Four teams remain at the 2026 World Cup. France, Spain, England, and Argentina each have a realistic shot at lifting the trophy this weekend. But the numbers tell different stories about how each side has reached this stage.

Here is a statistical breakdown of all four semi-finalists.

Attack: France lead the way

France have been the most dangerous attacking side in the tournament. They average the most goals per 90 minutes, share the lead for total shots, and top the Expected Goals (xG) charts among the final four.

Kylian Mbappe leads the charge with eight goals — just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup record. Ousmane Dembele has added five, and Michael Olise leads the entire tournament with five assists.

Argentina have actually scored the most goals overall (17), but they have also played an extra hour of football due to extra-time matches. When adjusted for playing time, France edge them out.

England, meanwhile, have been less creative than the other three sides. Thomas Tuchel’s team generate fewer chances and rank lowest in xG per 90 minutes. But they have still scored more than two goals per game, thanks largely to clinical finishing from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Spain present the strangest picture. They have taken as many shots as France (110) but scored only 11 goals — almost one fewer per game. Their conversion rate is the worst of the four semi-finalists.

Defence: Spain’s wall vs Argentina’s vulnerability

Spain have been the most solid team at the back. They did not concede a single goal until their quarter-final win over Belgium — a run of five clean sheets to start the tournament. France have also been tight, allowing just two goals in six games.

England and Argentina have each conceded six goals. England give up the most chances, while Argentina are the least successful at keeping opponents out when chances do come.

That contrast sets up a fascinating semi-final. England’s aerial threat against Argentina’s shaky back line could be decisive.

Possession and pressing: Two different philosophies

Spain dominate the ball like no other team. They have enjoyed 66% possession on average — the highest of any side at the entire World Cup. Their passing accuracy of 90.4% is joint-best with Argentina.

Spain also press the hardest. They have run the most, sprinted the most, and won the ball high up the pitch more often than any other semi-finalist.

Argentina sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Despite covering the most total ground (706.5km), that figure is inflated by extra-time matches. Per 90 minutes, they have actually run the least and made the fewest sprints of the four remaining teams. They have been out-run by opponents in every single match.

Lionel Messi’s role explains part of this. The Argentine captain has played more through balls than any other player at the tournament (15). Argentina do not need to run — they let Messi’s passing do the work.

Aerial threat: England’s secret weapon

England’s crossing in open play has been the best of the four semi-finalists. They find a team-mate with one in every four crosses, which explains why they have scored the joint-most headed goals (four) and had the most headed shots (24) of any team at the World Cup.

Argentina’s aerial weakness is well documented. They have the worst aerial duel success rate of the final four. If England can get quality deliveries into the box, they have a genuine advantage.

Dribbling and individual brilliance

Messi remains the most effective dribbler among the semi-finalists. Only two players at the entire tournament have beaten their man more often. But his team-mates rarely attempt dribbles — Argentina rely almost entirely on Messi to create in tight spaces.

France, by contrast, spread the dribbling burden across their front four. Mbappe, Dembele, Olise, and Randal Kolo Muani all run at defenders regularly. Spain will need to manage waves of one-on-one duels in their semi-final.

What it all means

The numbers point to clear strengths and weaknesses for each team:

  • France are the most complete attacking side and will test Spain’s defence like no one else has
  • Spain have the best defensive record and work the hardest, but their finishing has been poor
  • England are not the most creative, but their aerial dominance and clinical finishing make them dangerous
  • Argentina rely on Messi magic and efficient finishing rather than pressing or running

The semi-finals promise contrasting styles. France vs Spain is an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. England vs Argentina is aerial power against individual brilliance.

Whatever happens, the stats suggest all four matches will be decided by fine margins.