Overview
- Both semifinals ended Wednesday with Spain beating France 2-0 and Argentina overturning England 2-1 with goals by Enzo Fernández (85') and Lautaro Martínez (92') set up by Lionel Messi.
- The England–Argentina match was highly physical with a large foul count and repeated on-field confrontations that prompted criticism of referee Ismail Elfath and heated TV commentary.
- Tabloids and social media accused VAR of favouring Argentina, a narrative nicknamed 'VARgentina,' a claim that FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has publicly rejected.
- Spain’s win prompted national celebrations and messages from leaders and the royal household while Paris authorities reported 141 people detained after disturbances following the France game.
- The final is confirmed for 19 July at the New York/New Jersey Stadium and attention now turns to match security, how refereeing controversies will shape public reaction, and the tactical clash between Messi’s Argentina and Spain’s young stars.