
By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
Records vs. Ranked Teams for Programs in West since 2011
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.
Breakdown of Records against Ranked Teams from 2011-2025
| Win % | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 59.4% | Oregon | 41-28 |
| 43.6% | Washington | 27-35 |
| 43.5% | Stanford | 30-39 |
| 43.1% | ASU | 25-33 |
| 40.9% | Boise State | 9-13 |
| 35.7% | UCLA | 20-36 |
| 34.9% | USC | 22-41 |
| 34.7% | Utah | 17-32 |
| 34.3% | BYU | 12-23 |
| 30.9% | Arizona | 17-38 |
| 25.0% | San Diego State | 4-12 |
| 23.1% | Air Force | 3-10 |
| 22.2% | Fresno State | 4-14 |
| 22.0% | WSU | 11-39 |
| 20.0% | Utah State | 5-20 |
| 17.7% | Wyoming | 3-14 |
| 17.4% | Oregon State | 8-38 |
| 14.9% | Cal | 7-40 |
| 11.3% | Colorado | 6-47 |
| 5.9% | San Jose State | 1-16 |
| 5.6% | Hawai’i | 1-17 |
| 5.6% | New Mexico | 1-17 |
| 5.3% | Nevada | 1-18 |
| 0.0% | CSU | 0-14 |
| 0.0% | New Mexico State | 0-13 |
| 0.0% | UNLV | 0-19 |
| 0.0% | UTEP | 0-13 |
Sports
Talking Points as England Beat Norway to Reach World Cup Semi-finals
England are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham once again proving to be the difference.
Here are the major talking points from the quarter-final clash.
Bellingham Delivers Again
Jude Bellingham was England’s hero as he scored both goals to send the Three Lions into the last four. The Real Madrid midfielder equalised just before half-time before grabbing the winner early in extra time after reacting quickest to a rebound.
The brace also saw Bellingham become the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score two goals in back-to-back FIFA World Cup knockout matches. He now has six goals at the tournament.
England Move Closer to History
Thomas Tuchel’s side are now only one victory away from reaching England’s first men’s World Cup final since their famous triumph in 1966.
England have reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the third time since lifting the trophy 60 years ago. They will face either Argentina or Switzerland for a place in the final.
Norway Miss Their Chance
Norway made an excellent start and took the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup. They also came close to restoring their advantage in the second half, but Torbjorn Heggem’s goal was ruled out by VAR after Erling Haaland pushed Elliot Anderson in the build-up.
David Moller Wolfe also struck the crossbar as Norway failed to make their chances count.
Haaland Unable to Make the Difference
Erling Haaland entered the match as one of the tournament’s top scorers with seven goals, but England’s defence kept the Manchester City striker quiet.
His biggest disappointment came when Norway’s disallowed goal denied his side a second lead. Haaland was later substituted during extra time as England took control.
Tuchel’s Changes Pay Off
England looked tired after playing in difficult weather conditions, but Tuchel’s substitutions helped freshen up the team. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers all made important contributions, with Rogers’ shot leading to Bellingham’s winning goal.
England will now look to continue their impressive World Cup run as they prepare for a crucial semi-final showdown with either Argentina or Switzerland.
Sports
Jannik Sinner wins Fifth Grand Slam Title at Just 24
Jannik Sinner has successfully defended his Wimbledon crown, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6- 4 to claim his second consecutive title at the All England Club.
The victory marks Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title and continues an extraordinary run that has firmly established the 24-year-old as the player to beat in men’s tennis.
It was another composed performance from the world No. 1, who recovered after losing a tightly contested first-set tiebreak before taking control of the final.
Speaking during the trophy presentation, Sinner praised Zverev for the challenge he posed and expressed confidence that the German’s time will come.
“You reached one of your goals, winning a Grand Slam. Today you were so, so close. If you play like this, I’m very, very sure you’re going to have this one at home also.”
Reflecting on his own achievement, Sinner admitted that winning Wimbledon is something he never takes for granted.
“There is no better place, honestly, to play tennis. You never know how many times you can come back on Sunday. I never take things for granted.”
He also thanked the Wimbledon fans and the tournament’s ball kids for helping make the championship special.
“You gave me the most special feeling a tennis player can feel. Thank you so much.”
