World Cup
2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Betting Tips: Mbappe vs Yamal & Saka vs Messi
by Chike Nwoye
14 Jul 2026
We’re down to the final four teams of the World Cup!!! What was that Dr. Strange quote again? “We’re in the end game now.” For the first time in World Cup history, the top four seeded teams have all reached the semi-finals, giving us two blockbuster clashes: France vs. Spain, a rematch of the UEFA Nations League semi-final that delivered nine goals, and Argentina vs. England, a rivalry fueled by controversy, political history, and of course, the most famous brace the World Cup has ever seen.
World Cup Semi-Finals Picks:
Straight away, I’m locking in my Bet of the Day: a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final. Yep, I’m backing France and Argentina to get the job done this week. And if you’re still doubting, remember I’ve nailed all four of my Bet of the Day picks in the knockout rounds so far: Senegal HTUP vs. Belgium and a 1-0 correct score prediction for Colombia vs. Ghana in the Round of 32, Harry Kane “anytime scorer” against Mexico in the Round of 16, and Belgium to become the first team to score against Spain in the quarter-finals.
Evidence dey. So yes, France and Argentina are my picks, and we have the best odds for that on BetKing.
Bet of the Day - Teams to Qualify (for the Final):
- France to Qualify @1.66
- Argentina to Qualify @2.01
- Total Odds: 3.34
- Booking Code: 7G2D7M
Anytime Goal Scorers:
- Lionel Messi Anytime Scorer @2.50
- Kylian Mbappe Anytime Scorer @2.02
- Total Odds: 5.05
- Booking Code: BY12G4
Team Goals Scorers:
- France vs. Spain - Over 2.5 Total Goals @1.88
- England vs. Argentina - Both Teams to Score @1.89
- Total Odds: 3.55
- Booking Code: 8H12J1
France vs. Spain Preview + Betting Tips
France and Spain renew one of international football's biggest rivalries on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final on the line. Les Bleus are chasing a third straight World Cup final appearance, while reigning European champions Spain are aiming to reach their first final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
France’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
France has looked like the tournament's standout team. Didier Deschamps' men have won all six of their matches, scoring 16 goals along the way. They topped Group I before knocking out Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, and while their deadly attack has grabbed the headlines, it’s worth pointing out that they are yet to concede a goal in the knockout rounds.
Their quarter-final victory over Morocco highlighted the different ways they can win. Kylian Mbappe missed a first-half penalty but bounced back with a superb goal before setting up Ousmane Dembele to seal a 2-0 victory. France's attacking quartet of Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise and either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola has consistently troubled opposition defences, while Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have anchored one of the tournament's stingiest backlines.
Skipper Kylian Mbappe remains their biggest weapon, which goes without saying. The Real Madrid forward has eight goals at this World Cup and now boasts 20 goals in just 20 World Cup appearances, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi's all-time tally. He and Dembele have also created 19 chances for one another during the tournament, underlining just how dangerous their partnership has become.
Spain’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
Spain has grown stronger as this competition has progressed. After opening with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde, La Roja topped their group before defeating Austria, Portugal and Belgium to book their semi-final place. Their quarter-final against Belgium ended 2-1, with Mikel Merino once again proving to be the hero after coming off the bench to score a late winner.
Merino has made World Cup history by scoring the winning goal in two separate knockout matches as a substitute, making him one of Spain's biggest impact players. Whether he starts or is used from the bench again, France will need to keep a close eye on the Arsenal midfielder.
Luis de la Fuente's side have built their success on defensive solidity as much as attacking quality. Before Belgium finally ended their run of clean (as I rightly called in my bet of the day ahead of the quarter-final round), goalkeeper Unai Simon had gone six consecutive World Cup matches without conceding. Spain have also lost just one of their last 27 matches at major tournaments since the 2018 World Cup, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 while keeping nine clean sheets during that run.
Recent Meetings
Recent meetings favour Spain. They have won seven of their last 10 encounters with France, including a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and an unforgettable 5-4 win in last year's UEFA Nations League semi-final. Those results should give La Roja plenty of confidence despite France's outstanding World Cup form.
