World Cup semifinals set: Messi, Mbappé, Kane and Yamal all advance

France forward Kylian Mbappé celebrates after scoring against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup quarterfinal on Friday. [AFP]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are set, with the bracket delivering a summer showdown for the ages.

France, Spain, Argentina and England — four of the sport's most storied nations — have all advanced to the last four, setting up a pair of blockbuster semifinal clashes.

The lineup means fans will get to see at least one more World Cup appearance from the game's biggest stars: Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappé of France, Harry Kane of England and Lamine Yamal of Spain — the present and future faces of world football.

France were the first to advance, beating Morocco 2-0 on Friday at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts.

Mbappé struck in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembélé added a second six minutes later — back-to-back goals that underscored why France remain the tournament's strongest title contenders.

Spain followed with a 2-1 win over Belgium at a stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized before substitute Mikel Merino netted a late winner to send Spain through.

France and Spain will now meet again in the semifinals — a rematch of their Euro 2024 last-four encounter.

England, chasing their first World Cup title in 60 years, also advanced, beating Norway 2-1 on the strength of a Jude Bellingham brace despite the threat posed by Erling Haaland.

The match at Miami Stadium in Florida went to 120 minutes before England secured their place in the semifinals.

Defending champion Argentina rounded out the final four with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland at a stadium in Kansas City on Sunday.

Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina ahead in the 10th minute, but Breel Embolo equalized in the 72nd minute to force extra time.

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez then struck in the 97th and 106th minutes of extra time, respectively, to seal a 3-1 win and send Argentina into the semifinals.

Argentina's Lionel Messi attempts a free kick during the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland on Sunday. [AFP]

All four semifinalists are former World Cup champions — only the third time in the tournament's history that every team in the last four has previously lifted the trophy, after 1970 and 1990.

France face Spain on Wednesday, July 15, at a stadium in Dallas, Texas, while Argentina take on England on Thursday, July 16, at a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The race for the Golden Boot is also set to intensify, with Messi, Mbappé and Kane all in contention for the tournament's top scorer award.

shindw@heraldcorp.com