With the victory, Sinner became just the fourth man in the Open Era to win back-to-back Wimbledon titles as the world No. 1, joining Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The triumph also extends his Wimbledon winning streak to 14 matches, gives him his 30th ATP title, and marks his 100th Grand Slam match victory.
Sports
These Vikings Could Become Totally Unexpected Cut Casualties
Nearly every summer, the Minnesota Vikings have at least one roster cut that makes a fan think, “What? They cut that guy?” And there’s no reason to believe 2026 will be any different, especially with new general manager Nolan Teasley, who has allegiance to zero players on the current roster, in the saddle.
So, to get you thinking about stunning possible roster cuts, here’s the list for 2026 in alphabetical order.
Training Camp Could Put Familiar Names in Trouble
Gavin Bartholomew | TE
The Vikings used a 6th-Round pick on Bartholomew in a draft when they had so very few picks after the expensive Dallas Turner trade in 2024. Every pick had to make an impact to offset the lack of rookies joining the depth chart.
The result? Barothomew missed the entire 2025 season with a lower back injury. He didn’t play a single snap on offense or special teams as a rookie.
Fast forward to 2026, and the man has something to prove. He must show that he belongs on the depth chart, specifically that undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek didn’t steal his job. In theory, Minnesota could keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster, but if it retains the customary three, training camp is a battle between Bartholomew and Yurosek at TE3.
And Bartholomew could lose.
Tai Felton | WR
Felton’s roster spot with the team could hinge on the dynamics at training camp.
Drafted by the Vikings in the 3rd Round just over a year ago, the wide receiver’s presence in the offense largely vanished once the regular season began, and his minimal involvement in passing plays was perplexing. Such an outcome cannot be repeated in his second year.
With the addition of undrafted rookie Dillon Bell, the Vikings now have another young receiver to evaluate. Should Bell impress during camp, Minnesota may no longer consider Felton’s draft status a guarantee for a roster spot.
Our Brevan Bane noted on Felton last month, “Now that the Vikings have signed WR Jauan Jennings to be WR3 behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, things are looking a bit murky for Tai Felton. Maybe, he’s still in the long-term plans since Jennings is on a one year deal.”
“However, it’s not a great look for those that have high hopes for Felton to be a major piece of the Vikings’ offense. Tai Felton is a speedster, posing a real threat to take the top off of defenses whenever he’s on the field. At least, he was that in college.”
Thankfully for Felton, if the Vikings cut him, another team would surely give him a look. Speed kills.
“Felton couldn’t even manage to get the WR4 role coming out of training camp in his rookie year, as the Vikings would re-acquire WR Adam Thielen via trade with the Panthers, who would split reps with Jalen Nailor,” Bane added.
“Felton only played 40 total snaps at receiver in 2025 for the Vikings, with 293 coming on special teams. The Vikings likely do value Felton’s special teams ability, and to be fair, that is how Adam Thielen got his start in Minnesota.”
Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
Pace enters training camp with substantially less job security than previous Julys.
The Vikings benched him for Eric Wilson in 2025, a move that led to Wilson playing at a Pro Bowl level. Although Minnesota later re-signed Pace, his contract offers little protection; releasing him would incur no dead-cap hit.
The situation could become even more precarious with rookie Jake Golday. If Golday reveals he’s ready for regular season play, Pace might find himself off the roster before Week 1.
Ultimately, Pace’s fate hinges on his tackling ability. He was an efficient tackler in his first two seasons, but that aspect of his game disappeared in 2025. He must prove that his previous form is still intact.
Myles Price | WR
Refer to the WR situation above. Suppose the Vikings keep Felton and Bell. That would spell trouble for Price, who’s “only” specialty at the moment is returning kicks and punts. Minnesota just drafted running back Demond Claiborne, and believe it or not, he has the speed to perform both jobs if called upon.
It’s not difficult to replace a return man, and if the Vikings value a roster spot for another wide receiver, Price’s limited utility on offense could send him to the practice squad or outright free agency.
Sports
Road Warriors survive Dyip scare as import Jones finds out what a really ‘great guy’ Alapag is to play for

Schony Winston (with ball) peels away from the Terrafirma double team and finishes as the top NLEx local with 13 points. —PBA IMAGES
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—NLEx coach Jimmy Alapag didn’t really need a long time to get acquainted with his import DeQuan Jones, given that they were briefed about each other by a mutual friend.
