Road to the final: the 4 left standing in the first 48-team World Cup
The first 48-team World Cup has entered its most electric phase. After a knockout run that has already produced classics and scares, four teams remain — and the decision is right around the corner, set for July 19.
On one side of the bracket, a clash of European football giants: France and Spain meet in a semifinal that feels like an early final. France got here by rolling over Morocco (2–0); Spain beat the ever-dangerous Belgium (2–1) and arrives on a roll. It is the kind of tie that decides World Cups — technique, history and a breathtaking squad on both sides.
On the other side, England — who edged the surprising Norway 2–1 — awaits the winner of Argentina vs. Switzerland to learn their opponent in the other semifinal. If Argentina advance, we get another chapter of the South America–Europe rivalry, with an Argentine side that is never out of the running. If Switzerland pull off the upset, it will be the underdog trying the impossible against the English.
The home-stretch map:
- Semifinal 1: France × Spain
- Semifinal 2: England × the winner of Argentina × Switzerland
- Final: July 19, in New Jersey
- Third-place match: in Miami
What is at stake. For France, the chance to confirm a dominant generation and add another star. For Spain, to crown a rebuilding cycle that dazzled the tournament. For England, to finally break the curse of coming close and falling short. And for whoever comes out of Argentina vs. Switzerland, the chance to write history in a World Cup unlike any other — more teams, more upsets, more unpredictability.
Where to watch (in Brazil): the closing games are broadcast on free-to-air TV, cable and streaming (confirm the schedule and kickoff time for each match the day before — FIFA and the broadcasters fine-tune the details as the bracket closes).
A 48-team World Cup promised chaos — and delivered. Now, in the part that matters most, four heavyweight teams remain and a final is in sight. Who lifts the trophy on July 19?
And you — who is your pick to be champion? France, Spain, England or the underdog? Drop it in the comments.
The home stretch is here and your sticker album is still unfinished? Keep the memory of the first 48-team World Cup 👇