Four teams battle for 2026 World Cup trophy as semi-finals kick off
Four teams remain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the knockout rounds: England, Spain, France and Argentina. The tournament expanded to 48 teams for the first time, bringing debutantes Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Cape Verde impressed with draws against Spain and Uruguay and a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, finishing as Group H runners‑up before losing 3‑2 to eventual semi‑finalists Argentina in the round of 32. African giants Nigeria and Italy failed to qualify, while South Korea and Senegal exited earlier than expected. Analyst Clinton McDubus of DAILY POST backs France to win the trophy, citing less travel, controlled physical exertion and a potent attack. For Nigerian fans, the run of Cape Verde shows African teams can compete on the world stage, highlighting missed opportunities for the Super Eagles. The semi‑finals begin this weekend, with France facing Spain and England meeting Argentina. Knowing France’s edge in rest and attack may help fans decide which matches to prioritize for viewing or betting.