The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its defining moment, with four footballing giants standing just two victories away from lifting the sport’s most coveted prize.

Before the tournament began, TRT World identified eight teams as the leading contenders for World Cup glory. Half of those predictions have held firm, with France, Spain, England and defending champions Argentina securing their places in the semifinals.

The stage now features two heavyweight encounters.

France and Spain, widely regarded as the tournament’s strongest contenders, will meet in a semifinal, while England face defending champions Argentina in a bid to claim their second World Cup title since 1966.

As the semifinals begin on July 14, TRT World takes a closer look at the clash between France and Spain, two sides that entered the tournament as the teams to beat.

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'Invincible team'

France and Spain will renew one of international football's most compelling rivalries when they meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake. 

The showdown brings together two of Europe's modern powerhouses and two teams that have looked like among the tournament's most complete sides, setting up what many see as the standout fixture of the last four.

France have marched through the tournament with the authority expected of one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Didier Deschamps' side have combined defensive solidity with devastating attacking quality, eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds while conceding no goals since the group stage. 

Kylian Mbappe remains the heartbeat of France’s attack, spearheading a frontline that also features the pace and creativity of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Yet Les Bleus’ greatest strength has been their balance, with William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano forming the foundation of one of the tournament’s most resolute defensive units.

France’s tactical approach is built around a fluid 4-2-3-1 shape that transforms into a 4-3-3 when in possession. Unlike teams that dominate through extended spells of ball control, Les Bleus thrive on intensity and transition.

Their high press allows them to win possession in dangerous areas, before moving the ball forward at breathtaking speed. With attackers quickly isolating defenders in one-on-one duels, France remain the most devastating side in open play.

Captain Mbappe has acknowledged the weight of expectation on France as they attempt to become only the third nation in history to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

"I don't know if I'd call it a 'mission,' but we all know we can only relax if we win it," he said. "We can't let our guard down until then. We still have a lot to prove if we want to be recognised as an 'invincible team.'"

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot said the players always analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by Deschamps and his assistants.

"We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly," Rabiot told reporters on Monday.

"At the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide."

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'Final before the final'

Spain, meanwhile, have reaffirmed their status as one of the world's elite under Luis de la Fuente. After a slow start to the tournament, La Roja have steadily gathered momentum, dispatching Austria, Portugal and Belgium on their route to the semi-finals while conceding just one goal throughout the competition. 

Spain have consistently lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under de la Fuente, a system built around midfield control, technical quality and relentless pressing.

Their trademark possession-based football is the exact contrast to France's and has been complemented by the pace and creativity of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while Rodri and Pedri continue to dictate matches from midfield.

"It's not an exaggeration to describe this match as a final before the final," coach de la Fuente said.

On the Spanish side, all eyes will likely be on Yamal, who has been trying to reach form through the tournament.

"I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, said after Spain's quarterfinal victory over Belgium. "We were the ones that knocked them out before."

Similarly, Rodri tried to balance things out, saying La Roja can beat them.

"France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are we," Spain midfielder Rodri said. "We can beat them. We've seen that at the Euros and in the Nations League."

With both play styles on different sides of the spectrum, Spain and France represent a clash of identities, with La Roja expected to dominate possession while Les Bleus unleash their trademark high-pressure game.