What to Expect
While Spain might have the mental edge when it comes to recent meetings, France can lean on history. They have progressed from each of their last four World Cup semi-finals, winning the last three without conceding, and they defeated Spain 3-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting.
As for team news, they look encouraging for both sides. Mbappe is expected to overcome a minor ankle problem, while Manu Kone should also be available after a precautionary substitution. Spain have several selection dilemmas, with Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino and Merino all competing for starting spots alongside Mikel Oyarzabal and teenage star Lamine Yamal.
With two elite attacks, two disciplined defences and recent history pointing in different directions, this promises to be one of the tournament's closest matches. France has been ruthless throughout the World Cup, but Spain's outstanding record in major tournaments and recent dominance in this fixture suggest another tightly contested battle that could easily be decided by a single moment of brilliance.
Stats to Consider In Your World Cup Predictions
- Eleven of France’s 16 goals at the 2026 World Cup have come in the second half.
- France has averaged the most shots on target per game of any nation at the 2026 World Cup (7.8).
- Only four of Spain’s last 16 games saw both teams score.
- Lamine Yamal has scored three goals across his two appearances against France.
- Spain hasn't lost any of their last 36 games in 90 minutes, dating back to March 2024 (W26, D10). If that remarkable run is extended here, they would equal Italy’s all-time record of 37 set back in 2021.
Betting Tips:
England vs. Argentina Preview + Betting Tips
England and Argentina renew one of football's fiercest rivalries on Wednesday, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs. It will be their first meeting in 20 years, and both sides arrive in Atlanta believing they have what it takes to set up a showdown with either France or Spain.
England’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 and considering this season has seen lots of title droughts come to an end, they believe they can bring it home. Thomas Tuchel has guided the Three Lions to a fourth major semi-final since 2018, although the journey has been anything but straightforward. They topped their group before edging DR Congo, beating co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 encounter and overcoming Norway 3-2 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
The Three Lions have now won four straight matches and scored at least twice in each of them. However, they've also shown defensive frailties throughout the knockout rounds, conceding in each of their last three games. That could be a concern against an Argentina side that has scored three goals in each of its last four matches.
Jude Bellingham has been England's standout performer. The Real Madrid midfielder scored braces against both Mexico and Norway to take his tournament tally to six goals, level with captain Harry Kane. Speaking of Kane, the England captain is also set to earn his 121st England cap, moving past Wayne Rooney as the country's most-capped outfield player and he’ll want to cap off this extra-special occasion with a win.
Argentina’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
Argentina’s title defense has been dramatic, thanks to three highly entertaining knockout ties. Well, entertaining for neutrals. Lionel Scaloni's side needed extra time to beat Cabo Verde, produced a stunning late comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt, and then defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to a spectacular strike from Julian Alvarez.
The reigning champions have now won 13 consecutive matches since September and are unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup games dating back to Qatar 2022. They've also scored at least twice in every game during that unbeaten run and have netted 17 goals at this tournament, just one shy of their all-time World Cup record.
Lionel Messi may have finally failed to find the back of the net in this tournament, but he continues to drive Argentina's success. The 39-year-old still jointly leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and has also reached double figures for goal contributions across each of the last two World Cups. Whether he's creating chances or finishing them himself, Messi remains the player England must contain.
Scaloni also has an enviable decision to make in attack. Julian Alvarez's extra-time winner against Switzerland strengthens his case to partner Messi, though Lautaro Martinez is also pushing for a starting place after goal contributions against Egypt and the Swiss.
Recent Meetings
Recent history adds another fascinating layer to this contest. England have actually lost only two of their 14 previous meetings with Argentina and won the most recent encounter 3-2 back in 2005. However, Argentina boast a perfect record in World Cup semi-finals, progressing on all five previous occasions.
