2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 32
For the first time since 2010 when they won it, Spain are in a World Cup final.
Today, we'll find out who is joining them in Sunday's main event, as England take on Argentina in Atlanta.
Here's your overview of France vs. Spain, plus a look ahead to this evening's tie.
A spectacular performance from Spain. It's funny because going into this tournament, I think the majority of us had Spain down as World Cup favourites, yet France had been so good throughout that by the time we reached this semi-final, they'd taken that favourites tag off Spain.
I think most people considered this tie a bit of a coin flip, only narrowly siding with France while realising a Spain win was very possible, but I'm not sure many people would have had La Roja to win to nil. With that in mind, a huge shoutout to the 607 users that had 0-2 Exact! The clean sheet was fully deserved too, Spain dominated.
As Pep Guardiola has told us, Rodri is back to his best, but I thought Fabian Ruiz was incredible alongside him. It's well known that Luis de la Fuente loves Fabian but starting him over Pedri in this match felt like a big call. Fabian repaid that faith in style - he's still yet to lose a game for Spain and last night was his 49th cap.
For the goals, Lucas Digne obviously had a bit of a Luka Modric moment in giving the penalty away and he had a very tough evening generally against Lamine Yamal, but Mikel Oyarzabal is about as good they come from the spot. Oyarzabal's conversion record for Real Sociedad is up there with the best in European football.
After a performance this good, it feels like Spain are right back where they were ahead of this tournament in terms of expectations. They remain perfect in major knockouts under de la Fuente, still haven't lost since March 2024 (vs. Colombia), and will be favourites against either England or Argentina.
Today's schedule:
I'll start by saying that England matches are the only football fixtures that I show bias for when writing articles on here and I've picked England simply because I want them to win. In terms of who I think will win, I've genuinely no idea, and that's one of many factors that make this a game I'm looking forward to more than any other in recent memory.
Inside an air-conditioned stadium in Atlanta, I'm confident England will be a lot better than they were against Norway in Miami, but clearly both teams will benefit from that and it's Argentina who are likely to have more supporters in the stadium. The emotion surrounding this game, particularly from Argentina's side, means it's far more than just a World Cup semi-final, but England need to try and beat that passion and spirit with composure as they look to make history by reaching a first final since 1966.
Obviously, the big threat is Lionel Messi, who England have never previously faced, but I'm particularly concerned about Messi because of how open we've often looked in the spaces he is most effective in. Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi and Declan Rice are going to need to be perfect in terms of communicating about when they're passing him on to one another. It sounds like Rice is fit, but I think I'd be starting Reece James on the bench so that he can replace Rice if needed rather than starting James at right back where he then becomes an injury risk too.
A clean sheet is unlikely, but I think we'll cause Argentina plenty of problems too as they've shown similar defensive weaknesses. I've faith in Thomas Tuchel to get the formula right on the day, Harry Kane will be a constant threat, and Jude Bellingham is on course for one of the greatest individual international tournaments we've ever seen. Clearly, this tournament could yet end up feeling about par if we're eliminated this evening, but it's great to be at this stage with plenty of hope that we can beat the defending champions and reach a final.
Good luck to everyone who has picked England! 😁
Today, we'll find out who is joining them in Sunday's main event, as England take on Argentina in Atlanta.
Here's your overview of France vs. Spain, plus a look ahead to this evening's tie.
🇫🇷 France 0-2 Spain 🇪🇸
Outcome predicted by 14.3% of users | Scoreline predicted by 0.3% of usersA spectacular performance from Spain. It's funny because going into this tournament, I think the majority of us had Spain down as World Cup favourites, yet France had been so good throughout that by the time we reached this semi-final, they'd taken that favourites tag off Spain.
I think most people considered this tie a bit of a coin flip, only narrowly siding with France while realising a Spain win was very possible, but I'm not sure many people would have had La Roja to win to nil. With that in mind, a huge shoutout to the 607 users that had 0-2 Exact! The clean sheet was fully deserved too, Spain dominated.
As Pep Guardiola has told us, Rodri is back to his best, but I thought Fabian Ruiz was incredible alongside him. It's well known that Luis de la Fuente loves Fabian but starting him over Pedri in this match felt like a big call. Fabian repaid that faith in style - he's still yet to lose a game for Spain and last night was his 49th cap.
