CORNERFLICK
Argentina, England, France and Spain are now just two wins away from lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although all four semi-finalists have played six matches, Argentina have spent more time on the pitch after two of their games went to extra time. To ensure a fair comparison, all statistics have therefore been adjusted on a per-90-minute basis.
Going forward, Argentina lead the tournament with 17 goals, but France have produced the strongest attacking numbers overall. Les Bleus rank first in goals per 90 minutes, total shots and expected goals (xG), underlining the quality and consistency of their attacking play. Argentina, meanwhile, have been the most clinical side, converting 18% of their chances into goals. Spain, by contrast, have underperformed in front of goal. Despite matching France's shot total, La Roja have scored only 11 goals, highlighting a noticeably lower conversion rate. England have created fewer chances than the other three semi-finalists, but the finishing of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane has helped them maintain an average of more than two goals per game.
Defensively, Spain have been the standout performers, conceding their first goal from open play only in the quarter-finals. France have also impressed at the back, allowing just two goals in six matches. Their semi-final therefore pits the tournament's most prolific attack against its most resilient defence. The other last-four clash between England and Argentina could produce more goals, with both teams having conceded six times so far. England have allowed opponents the highest volume of chances, while Argentina have recorded the lowest save percentage among the remaining teams.
Spain have also set the benchmark in terms of work rate and off-the-ball intensity. They lead the semi-finalists in distance covered, high-speed runs, pressing actions and high turnovers in the attacking third. Argentina, on the other hand, have posted the lowest running output and the fewest high-intensity sprints per 90 minutes despite covering the greatest overall distance, a consequence of playing more minutes than any other team.
Possession has been another area of Spanish dominance. Averaging 66% possession, Spain boast the highest figure of any team in the tournament. They also share the best pass-completion rate with Argentina at 90.4%, although all four semi-finalists have maintained excellent passing accuracy. Argentina remain especially dangerous through central progression, with Lionel Messi leading the tournament with 15 successful line-breaking passes. England, meanwhile, have excelled from wide areas, completing one in every four crosses attempted.
England also hold a clear advantage in the air, having scored the most headed goals and attempted the most headers of any team at the tournament. That could prove a significant weapon against Argentina, who have posted the weakest aerial-duel success rate among the four remaining sides. Messi continues to be one of the competition's most effective dribblers and remains the creative heartbeat of Argentina's attack. France, meanwhile, possess several explosive ball carriers whose pace and direct running will provide a stern test for Spain's well-organised defence.
Overall, the numbers paint a fascinating picture. France appear to be the tournament's most complete attacking side, Spain the strongest defensive and possession-based team, Argentina the most clinical finishers, and England the dominant force in aerial play. Those contrasting strengths set the stage for two compelling and finely balanced World Cup semi-finals.