What to Expect
The team news ahead of this game will be very important for our online betting folks, so pay attention. England remain short of options at right-back, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James still struggling for full fitness. Argentina usually funnels its attack down the right and left where Lionel Messi usually is but, given this glaring weakness in England’s backline, a change in approach could be used. Also, Declan Rice is expected to recover after illness, but Jordan Henderson is likely to miss out following wrist surgery.
Argentina have fewer concerns, with Scaloni expected to keep the core of the side that has navigated three demanding knockout matches.
From a betting perspective, this fixture offers plenty of intriguing trends. England have scored at least twice in four consecutive games but have struggled to keep clean sheets, while Argentina have found the net three times in each of their last four outings. With Kane, Bellingham and Messi all among the tournament's leading scorers, the anytime goalscorer markets will naturally attract attention.
England have shown resilience by repeatedly coming from behind, but facing the reigning world champions represents their toughest assignment yet. Argentina's experience, attacking consistency and unbeaten World Cup run make them slight favourites, though another open, high-scoring contest between two in-form attacks would come as little surprise.
Stats to Consider In Your World Cup Predictions
- This will be their sixth World Cup meeting, making it one of the tournament's most storied fixtures. England leads the head-to-head on the world stage with 3 wins to Argentina's 2.
- Their most famous World Cup meetings include England's controversial 1966 quarter-final win, the infamous Diego Maradona 1986 "Hand of God" quarter-final, and the dramatic 1998 round-of-16 clash in which David Beckham was sent off.
- The reigning world champions enter the semi-finals on a flawless W-W-W-W-W-W run, being the only side in this tie yet to drop a point. Lionel Messi is in historic form, currently tied atop the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
- Jude Belingham and Harry Kane each have 6-goals apiece, accounting for 12 of England’s 13 goals.
Betting Tips:
1UP is the exciting new market that gets you paid as soon as your favourite World Cup team takes a lead. Quick, early, no long story. Full-time predictions don’t really matter here - only goals. To read more about the meaning of 1UP in betting, click here.
Sign up on the best betting site in Nigeria today, and book a bet with the code above to profit from these great tips. Remember to bet responsibly and join our Telegram community for daily updates and free bets.
We’re down to the final four teams of the World Cup!!! What was that Dr. Strange quote again? “We’re in the end game now.” For the first time in World Cup history, the top four seeded teams have all reached the semi-finals, giving us two blockbuster clashes: France vs. Spain, a rematch of the UEFA Nations League semi-final that delivered nine goals, and Argentina vs. England, a rivalry fueled by controversy, political history, and of course, the most famous brace the World Cup has ever seen.
World Cup Semi-Finals Picks:
Straight away, I’m locking in my Bet of the Day: a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final. Yep, I’m backing France and Argentina to get the job done this week. And if you’re still doubting, remember I’ve nailed all four of my Bet of the Day picks in the knockout rounds so far: Senegal HTUP vs. Belgium and a 1-0 correct score prediction for Colombia vs. Ghana in the Round of 32, Harry Kane “anytime scorer” against Mexico in the Round of 16, and Belgium to become the first team to score against Spain in the quarter-finals.
Evidence dey. So yes, France and Argentina are my picks, and we have the best odds for that on BetKing.
Bet of the Day - Teams to Qualify (for the Final):
- France to Qualify @1.66
- Argentina to Qualify @2.01
- Total Odds: 3.34
- Booking Code: 7G2D7M
Anytime Goal Scorers:
- Lionel Messi Anytime Scorer @2.50
- Kylian Mbappe Anytime Scorer @2.02
- Total Odds: 5.05
- Booking Code: BY12G4
Team Goals Scorers:
- France vs. Spain - Over 2.5 Total Goals @1.88
- England vs. Argentina - Both Teams to Score @1.89
- Total Odds: 3.55
- Booking Code: 8H12J1
France vs. Spain Preview + Betting Tips
France and Spain renew one of international football's biggest rivalries on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final on the line. Les Bleus are chasing a third straight World Cup final appearance, while reigning European champions Spain are aiming to reach their first final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
France’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
France has looked like the tournament's standout team. Didier Deschamps' men have won all six of their matches, scoring 16 goals along the way. They topped Group I before knocking out Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, and while their deadly attack has grabbed the headlines, it’s worth pointing out that they are yet to concede a goal in the knockout rounds.