For the goals, Lucas Digne obviously had a bit of a Luka Modric moment in giving the penalty away and he had a very tough evening generally against Lamine Yamal, but Mikel Oyarzabal is about as good they come from the spot. Oyarzabal's conversion record for Real Sociedad is up there with the best in European football.
After a performance this good, it feels like Spain are right back where they were ahead of this tournament in terms of expectations. They remain perfect in major knockouts under de la Fuente, still haven't lost since March 2024 (vs. Colombia), and will be favourites against either England or Argentina.
Today
An absolutely massive game.Today's schedule:
- 🏴 England vs. Argentina 🇦🇷 | Kick-off 15:00 local, 20:00 UK, 21:00 CET/CAT
I'll start by saying that England matches are the only football fixtures that I show bias for when writing articles on here and I've picked England simply because I want them to win. In terms of who I think will win, I've genuinely no idea, and that's one of many factors that make this a game I'm looking forward to more than any other in recent memory.
Inside an air-conditioned stadium in Atlanta, I'm confident England will be a lot better than they were against Norway in Miami, but clearly both teams will benefit from that and it's Argentina who are likely to have more supporters in the stadium. The emotion surrounding this game, particularly from Argentina's side, means it's far more than just a World Cup semi-final, but England need to try and beat that passion and spirit with composure as they look to make history by reaching a first final since 1966.
Obviously, the big threat is Lionel Messi, who England have never previously faced, but I'm particularly concerned about Messi because of how open we've often looked in the spaces he is most effective in. Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi and Declan Rice are going to need to be perfect in terms of communicating about when they're passing him on to one another. It sounds like Rice is fit, but I think I'd be starting Reece James on the bench so that he can replace Rice if needed rather than starting James at right back where he then becomes an injury risk too.
A clean sheet is unlikely, but I think we'll cause Argentina plenty of problems too as they've shown similar defensive weaknesses. I've faith in Thomas Tuchel to get the formula right on the day, Harry Kane will be a constant threat, and Jude Bellingham is on course for one of the greatest individual international tournaments we've ever seen. Clearly, this tournament could yet end up feeling about par if we're eliminated this evening, but it's great to be at this stage with plenty of hope that we can beat the defending champions and reach a final.
Good luck to everyone who has picked England! 😁
Superbru on X
15 Jul 11:01
Very balanced preview for tonight's game. As an Englishman, you obviously want England to win, but you maintain balance by talking about both teams and stay professional. Like you, I have absolutely no idea what will happen tonight. I think so much of it will just depend on who turns up on the night and the big moments - if a shot goes in the corner or hits the post etc. I think it could be a very good game, too. I have no idea what to predict here.
Let's hope it's a great game, and maybe later when I have time I will leave some tactical thoughts on the game.
I must say Tuchel is a clown. Brought on all his defensive players. Too gutless and cowardly and you deserve to win nothing playing that way.
Kane and Bellingham invisible. Messi and Enzo Fernandez imperious. Argentina missed multiple chances and are deserved winners.
Commiserations to all English fans on here.
Tuchel is pretty clueless, really. Plays negative football and tries to park the bus to hold on. 15 Jul 21:09
Tuchel is one of those who because he tinkers has managed to fool people into thinking he's 'great tactically'. He isn't - he just makes it up as he goes. I consider him a fraud. 15 Jul 21:12
They came up against the GOAT tonight and a formidable Argentina side and got found out. Hopefully that humbles failed managers like Rooney, Neville and cheerleaders like Ferdinand, Shearer etc 15 Jul 21:14
Messi God of football 💯💪
Messi is the greatest player of all time. Only Maradona has an argument against him. 15 Jul 21:32
I don't particularly rate Gordon, but he scored and was a good runner and outlet for England. Tuchel went too negative by taking him off. 15 Jul 22:06
Well done to England for getting as far as they did. Like Argentina they kinda scraped their way there, but they showed character and Bellingham has been their best player. It didn't work out for them this time but they're getting closer - lots of finals and semi finals in the last 8 years. They keep knocking on the door, so we will see if they can win one. A home Euros is probably their biggest chance.
For Argentina, it's a big ask to defeat Spain, but you just never know, especially with Messi in that sort of form. The final should be good to watch,
England have a real chance at Euro 2028, especially as hosts. For me they're third favourites after Spain and France. So don't be too disheartened. 17 Jul 09:35
Let's all try to enjoy the final on Sunday night.