The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals will feature a record number of Ballon d'Or award winners, with 10 players who have won the prestigious award or one of the other awards presented at the annual ceremony still in contention for the World Cup title.
The quartet of semi-finalists, France, Spain, Argentina, and England, boast a total of 10 Ballon d'Or and other award winners, with three former winners remaining in contention for the World Cup title. Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times, Spain midfielder Rodri, and France forward Ousmane Dembélé are the three former winners still in the running.
In addition to the Ballon d'Or winners, the semi-finals also feature four Kopa Trophy winners, awarded to the world's best under-21 player. Spain's Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham, are the four Kopa Trophy winners still in the tournament. The semi-finals also include two-time Yashin Trophy winner Emiliano Martínez, the only recipient of the award for the world's best goalkeeper still in the tournament.
The winners of Tuesday's Spain-France clash and Wednesday's Argentina-England encounter will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The semi-finals will feature a mix of experienced players and young talent, with several of the Ballon d'Or winners still in their prime. This could make for an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with several players still in the running for the World Cup title.
The inclusion of so many Ballon d'Or winners in the semi-finals highlights the talent and depth of the teams still in contention for the World Cup title. With several of the world's best players still in the running, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested tournament. The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the final, where they will face off for the World Cup title.
Source: Punch Newspapers