With just four teams remaining, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered exactly what football fans had hoped for. Upsets, underdog stories, heavyweight clashes and moments of individual brilliance have combined to make the first 48 team World Cup one of the competition's most memorable editions.

Hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, the tournament has produced no shortage of surprises.

Cabo Verde and surprise exits

Perhaps no team captured the imagination quite like Cabo Verde. The Atlantic island nation, making history simply by qualifying for its first FIFA World Cup, quickly became the tournament's surprise package. Fearless performances against some of football's more established nations earned the Blue Sharks admirers around the globe before their remarkable run eventually came to an end against defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals.

While Cabo Verde emerged as one of the tournament's feel good stories, several traditional footballing giants found themselves heading home far earlier than expected. Five time champions Brazil were unable to mount a serious title challenge, Germany endured another disappointing World Cup campaign, while Norway's impressive run was brought to an end in the quarter-finals following defeat to England.

Spain and England reach the final four

Spain, meanwhile, have quietly established themselves as arguably the tournament's most complete side. Combining their trademark possession football with clinical finishing, La Roja have looked increasingly comfortable with each passing round. Their semi-final victory over France secured a place in the World Cup final and confirmed their status as one of the favourites to lift football's biggest prize.

England's route to the final four had been anything but straightforward. After progressing from the group stage, the Three Lions survived a stern test against DR Congo before edging past co-hosts Mexico despite finishing the match with ten men. A hard fought victory over Norway in the quarter-finals set up a blockbuster semi-final meeting with reigning world champions Argentina.

England entered the contest hoping to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966, while Argentina arrived looking to keep alive their hopes of successfully defending the title won four years ago.

Argentina come from behind

For much of the evening, England looked on course to pull off one of the tournament's biggest results. After a tense and physical first half produced few clear chances, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon met a pinpoint cross from Morgan Rogers at the far post, steering his finish beyond Emiliano Martínez to give the Three Lions a deserved lead.

The goal sparked a determined response from Argentina, who gradually took control of possession and began piling pressure on England's defence. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández struck superbly from outside the penalty area after a cleverly worked short corner involving Lionel Messi, levelling the match and shifting the momentum firmly in Argentina's favour.

Just as extra time appeared inevitable, the defending champions delivered the decisive blow. Deep into stoppage time, Messi curled an inviting cross into the penalty area where Lautaro Martínez rose above the England defence to power home a header in the 92nd minute, completing a dramatic late comeback and securing a 2–1 victory for Argentina.

What comes next

The defeat brings England's World Cup campaign to a disappointing end, falling just one match short of the final after another tournament that promised so much. Despite the result, the Three Lions can reflect on a campaign that demonstrated resilience, character and the ability to overcome adversity throughout the knockout rounds.

For Argentina, victory keeps alive the dream of back to back World Cup titles and sets up a mouthwatering final against Spain. It will pit the reigning world champions against a Spanish side many have regarded as the tournament's standout performers, promising a fitting conclusion to a month of unforgettable football.

England will now turn their attention to the third place playoff against France, while Argentina prepare for one final challenge with football's greatest prize once again within touching distance.

The World Cup may be nearing its conclusion, but with Spain and Argentina set to battle for the biggest trophy in world football, the final chapter of an extraordinary tournament is still waiting to be written.