2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 31
It's time for the World Cup semi-finals and what a lineup we have.
The seeding that FIFA introduced for this World Cup that ensured these top four ranked sides couldn't meet until the semi-finals has certainly had an impact, but equally, you still have to come through significant obstacles to get to this stage and it's hard to argue with the fact that this is about as exciting as the semi-finals could possibly be.
What's made this World Cup so great has been so many of the top players all playing at close to their best levels. Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race going into the semi-finals, but there's intense competition from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and particularly Lionel Messi.
Today's schedule:
From this point onwards, I think it's impossible to feel overly confident in a Superbru prediction and it goes without saying that each of these semi-finals could go either way.
The last meeting between France and Spain was an absolute goal fest, but I think this is more likely to be cagey and reasonably low scoring, particularly since Spain's best method of defence against this terrifying France attack will simply be to keep the ball.
An early goal could blow everything open, of course, but I think France will be reasonably patient and look to pick their moments. Spain's strength is in midfield, so France will want Aurelien Tchouameni back fit and it sounds as if he'll be available.
I think I'm going with France. Spain have edged recent meetings and their record in major knockouts under de la Fuente is perfect, but Les Bleus have just been excellent in World Cups for such a long time now and in my opinion they've looked a level above everyone else so far in this tournament.
My main feeling is just that I'm very excited to sit back and enjoy it, because tomorrow's match is going to be an emotional rollercoaster for us England fans!
I hope you all enjoy the match too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts on the game in the comments.
The seeding that FIFA introduced for this World Cup that ensured these top four ranked sides couldn't meet until the semi-finals has certainly had an impact, but equally, you still have to come through significant obstacles to get to this stage and it's hard to argue with the fact that this is about as exciting as the semi-finals could possibly be.
What's made this World Cup so great has been so many of the top players all playing at close to their best levels. Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race going into the semi-finals, but there's intense competition from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and particularly Lionel Messi.
Today
A semi-final between the two strongest teams in this tournament up to now.Today's schedule:
- 🇫🇷 France vs. Spain 🇪🇸 | Kick-off 14:00 local, 20:00 UK, 21:00 CET/CAT
From this point onwards, I think it's impossible to feel overly confident in a Superbru prediction and it goes without saying that each of these semi-finals could go either way.
The last meeting between France and Spain was an absolute goal fest, but I think this is more likely to be cagey and reasonably low scoring, particularly since Spain's best method of defence against this terrifying France attack will simply be to keep the ball.
An early goal could blow everything open, of course, but I think France will be reasonably patient and look to pick their moments. Spain's strength is in midfield, so France will want Aurelien Tchouameni back fit and it sounds as if he'll be available.
I think I'm going with France. Spain have edged recent meetings and their record in major knockouts under de la Fuente is perfect, but Les Bleus have just been excellent in World Cups for such a long time now and in my opinion they've looked a level above everyone else so far in this tournament.
My main feeling is just that I'm very excited to sit back and enjoy it, because tomorrow's match is going to be an emotional rollercoaster for us England fans!
I hope you all enjoy the match too. Feel free to leave your own thoughts on the game in the comments.
Superbru on X
If you like players from that era who scored a lot of goals, look into the Magical Magyars of Hungary. Obviously Ferenc Puskas was the start, but Sandor Kocsis had a ridiculous scoring rate in 1954. I think I am right in saying he averaged two goals per game in that tournament. They also had Nandor Hidegkuti. He's the guy who when Hungary hammered England at Wembley in 1953 (England had never lost at home before) 6-3 was very fluid with his position - back then the numbers you wore dictated your position, and he wore number 9 yet -played as a number 10 or deep-lying CF/false 9. This confused the English players who expected him to play like a poacher. 14 Jul 10:15
world cups. Gerd Muller scored 14 in two world cups. Furthermore. Holland were one of the best teams in the 1970s and should have won the at least one WC. Their football was magical. Also, who can forget the Archie Gemill goal? 14 Jul 10:33
Yeah the Netherlands were great in the 70s with Cruyff, Rensenbrink,Neeskens Krol etc. They really should have won it in 1974 especially after their early penalty against the West Germans in the final, but couldn't get over the line.
As a Scot I love that Gemmill goal. It is likely our best ever moment at a World Cup. 14 Jul 10:40
If it was 2.5 points for an exact and not three you'd be higher up in the world. 14 Jul 11:01
Good way to put it too, that anyone with 100 closes right now would have the global league tied up and be the official winner. 14 Jul 11:16
Yeah see you there man - looking forward to playing against you guys. You're all highly skilled. 14 Jul 12:19