World Cup Quarterfinal Wrap: Semifinal Matchups and Updated Outright Odds

The World Cup semifinal matchups are now set. For the first time in World Cup history, all four-pre-tournament top-ranked teams have reached the semifinals.

France face Spain, while England renew a World Cup rivalry with Argentina for the first time since 2002. The outright market is tighter than at any point in the tournament. Here's how each side got here and where the latest odds stand.

World Cup Semifinal Matchups: The Lineup

The winners meet in the World Cup final on Sunday 19 July.

A Historic Final Four

This is the first time in the tournament's history that every team ranked in the pre-tournament top four has reached the semifinals. It caps a quarterfinal round that also eliminated co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States, along with traditional powers Brazil and Germany, more than 44 teams have fallen away since the tournament began.

Quarterfinal Recap

Fifa World Cup Semifinal 1: France vs Spain Odds

This is the heavyweight pairing many expected from the start of the tournament, the two top-ranked teams in the world, both unbeaten, meeting in a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which Spain won 2-1.

France have been ruthless in front of goal all tournament, led by Kylian Mbappe's eight goals, Ousmane Dembele's five, and Michael Olise's tournament-leading assist tally. Spain have been the more understated of the two, built on the tournament's best defensive record and the gradually building form of Lamine Yamal and Rodri after both entered the tournament carrying fitness concerns.

To qualify for the final, France are priced around -144 to -158, with Spain at +118 to +120. Check the World Cup matches page at Sportsbet.io for the latest match-winner and to-qualify pricing.

Fifa World Cup Semifinal 2: England vs Argentina Odds

The bigger historical story belongs to this pairing: it's the first World Cup meeting between England and Argentina since 2002, reviving a rivalry that includes some of the tournament's most iconic moments. Both sides arrive having needed extra time to get here, though the manner has been different.

England's route has shown genuine resilience under Thomas Tuchel, while Argentina has made a habit of trailing before finding a way through, inspired throughout by Lionel Messi, who has scored in every knockout round and sits on eight tournament goals.

To qualify for the final, England are priced around -130, with Argentina at +106, one of the closest match-ups of the round. Check the World Cup matches page at Sportsbet.io for the latest pricing.

Updated: World Cup Outright Odds

The outright market has shifted dramatically since the tournament began. France, who opened as low as +500, are now the clear favourites at around +140. Spain have also shortened significantly, while England and Argentina are separated by only a fraction on the odds board.

Odds vary by sportsbook and continue to move as the semifinals approach. Check the outright odds tracker at Sportsbet.io for the latest movement.

The Golden Boot Race

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe remain tied at the top of the Golden Boot race with eight goals each, and both are through to the semifinals, meaning at least one of them is guaranteed at least one more match to extend their tally. It sets up one of the more compelling individual storylines of the tournament's closing stages.

How to Bet on the World Cup Semifinals

• Match winner: Back a side in either semifinal on the World Cup matches page.
• Outright winner: With the market tightening at the top, check the outright odds tracker before backing a champion.
• Anytime goalscorer: Mbappe, Messi, Oyarzabal and Dembele are all live options given their tournament form.
• In-play betting: Follow both semifinals live via the World Cup 2026 hub.

Odds move quickly this close to the semifinals, so treat any figure in this article as a snapshot and check live pricing before you bet.

FAQs: World Cup Semifinals

What are the World Cup 2026 semifinal matchups?

France vs Spain on Tuesday 15 July in Dallas, and England vs Argentina on Wednesday 16 July in Atlanta.

Who is the favourite to win the World Cup 2026?

France are the clear outright favourites at around +140, having reached the semifinals unbeaten with a 16-2 goal difference.

When did England last play Argentina at a World Cup?

Not since 2002, making Wednesday's semifinal the first meeting between the two nations at a World Cup in over two decades.

Has Spain ever won the World Cup?

Yes, in 2010, the same year they last reached the semifinals before this tournament.

Who is leading the Golden Boot race?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are tied on eight goals each, with both through to the semifinals.

Where can I bet on the World Cup semifinals?

You can check live odds and betting markets on the World Cup matches page and the World Cup 2026 hub at Sportsbet.io.

Get Ready: World Cup Semifinal Odds

Four teams, two matches, and a trophy just three games away for whoever comes out on top. Check the latest odds on the World Cup 2026 hub, browse the World Cup matches page for both semifinals, and see the current promotions available at Sportsbet.io.

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