For many fans, victories over ranked teams are the most gratifying, even as a one-time upset.

When strung together, wins over ranked opponents can signal a program’s rise to elite status.

The table below shows the win percentages and records as an underdog for the region’s top programs over the last 15 seasons.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to enter its penultimate round as four teams, i.e., Argentina, France, England and Spain, will face each other in the semifinals with the chance to book their place in the grand finale on Monday, July 20, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Defending champions Argentina will be looking to become only the third team after Italy and Brazil to successfully defend their title, while France will be aiming for their second title in three editions after winning in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022.

England and Spain, on the other hand, will be eyeing their second World Cup title after winning it in 1966 and 2010, respectively.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Road to semifinals

Argentina’s road to the semifinals

Argentina have reached the semifinals with a perfect record, winning all six of their matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side finished on top of Group J after victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan, scoring eight goals while conceding only once.

The knockout rounds have tested the defending champions more sternly. Argentina edged World Cup debutants Cabo Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32 before overcoming Egypt by the same scoreline in the Round of 16. They then produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament to defeat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

All Argentina match results in FIFA WC 2026:

England’s road to the semifinals

England have remained unbeaten en route to the semifinals, collecting five wins and a draw from six matches. Gareth Southgate’s side began with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before playing out a goalless draw against Ghana. A 2-0 win over Panama secured top spot in Group L.

The Three Lions have improved with every knockout fixture. They defeated DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 before overcoming Mexico 3-2 in an open Round of 16 contest. England then ended Norway’s impressive campaign with a 2-1 extra-time victory in the quarterfinals.

All England match results in FIFA WC 2026:

France’s road to the semifinals

France have been the most consistent team in the tournament so far, winning all six matches and conceding only one goal. Didier Deschamps’ side topped Group I after victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, scoring 10 goals across the three fixtures.

The 2018 champions have maintained that consistency in the knockout rounds. France defeated Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 before recording a disciplined 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16. A 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals secured another appearance in the last four.

All France match results in FIFA WC 2026:

Spain’s road to the semifinals

Spain recovered from a slow start to produce another strong World Cup campaign. After being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde in their opening Group H fixture, Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to finish first in the group.

Spain have continued to build momentum in the knockout rounds. They beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before eliminating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. Their quarterfinal against Belgium proved to be their toughest challenge of the tournament, but a 2-1 victory secured a place in the semifinals.

All Spain match results in FIFA WC 2026:

FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Full schedule

FIFA World Cup 2026: Semifinals preview

Argentina vs England

One of international football’s most storied rivalries will take centre stage when defending champions Argentina face England in the second semifinal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Argentina have won all six of their matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, topping Group J before defeating Cabo Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the knockout rounds. Lionel Scaloni’s side have scored 17 goals in the tournament, with Lionel Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s progress. The defending champions have also shown they can handle pressure, coming through two close knockout ties before producing a commanding display against Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

England have also reached the last four unbeaten. Gareth Southgate’s men topped Group L with two wins and a draw before eliminating DR Congo, Mexico and Norway. The Three Lions have found different match-winners throughout the tournament, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sharing the goals while the defence has remained disciplined in the knockout rounds.

The semifinal will also renew a rivalry that has produced several memorable moments in World Cup history, from England’s 1966 quarterfinal victory to Argentina’s famous 1986 triumph inspired by Diego Maradona. Their last World Cup meeting came in 2002 when England secured a 1-0 victory in the group stage.

With Messi chasing a second successive World Cup title and England looking to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, little separates the two teams heading into the contest.

Argentina vs England: Head-to-head in football

France vs Spain

The opening semifinal pits together the tournament’s two best-performing European sides. France have won all six of their matches and head into the contest after victories over Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps’ side have combined attacking quality with defensive solidity, scoring 16 goals while conceding only once.

Spain, meanwhile, have recovered impressively after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde in their opening group game. Since then, Luis de la Fuente’s side have registered five consecutive wins, beating Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal and Belgium to reach the semifinals. Spain have also conceded just one goal in six matches, matching France’s defensive record.

The contest is expected to feature two contrasting approaches. France are likely to rely on the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele on the counterattack, while Spain’s midfield, led by Pedri and Mikel Merino, will look to dictate possession. Lamine Yamal’s ability to create chances from wide areas could also prove decisive against the French defence.