Their quarter-final victory over Morocco highlighted the different ways they can win. Kylian Mbappe missed a first-half penalty but bounced back with a superb goal before setting up Ousmane Dembele to seal a 2-0 victory. France's attacking quartet of Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise and either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola has consistently troubled opposition defences, while Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have anchored one of the tournament's stingiest backlines.
Skipper Kylian Mbappe remains their biggest weapon, which goes without saying. The Real Madrid forward has eight goals at this World Cup and now boasts 20 goals in just 20 World Cup appearances, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi's all-time tally. He and Dembele have also created 19 chances for one another during the tournament, underlining just how dangerous their partnership has become.
Spain’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
Spain has grown stronger as this competition has progressed. After opening with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde, La Roja topped their group before defeating Austria, Portugal and Belgium to book their semi-final place. Their quarter-final against Belgium ended 2-1, with Mikel Merino once again proving to be the hero after coming off the bench to score a late winner.
Merino has made World Cup history by scoring the winning goal in two separate knockout matches as a substitute, making him one of Spain's biggest impact players. Whether he starts or is used from the bench again, France will need to keep a close eye on the Arsenal midfielder.
Luis de la Fuente's side have built their success on defensive solidity as much as attacking quality. Before Belgium finally ended their run of clean (as I rightly called in my bet of the day ahead of the quarter-final round), goalkeeper Unai Simon had gone six consecutive World Cup matches without conceding. Spain have also lost just one of their last 27 matches at major tournaments since the 2018 World Cup, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 while keeping nine clean sheets during that run.
Recent Meetings
Recent meetings favour Spain. They have won seven of their last 10 encounters with France, including a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and an unforgettable 5-4 win in last year's UEFA Nations League semi-final. Those results should give La Roja plenty of confidence despite France's outstanding World Cup form.
What to Expect
While Spain might have the mental edge when it comes to recent meetings, France can lean on history. They have progressed from each of their last four World Cup semi-finals, winning the last three without conceding, and they defeated Spain 3-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting.
As for team news, they look encouraging for both sides. Mbappe is expected to overcome a minor ankle problem, while Manu Kone should also be available after a precautionary substitution. Spain have several selection dilemmas, with Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino and Merino all competing for starting spots alongside Mikel Oyarzabal and teenage star Lamine Yamal.
With two elite attacks, two disciplined defences and recent history pointing in different directions, this promises to be one of the tournament's closest matches. France has been ruthless throughout the World Cup, but Spain's outstanding record in major tournaments and recent dominance in this fixture suggest another tightly contested battle that could easily be decided by a single moment of brilliance.
Stats to Consider In Your World Cup Predictions
- Eleven of France’s 16 goals at the 2026 World Cup have come in the second half.
- France has averaged the most shots on target per game of any nation at the 2026 World Cup (7.8).
- Only four of Spain’s last 16 games saw both teams score.
- Lamine Yamal has scored three goals across his two appearances against France.
- Spain hasn't lost any of their last 36 games in 90 minutes, dating back to March 2024 (W26, D10). If that remarkable run is extended here, they would equal Italy’s all-time record of 37 set back in 2021.
Betting Tips:
England vs. Argentina Preview + Betting Tips
England and Argentina renew one of football's fiercest rivalries on Wednesday, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs. It will be their first meeting in 20 years, and both sides arrive in Atlanta believing they have what it takes to set up a showdown with either France or Spain.
England’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 and considering this season has seen lots of title droughts come to an end, they believe they can bring it home. Thomas Tuchel has guided the Three Lions to a fourth major semi-final since 2018, although the journey has been anything but straightforward. They topped their group before edging DR Congo, beating co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 encounter and overcoming Norway 3-2 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
The Three Lions have now won four straight matches and scored at least twice in each of them. However, they've also shown defensive frailties throughout the knockout rounds, conceding in each of their last three games. That could be a concern against an Argentina side that has scored three goals in each of its last four matches.
