The 2026 FIFA World Cup will not crown a new champion. That became certain after all four semifinalists were confirmed as former world champions: France (1998, 2018), Spain (2010), England (1966), and Argentina (1978, 1986, 2022). As a result, football’s most prestigious trophy will once again be claimed by a nation that has previously lifted the World Cup.
All four teams secured their places in the semifinals after hard-fought victories. France eliminated Morocco, Spain defeated Belgium, England overcame Norway, and Argentina advanced after surviving a fierce challenge from Switzerland. The results also ended the hopes of nations still seeking their first-ever World Cup title to make history in the 2026 edition.
The last time the World Cup produced a first-time champion was in 2010 in South Africa, when Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final thanks to Andrés Iniesta’s winning goal. Since then, the trophy has remained in the hands of established football powers, with Germany winning in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022.
This year’s semifinals will feature two classic encounters. France will take on Spain in a clash between two European giants, while Argentina will face England in a fixture rich with history and longstanding rivalry.
France enters the semifinals boasting one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units. Kylian Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack, supported by Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, both of whom have impressed throughout the tournament. Their combination of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing has made Les Bleus the most prolific team in the knockout stage.
Spain, meanwhile, has enjoyed a seamless generational transition. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Merino form the backbone of a new La Roja generation that continues to embrace the country’s trademark possession-based style of play. Spain’s squad depth has also been a major strength, with several substitutes repeatedly making decisive contributions.
The other semifinal pits together two nations with rich World Cup traditions. Argentina continues to rely on the leadership of Lionel Messi, who remains the inspirational figure for La Albiceleste. England, meanwhile, is led by captain and prolific striker Harry Kane. Both teams possess a balanced mix of experienced veterans and energetic young talent.
Deserving Semifinalists
Former Persib Bandung player and coach Djadjang Nurdjaman believes the semifinal lineup accurately reflects the current balance of power in world football.
“Yes, it matches the predictions and reflects the current strength of world football. All four semifinalists fully deserve to be at this stage,” Djadjang said.
According to him, the quality of play will reach an even higher level in the semifinals because all four teams possess well-balanced squads.
“We hope all four teams can perform at their very best so that the matches will be entertaining and enjoyable to watch,” he said on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
In addition to the race for a place in the final, Djadjang also highlighted the competition for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Both Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are still in contention and have opportunities to add to their goal tallies.
Former Persib Bandung player Dede Rosadi, who represented the club during the 1990s, believes the semifinals will be evenly contested. However, he favors France and England to advance to the final.
“France and Spain both have outstanding young players. However, France has a significant advantage because it possesses three exceptional talents: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise,” Dede said.
He added that Spain’s strength lies in its gifted young generation.
“Spain has talented young players such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri. But considering the overall maturity of the squad, I predict France will reach the final,” he said.
Regarding the other semifinal, Dede described the Argentina-England clash as a meeting between two nations well accustomed to competing on the World Cup’s biggest stages.
“Argentina and England both have highly respected senior players. Argentina has Lionel Messi, while England has Harry Kane. These two players are capable of elevating the performances of their respective teams,” he said.
Even so, he believes England has a slight edge.
“If I had to make a prediction, I would say England will reach the final,” he added.
Youth Development Remains the Key
Why hasn’t there been a new World Cup champion since Spain’s triumph in 2010?
According to Dede, it is far from a coincidence. He believes several factors explain why the traditional football powers continue to dominate the World Cup, with youth development systems being the most fundamental.
“The major football nations have well-established youth development systems, structured academies, healthy domestic competitions, and continuous player regeneration year after year,” he explained.
He also pointed to financial support and infrastructure as major differentiating factors.
Football requires substantial investment, ranging from building world-class training facilities to hiring elite coaches, enabling established football nations to maintain their dominance on the global stage.***
