France, Spain, England and Argentina Reach World Cup Semifinals as Infantino Opens Door to 64-Team Tournament

The 2026 World Cup semifinals are set with France facing Spain and England meeting Argentina, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced plans to study expanding the tournament to 64 teams.

• Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal clash with France, while England defeated Norway 2-1 to advance against Argentina.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport that the proposal for a 64-team World Cup for 2030 would be examined after the 2026 tournament.
• Egypt's Football Association filed a complaint with FIFA demanding an investigation into referee Francois Letexier after their 3-2 loss to Argentina, alleging "double standards" and "blatant errors."
• Norway's Alexander Sorloth received death threats and abusive messages on social media after missing a key chance in his team's 2-1 quarterfinal loss to England.

Latest developments

Following England's 2-1 extra-time quarterfinal victory over Norway, manager Thomas Tuchel described his team's performance as 'sloppy' and lacking speed and accuracy. Captain Harry Kane said the team has 'another level we can reach' ahead of their semifinal against Argentina. Meanwhile, Norway striker Erling Haaland announced he will support England for the rest of the tournament, citing friendships with their players and praising Jude Bellingham. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, claimed Norway was 'robbed' by the referee due to a disallowed goal.

Latest developments

After Spain's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium, Lamine Yamal started the match at 18 years and 362 days, becoming the third-youngest player to appear in a World Cup quarterfinal after Pelé and Morocco's Ayub Bouaddi. Yamal stated that Belgium was a difficult opponent but that Spain does not fear facing France in the semifinals. Spain captain Rodri expressed confidence that his team can beat France, describing them as one of the tournament's best teams. Meanwhile, Neymar announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's round-of-16 loss to Norway, ending his career as Brazil's all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances.

• Kylian Mbappé has embraced his role as France captain, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament as France reached a third consecutive World Cup semifinal.
• Critics have accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of seeking to destroy the World Cup’s historic value by expanding it for financial gain.
• China has supported the proposal, viewing a 64-team World Cup as a new opportunity to return to the global stage.
• Infantino defended the plan, arguing that the World Cup should include the entire world and citing the success of the 48-team format.
• More than 35 European lawmakers have signed a letter demanding an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the reversal of Folarin Balogun's suspension.
• The lawmakers allege that FIFA changed a suspension rule mid-tournament under pressure from the Trump administration.