After shooting 30 points, grabbing seven rebounds, issuing four assists and having three blocks in a 101-100 escape act over Terrafirma on Sunday here, Jones is simply glad that he’s experiencing the positive things that common friend, Garrius Adams, had told him when he learned that Alapag was tapped to call the shots—and gave Jones the referral.
“So far, so good. Coach Jimmy’s living up to the hype,” Jones, whose 25 points in the first half keyed NLEx’s early assault, said. “Our common friend said that coach Jimmy’s a pleasure to play (for). He’s not only a great coach, but a great guy.”
Adams and Alapag worked together for the Sacramento Kings as player development coaches, with Alapag making the decision to fly back for home after getting the call-up to handle the Road Warriors and guide them all the way to a first PBA title.
The Road Warriors nearly threw away a sure victory after the Dyip mounted a huge comeback from 23 points down behind Maverick Ahanmisi and Juami Tiongson, who was back with the team after a three-conference stint with the San Miguel Beermen.
Terrafirma, however, couldn’t steal one from NLEx, which was glad to keep Alapag unbeaten after two starts in his homecoming.
It was a different scenario from two nights earlier, when the Road Warriors blasted the guest team Macau Giant Pandas by 39 points. And despite a 2-0 start, Alapag believes he and his team can be better versions of themselves.
Alapag was quite ready to take accountability for that fourth quarter meltdown, another aspect he’ll need to work on as he keeps on getting his feet wet in the league where he became a legend.
“I think the biggest thing is that every game is important,” said Alapag. “The more wins that you could get, I think it puts us in a better situation going forward.
“I think Terrafirma was great in that fourth quarter, but our guys stayed resilient and got stops when we needed to get the win,” he added.
NLEx will have little time to find out what went wrong and what positives it can hold on as it returns to action on Tuesday in Antipolo against Titan Ultra.
Terrafirma fell to 1-1.
Ahanmisi and Tiongson, who hesitated during the final seconds instead of taking the potential winner, shared scoring for the Dyip with 19 apiece, with import Justin Strings, who muffed a triple at the buzzer, finishing with 18.
Geo Chiu was held to five points and 15 rebounds after posting career highs of 19 and 23 in the 113-100 win over Titan Ultra. INQ
Sports
Tom Kim’s drought-snapping Scottish Open win ended with Tiger Woods text
Sports
FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Date, time (IST), predictions, key stats | FIFA World Cup 2026
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.
Argentina players celebrating after reaching FIFA WC 2026 semifinals (PIC: Reuters)
All Argentina match results in FIFA WC 2026:
|
Stage |
Opponent |
Result |
|
Group stage |
Algeria |
Won 3-0 |
|
Group stage |
Austria |
Won 2-0 |
|
Group stage |
Jordan |
Won 3-1 |
|
Round of 32 |
Cabo Verde |
Won 3-2 |
|
Round of 16 |
Egypt |
Won 3-2 |
|
Quarterfinal |
Switzerland |
Won 3-1 |
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.
Jude Bellingham after scoring his second goal vs Norway (PIC: Reuters)
All England match results in FIFA WC 2026:
|
Stage |
Opponent |
Result |
|
Group stage |
Croatia |
Won 4-2 |
|
Group stage |
Ghana |
Drew 0-0 |
|
Group stage |
Panama |
Won 2-0 |
|
Round of 32 |
DR Congo |
Won 2-1 |
|
Round of 16 |
Mexico |
Won 3-2 |
|
Quarterfinal |
Norway |
Won 2-1 |
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.
Mbappe celebrating after scoring a goal vs Morocco in FIFA WC 2026 quarter-finals (PIC: Reuters)
All France match results in FIFA WC 2026:
|
Stage |
Opponent |
Result |
|
Group stage |
Senegal |
Won 3-1 |
|
Group stage |
Iraq |
Won 3-0 |
|
Group stage |
Norway |
Won 4-1 |
|
Round of 32 |
Sweden |
Won 3-0 |
|
Round of 16 |
Paraguay |
Won 1-0 |
|
Quarterfinal |
Morocco |
Won 2-0 |
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.
