of the play-offs motivated by reaching a World Cup for the first time.
October 9, 2026 at 03:27 AMSpain rally to beat Croatia, Kane shines for England in Nations League - Reuters
Spain rally to beat Croatia, Kane shines for England in Nations League Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 09:37 PMHow can home nations reach Women's World Cup?
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are among those hoping to qualify for next year's Women's World Cup. What awaits them in the play-offs?
October 8, 2026 at 07:01 AMTwo icons, a glorious farewell and a potentially bitter ending
As Lionel Messi's international career ends in fond farewell, Cristiano Ronaldo's is at risk of petering out. BBC Sport takes a look at what could be the end of the international career's of two football greats.
October 7, 2026 at 08:47 PMWatch: Every Messi World Cup goal for Argentina
Watch every World Cup goal scored by Lionel Messi, as the Argentina forward retires from international football.
October 7, 2026 at 05:24 AMWeekly sports quiz: What was odd about Messi's Argentina debut?
How much attention have you paid to what has happened in the world of sport over the past seven days?
October 8, 2026 at 06:18 AM