Jude Bellingham has been England's standout performer. The Real Madrid midfielder scored braces against both Mexico and Norway to take his tournament tally to six goals, level with captain Harry Kane. Speaking of Kane, the England captain is also set to earn his 121st England cap, moving past Wayne Rooney as the country's most-capped outfield player and he’ll want to cap off this extra-special occasion with a win.
Argentina’s Road to the World Cup Semi-Final
Argentina’s title defense has been dramatic, thanks to three highly entertaining knockout ties. Well, entertaining for neutrals. Lionel Scaloni's side needed extra time to beat Cabo Verde, produced a stunning late comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt, and then defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to a spectacular strike from Julian Alvarez.
The reigning champions have now won 13 consecutive matches since September and are unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup games dating back to Qatar 2022. They've also scored at least twice in every game during that unbeaten run and have netted 17 goals at this tournament, just one shy of their all-time World Cup record.
Lionel Messi may have finally failed to find the back of the net in this tournament, but he continues to drive Argentina's success. The 39-year-old still jointly leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and has also reached double figures for goal contributions across each of the last two World Cups. Whether he's creating chances or finishing them himself, Messi remains the player England must contain.
Scaloni also has an enviable decision to make in attack. Julian Alvarez's extra-time winner against Switzerland strengthens his case to partner Messi, though Lautaro Martinez is also pushing for a starting place after goal contributions against Egypt and the Swiss.
Recent Meetings
Recent history adds another fascinating layer to this contest. England have actually lost only two of their 14 previous meetings with Argentina and won the most recent encounter 3-2 back in 2005. However, Argentina boast a perfect record in World Cup semi-finals, progressing on all five previous occasions.
What to Expect
The team news ahead of this game will be very important for our online betting folks, so pay attention. England remain short of options at right-back, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James still struggling for full fitness. Argentina usually funnels its attack down the right and left where Lionel Messi usually is but, given this glaring weakness in England’s backline, a change in approach could be used. Also, Declan Rice is expected to recover after illness, but Jordan Henderson is likely to miss out following wrist surgery.
Argentina have fewer concerns, with Scaloni expected to keep the core of the side that has navigated three demanding knockout matches.
From a betting perspective, this fixture offers plenty of intriguing trends. England have scored at least twice in four consecutive games but have struggled to keep clean sheets, while Argentina have found the net three times in each of their last four outings. With Kane, Bellingham and Messi all among the tournament's leading scorers, the anytime goalscorer markets will naturally attract attention.
England have shown resilience by repeatedly coming from behind, but facing the reigning world champions represents their toughest assignment yet. Argentina's experience, attacking consistency and unbeaten World Cup run make them slight favourites, though another open, high-scoring contest between two in-form attacks would come as little surprise.
Stats to Consider In Your World Cup Predictions
- This will be their sixth World Cup meeting, making it one of the tournament's most storied fixtures. England leads the head-to-head on the world stage with 3 wins to Argentina's 2.
- Their most famous World Cup meetings include England's controversial 1966 quarter-final win, the infamous Diego Maradona 1986 "Hand of God" quarter-final, and the dramatic 1998 round-of-16 clash in which David Beckham was sent off.
- The reigning world champions enter the semi-finals on a flawless W-W-W-W-W-W run, being the only side in this tie yet to drop a point. Lionel Messi is in historic form, currently tied atop the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
- Jude Belingham and Harry Kane each have 6-goals apiece, accounting for 12 of England’s 13 goals.
Betting Tips:
1UP is the exciting new market that gets you paid as soon as your favourite World Cup team takes a lead. Quick, early, no long story. Full-time predictions don’t really matter here - only goals. To read more about the meaning of 1UP in betting, click here.
Sign up on the best betting site in Nigeria today, and book a bet with the code above to profit from these great tips. Remember to bet responsibly and join our Telegram community for daily updates and free bets.