Spain beat Belgium to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (PIC: Reuters)
All Spain match results in FIFA WC 2026:
|
Stage |
Opponent |
Result |
|
Group stage |
Cabo Verde |
Drew 0-0 |
|
Group stage |
Saudi Arabia |
Won 4-0 |
|
Group stage |
Uruguay |
Won 1-0 |
|
Round of 32 |
Austria |
Won 3-0 |
|
Round of 16 |
Portugal |
Won 1-0 |
|
Quarterfinal |
Belgium |
Won 2-1 |
FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals: Full schedule
|
Date (IST) |
Match |
Venue |
Time (IST) |
|
15 Jul 2026 |
France vs Spain |
AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
12:30 AM |
|
16 Jul 2026 |
Argentina vs England |
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
12:30 AM |
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
|
Date |
Match |
Result |
Score |
Competition |
|
09 May 1951 |
England vs Argentina |
England won |
2-1 |
International Friendly |
|
17 May 1953 |
Argentina vs England |
Draw |
0-0 |
International Friendly |
|
02 Jun 1962 |
England vs Argentina |
England won |
3-1 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
06 Jun 1964 |
Argentina vs England |
Argentina won |
1-0 |
Copa das Nações |
|
23 Jul 1966 |
England vs Argentina |
England won |
1-0 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
22 May 1974 |
England vs Argentina |
Draw |
2-2 |
International Friendly |
|
12 Jun 1977 |
Argentina vs England |
Draw |
1-1 |
International Friendly |
|
13 May 1980 |
England vs Argentina |
England won |
3-1 |
International Friendly |
|
22 Jun 1986 |
Argentina vs England |
Argentina won |
2-1 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
25 May 1991 |
England vs Argentina |
Draw |
2-2 |
England Challenge Cup |
|
30 Jun 1998 |
Argentina vs England |
Draw (Argentina won on penalties) |
2-2 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
23 Feb 2000 |
England vs Argentina |
Draw |
0-0 |
International Friendly |
|
07 Jun 2002 |
Argentina vs England |
England won |
0-1 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
12 Nov 2005 |
Argentina vs England |
England won |
2-3 |
International Friendly |
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
|
Date |
Match |
Result |
Score |
Competition |
|
30 Apr 1922 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
0-4 |
International Friendly |
|
28 Jan 1923 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
3-0 |
International Friendly |
|
22 May 1927 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
1-4 |
International Friendly |
|
14 Apr 1929 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
8-1 |
International Friendly |
|
23 Apr 1933 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
24 Jan 1935 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
2-0 |
International Friendly |
|
15 Mar 1942 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
4-0 |
International Friendly |
|
19 Jun 1949 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
1-5 |
International Friendly |
|
17 Mar 1955 |
Spain vs France |
France won |
1-2 |
International Friendly |
|
13 Mar 1958 |
France vs Spain |
Draw |
2-2 |
International Friendly |
|
17 Dec 1959 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
4-3 |
International Friendly |
|
02 Apr 1961 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
2-0 |
International Friendly |
|
10 Dec 1961 |
France vs Spain |
Draw |
1-1 |
International Friendly |
|
09 Jan 1963 |
Spain vs France |
Draw |
0-0 |
International Friendly |
|
17 Oct 1968 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
1-3 |
International Friendly |
|
17 Mar 1971 |
Spain vs France |
Draw |
2-2 |
International Friendly |
|
08 Nov 1978 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
18 Feb 1981 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
05 Oct 1983 |
France vs Spain |
Draw |
1-1 |
International Friendly |
|
27 Jun 1984 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
2-0 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
23 Mar 1988 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
2-1 |
International Friendly |
|
20 Feb 1991 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
3-1 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
12 Oct 1991 |
Spain vs France |
France won |
1-2 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
15 Jun 1996 |
France vs Spain |
Draw |
1-1 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
28 Jan 1998 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
25 Jun 2000 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
2-1 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
28 Mar 2001 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
2-1 |
International Friendly |
|
27 Jun 2006 |
Spain vs France |
France won |
1-3 |
FIFA World Cup |
|
06 Feb 2008 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
03 Mar 2010 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
0-2 |
International Friendly |
|
23 Jun 2012 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
2-0 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
16 Oct 2012 |
Spain vs France |
Draw |
1-1 |
FIFA World Cup qualifier |
|
26 Mar 2013 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
0-1 |
FIFA World Cup qualifier |
|
04 Sep 2014 |
France vs Spain |
France won |
1-0 |
International Friendly |
|
28 Mar 2017 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
0-2 |
International Friendly |
|
10 Oct 2021 |
Spain vs France |
France won |
1-2 |
UEFA Nations League |
|
09 Jul 2024 |
France vs Spain |
Spain won |
1-2 |
UEFA European Championship |
|
05 Jun 2025 |
Spain vs France |
Spain won |
5-4 |
UEFA Nations League |
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
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Lionel Messi continues to influence Argentina’s biggest matches. The captain heads into the semifinals with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot standings, while also contributing two assists. Beyond the numbers, Messi has dictated Argentina’s attacking play, creating chances and stepping up in crucial moments during the knockout rounds. England will need to limit the space he receives between the lines if they are to stop the defending champions.
