Yamal picks France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina for 2026 World Cup semis

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has named France, Spain, Portugal and Argentina as the four teams he expects to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after the draw, he said France will face Paraguay in the round of 16, Portugal will meet Croatia, Argentina will take on Cape Verde and Spain will play Austria. Yamal believes all four will win their matches and meet in the last four, with France versus Spain and Portugal versus Argentina as the semi-final pairings.

For Nigerian fans, this prediction highlights the teams many see as favourites and gives a sense of which traditional powers might dominate the tournament. It also sparks conversation about whether African sides can break through, given that none of Yamal's picks include an African nation.

If you're planning to follow the World Cup, consider which of these teams you think will actually reach the semi-finals and why. Will you back Yamal's picks, or do you think an African surprise could break the European-South American dominance?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/02/2026-world-cup-lamine-yamal-names-four-teams-to-reach-semi-finals/