The two sides have met regularly over the past decade. Spain defeated France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal and again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, while France’s last competitive victory over Spain came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final.

France vs Spain: Head-to-head in football

FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Predictions

Both FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals appear finely balanced, but recent form and Opta’s latest supercomputer projections suggest France and England hold marginal advantages over their respective opponents.

France vs Spain: Mbappe to return to a third straight final?

France enter the semifinal as slight favourites after winning all six of their matches and conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. Kylian Mbappe has led the attack with eight goals, while Ousmane Dembele has consistently provided support in the final third.

Spain, however, have recovered strongly after an opening draw with Cabo Verde and have won five successive matches, including victories over Portugal and Belgium.

With both teams boasting the tournament’s joint-best defensive record, the contest could be decided by moments of individual brilliance. Opta gives France a 57.7 per cent chance of reaching the final compared to 42.3 per cent for Spain.

Prediction: France 2-1 Spain

Argentina vs England: Three Lions to halt Argentina’s title defence?

The second semifinal is expected to be even closer. Argentina have won all six of their matches and continue to rely on Lionel Messi’s experience in key moments, while England have grown stronger with every knockout fixture after defeating Mexico and Norway.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have shared the scoring burden, and England’s midfield has looked among the most balanced in the tournament. Opta’s projections reflect the expected closeness of the contest, giving England a 50.94 per cent chance of progressing compared to 49.06 per cent for Argentina.

Prediction: England 3-2 Argentina

Predicted final: France vs England

FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Players to look out for

Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Lisandro Martinez has been one of Argentina’s most reliable defenders during their title defence. Comfortable playing out from the back and aggressive in one-on-one situations, the centre-back has helped Argentina concede only six goals in six matches. His duel with Harry Kane could play a decisive role in determining which team reaches the final.

Harry Kane (England)

England captain Harry Kane has once again delivered on the biggest stage. The striker has scored six goals in the tournament and remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. Apart from finishing chances inside the penalty area, Kane has linked England’s attack by dropping into midfield and creating opportunities for teammates. His experience in knockout football will be vital against Argentina.

Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham has continued to establish himself as one of the world’s leading midfielders. The 23-year-old has matched Kane with six goals while also providing an assist. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, press opponents and arrive late in the box has made him one of England’s most influential players. Controlling the midfield battle against Argentina will be among his biggest challenges of the tournament.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Still only a teenager, Lamine Yamal has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football’s brightest talents. His pace, close control and ability to beat defenders have given Spain another attacking dimension. France will have to find a way to contain the winger, especially in one-on-one situations.

Mikel Merino (Spain)

Mikel Merino has quietly become one of Spain’s most important players. Operating in central midfield, he has provided balance between defence and attack while helping Spain dominate possession. His passing range and ability to win second balls could prove crucial against France’s athletic midfield.

FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Race for Golden Boot intensifies

The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot remains wide open with four teams still in contention. France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina captain Lionel Messi are tied at the top with eight goals each, ensuring that every strike in the semifinals could prove decisive.

England have two players among the leading scorers, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scoring six goals apiece. France also have Ousmane Dembele on five goals, while Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal has netted four times.

Although Erling Haaland finished his campaign with seven goals after Norway’s quarterfinal exit, he remains in the top three and could still feature in the final standings depending on the performances of the remaining players.

FIFA World Cup 2026 top goal scorers:

FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Live streaming and telecast details

When will the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 begin?

The semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on Wednesday, July 15.

Which two teams will face each other in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Kylian Mbappe’s France will take on Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on July 15.

Which two teams will face each other in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Lionel Messi’s defending champions Argentina will face Harry Kane’s England in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 16.

What time will the semifinal matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 begin?

Both semifinal matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will kick off at 12:30 am IST in India.

Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal matches in India?

The live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal matches will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal matches in India?

The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal matches will be available on the ZEE5 app and website for viewers in India.

Jannik Sinner is starting to make a habit of responding to adversity in Paris with titles at Wimbledon.

The top-ranked Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 Sunday for his second consecutive title at the All England Club after his German opponent appeared bothered by a knee issue following a slip to the grass on a key point in the third set.

Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title came in his first tournament since a second-round meltdown at the French Open, when he wilted in a Paris heat wave.

When Sinner ripped a forehand winner up the line on his fist match point, the Italian dropped to the grass on his back in celebration.

A year ago, Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the All England Club after wasting three match points against his rival in the Roland Garros final.

It was Sinner’s 10th straight victory over Zverev, who was coming off his first Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova in an all-Czech women’s final on Saturday for her first Grand Slam title.

Read moreNoskova survives tearful meltdown to win first Wimbledon title

Prince William joined his wife Kate and two of their children for the final in a star-studded Royal Box that also included actors Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ben Stiller. 

The top two seeds appeared perfectly matched until Zverev earned his first break point of the match at 3-3 in the third set — 2 hours and 42 minutes in. Sinner produced a drop shot and Zverev slipped and appeared to hyper-extend his right knee as he attempted to change directions behind the baseline.

Zverev grasped his knee in apparent discomfort and Sinner went around the net and helped his opponent up off the grass. Zverev quickly resumed playing but he appeared slightly hampered and slung his racket across the baseline in frustration when he missed a forehand and handed Sinner the first break of the match and a 5-3 lead in the third. Sinner then served it out.

Zverev had also lost 14 straight sets to Sinner and when he claimed the opening set of the final with a forehand winner up the line to conclude a tight tiebreaker, he let out a loud roar toward his box as he bent over in celebration.

Zverev continually cranked out serves at up to 139 mph (224 kph), while Sinner produced a series of well-placed aces at a slightly lower speed.

Read moreSerena Williams handed Wimbledon singles wildcard in grand slam comeback

But Sinner began to read Zverev’s serve better in the second-set tiebreaker and Zverev started to miss forehands.

Amid stifling heat and humidity in Paris in late May, Sinner had his 30-match winning streak ended after coming within one game of a straight-set victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who was ranked No. 56.

Conditions were cooler in southwest London for the final, with clear skies and a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) but it was also breezy — which led to a series of shanked shots from both players.

Sinner went in for medical exams in Milan after the Paris defeat and didn’t play an official match again until he arrived at Wimbledon, where he twice had to come back from a set down in a five-set marathon against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.

Sinner then didn’t drop a set the rest of the way until the final, having dominated against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Despite the defeat in the final, Zverev will leapfrog Alcaraz into the No. 2 spot in the rankings on Monday.

Alcaraz missed both the French Open and Wimbledon this year due to a right wrist injury.

(FRANCE 24 with AP)

After Alexander “Sascha” Zverev captured the first set of the 2026 men’s singles final at Wimbledon, it looked like the conversation might turn to whether he had seized the mantle as the top player in tennis.

But that’s when Jannik Sinner reminded everyone that he’s still the No. 1 player in the world.

Jannik Sinner rallied after dropping the first set to defeat Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026, earning his second consecutive title and fifth Grand Slam championship. (Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

After dropping the first set, Sinner rallied to victory over Zverev, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-4, to earn his second consecutive Wimbledon title and fifth career Grand Slam championship.

Sinner also continued an incredible streak in his rivalry with Zverev.

Zverev hasn’t broken Sinner’s serve in 87 straight service games, since the 2025 Vienna final. Sinner has also defeated Zverev in ten consecutive matches dating back to the 2023 U.S. Open.

Zverev won the French Open in June after Sinner suffered a stunning defeat in the second round of the tournament. It was the first Grand Slam victory in Zverev’s career.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV WINS 2026 FRENCH OPEN TO CAPTURE HIS FIRST GRAND SLAM TITLE AFTER YEARS OF NEAR-MISSES

He looked poised to make it back-to-back major victories after an impressive opening set. However, the No. 2 seed and world No. 3 just couldn’t win the critical points that he needed, including the only break-point opportunity he had in the match.

Sinner, though, did come up clutch in those big spots, converting 2 of 5 break-point chances. The key moment in the match came when Sinner had his back against the wall.

Jannik Sinner celebrates a point against Alexander Zverev during the Gentlemen’s Singles final on day 14 of Wimbledon at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Zverev had a break-point opportunity in the third set with the score tied, 3-3. Sinner hit a beautiful drop shot that caused Zverev to slip while trying to change direction. Zverev went to the ground and grabbed his knee in pain.