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:
|
Rank |
Player |
Team |
Goals |
|
1 |
Kylian Mbappe |
France |
8 |
|
1 |
Lionel Messi |
Argentina |
8 |
|
3 |
Erling Haaland |
Norway |
7 |
|
4 |
Jude Bellingham |
England |
6 |
|
4 |
Harry Kane |
England |
6 |
|
6 |
Ousmane Dembele |
France |
5 |
|
7 |
Ismaila Sarr |
Senegal |
4 |
|
7 |
Julian Quinones |
Mexico |
4 |
|
7 |
Vinicius Junior |
Brazil |
4 |
|
7 |
Mikel Oyarzabal |
Spain |
4 |
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.
Sports
Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev to win second straight Wimbledon title
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)
Sports
Sinner tops Zverev in Wimbledon final to win fifth career Grand Slam
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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.
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.
Sports
Two Wins For Denis Lynch in The Netherlands
Tipperary showjumper Denis Lynch has had two wins at the Valkenswaard Arena in the Netherlands this weekend.
Lynch, riding the 11-year-old KWPN mare Katja, produced a fast, faultless round to win the CSI2* 1.45m Big Tour class. The combination stopped the clock in 58.15 seconds.
The 50-year-old, aboard the eight-year-old Westphalian stallion Cornet Gold, also claimed the CSI1* 1.35m class against the clock.
With a super-fast and smooth round over the jumps, they stopped the clock at 67.27 seconds – a dominant performance that any other combination couldn’t match.
Lynch, who remains a fixture at the highest level of international show jumping, now boasts more than 4,700 international starts and 223 career victories.
Sports
Why the Trail Blazers’ Ja Morant Gamble Could Pay Off
Coming off his second straight All-NBA finish in 2023, the future seemed so bright for Ja Morant. Despite a tough playoff loss to an underseeded Lakers squad, the Grizzlies still had a ton to be excited about moving forward.
Morant looked like a superstar in the playoffs, and Memphis was going to be one of the best teams in the West for years to come. Unfortunately, injuries and, more importantly, off-the-court issues have derailed Morant’s blossoming career, and Memphis was looking for any way to move on from him.
Portland decided to take a risk on Morant, and I think it’s a genius move. Morant turns 27 this season but has played only 79 games over the last three regular seasons. Durability is a massive concern, but Portland has the luxury of a very deep backcourt to bail him out.
Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Morant make one of the most interesting backcourts in the league, but it’s more than just depth that intrigues me.
Some players simply need a change of scenery. Not to analyze Morant and the people he surrounds himself with, but it didn’t take a genius to see that Memphis was only exacerbating his issues.
Recent interviews have shined a much more positive light on Morant. He’s spoken very highly of his All-Star teammate Deni Avdija and seems much happier in Portland.
If Morant can stay on the floor, he really could raise Portland’s ceiling to that of a Western Conference contender. Throughout their first-round battle with the eventual Western Conference champs, the San Antonio Spurs, defense wasn’t the issue for the Blazers.
Henderson had some of the brightest moments of his career in the postseason, but he’s not ready to be a guy you’ll consistently trust to get clutch buckets. It’s too early to see if Lillard still has anything left in the tank, but those two could be a very exciting pairing with solid defensive options around them like Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan. Currently, Portland has the 18th-best odds to make the Finals at +7500. Unless Avdija and company take massive leaps, I’m not sure they’re actually Finals contenders, but there still seems like some massive value to be found there.
Not a ton of books have odds yet, but the Blazers are projected to have a win total around 40.5 this year, and if that’s where the market opens, make sure to hammer the over for Portland.
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