Although Zverev was able to continue and didn’t appear to be hampered by the apparent injury, Sinner went on to win that game and break Zverev in the ensuing game to take control of the final.

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Sinner got his second break of serve in the seventh game of the fourth set and held the rest of the way for the victory.

It was the first Grand Slam title of the year for Sinner, who lost in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open and fell in a second-round stunner at the 2026 French Open.

Jannik Sinner celebrates his victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 player in the world, missed both the French Open and Wimbledon with injury after winning the Australian Open in February.

It remains to be seen if Alcaraz will be healthy enough to defend his title at the 2026 U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 23.

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If Alcaraz cannot play, Sinner, the 2024 U.S. Open champion, figures to be a heavy favorite.

And Zverev gets another chance to prove that his French Open victory wasn’t a one-off and he belongs in the conversation with Sinner and Alcaraz as the best in the world.

For now, though, Sinner sits comfortably on top of the tennis world.

Alexander Zverev has more than just defending champion Jannik Sinner to deal with on Sunday in the Wimbledon final.

The 29-year-old German also has Type 1 diabetes, which requires him to monitor his glucose levels and, if needed, inject insulin during matches.

Zverev, who won the French Open and is seeking back-to-back Grand Slam titles, uses an insulin pen when needed to jab the top of his thigh during changeovers on court.

Here’s some more information about Zverev and the disease.

Zverev was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a boy 
Zverev disclosed in 2022 that he has Type 1 diabetes, having been diagnosed at age 4, according to his diabetes foundation. He had previously kept it quiet. If he needed an insulin jab during a match, he’d do it privately during bathroom breaks.

The announcement coincided with him launching his foundation, to help children in particular.

“If we as a foundation, and me just as a tennis player and somebody who has diabetes, can help even just a single kid or a single parent, I’ll be the happiest person in the world,” Zverev said after an early-round victory at Wimbledon. “There’s a lot of great athletes, there’s a lot of actors, musicians, who have diabetes. It shows that with diabetes there shouldn’t be any limits.” 
Glucose sensor problem at tournament 
At a Wimbledon warmup event in Halle, Germany, Zverev said his glucose sensor gave him an incorrect reading at his semifinal match against Taylor Fritz. Because it showed falsely high levels, he accidentally injected too much insulin.

When he figured out the problem, Zverev consumed 350 grams of sugar through glucose gels in the first hour of the match to normalize his blood sugar levels. He reported feeling “awful” and lost the match in three sets.

“The company’s investigating it, looking into it,” he said at a pre-Wimbledon press conference, referring to the firm that makes the sensor. “I’ve been using it for 10-plus years. This is the first time ever it happened.” 
The sensors are life changing, he noted.

“Those things are still very, very useful for a diabetic, make the life of a diabetic much easier than without them,” he added. “It was very unfortunate for me that it happened, but I think as a product, it still is very helpful for millions of diabetes patients.” 
Zverev has permission from Grand Slam tournaments, the All England Club confirmed, to use his phone during matches to check his glucose levels. His sensor relays readings to the phone so that Zverev doesn’t need to do finger-prick blood tests. Otherwise, phones are not allowed on court.

Other high-profile athletes with Type 1 diabetes 
NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke played his whole career with Type 1 diabetes, and current NHL player Max Domi also has the chronic disease.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, diagnosed in childhood, frequently checks his blood sugar levels during games.

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in his mid-20s, as was Olympic champion swimmer Gary Hall Jr.

Advocates say visibility is important, and not just in sports.

A year ago, Mattel introduced its first Barbie representing a person with Type 1 diabetes. She wears a continuous glucose monitor – to track blood sugar levels – on her arm while holding a phone displaying an accompanying app.

Facts about Type 1 diabetes 
It was once called “juvenile diabetes” because it most often occurs in children and teenagers. An estimated 9.2 million people have Type 1 diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that with the disease, “your pancreas doesn’t make insulin or makes very little insulin. Insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy. Without insulin, blood sugar can’t get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream.” Insulin shots are required to manage the blood sugar levels.