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What Messi, Mbappe, Bellingham and Yamal have said ahead of World Cup semi-finals
14th July, 2026 08:17 PM
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four, with some of football’s biggest names preparing to lead their countries in the battle for a place in the final.
Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Rodri will all carry the expectations of their nations as Argentina, England, France and Spain chase World Cup glory.
While every successful tournament is built on collective effort, the 2026 edition has repeatedly seen its biggest stars rise to the occasion. Branded by many as the “World Cup of superstars,” the competition now enters its most crucial stage with four former champions, also the top four teams in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, still in contention.
France will meet Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, before England take on defending champions Argentina at Atlanta Stadium a day later, with both encounters featuring some of the game’s most celebrated players.
Messi and Alvarez eager to deliver for Argentina
At 39, Messi continues to add fresh chapters to his remarkable World Cup career. The Argentina captain is preparing for his first-ever World Cup meeting against England and is relishing the challenge.
“It’ll be a special match because I’ve never played against England,” Messi said. “They’re also a great team, one of the world’s powerhouses, and it’s always wonderful to play against sides like that. It’s an encounter that promises to be huge, even more so in a World Cup semi-final.”
Alongside Messi, striker Julian Alvarez has found top form at the perfect time. After scoring a spectacular extra-time winner against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, the forward hopes to continue his scoring run when Argentina faces England.
“Scoring that goal was important,” he said. “I’ve got better as the World Cup has gone on and I hope to be even better in the semi-finals. What matters most is the team winning, but as a striker, I want to help by finding the net. It makes me feel really emotional. I can only imagine what it must’ve been like back home.”
Kane and Bellingham target historic step
England have survived several demanding knockout matches to reach the last four, and captain Harry Kane believes the squad is now within touching distance of achieving something special.
“This is an extremely successful period for our national team,” explained the No9. “We want to take that final step. We’ve been together for six weeks now, giving everything for this badge every single day.”
Midfielder Jude Bellingham has also played a leading role in England’s impressive campaign. The Real Madrid star admitted the team’s journey has surpassed even his own expectations.
“This is probably a bit beyond [my wildest dreams]. I’m a confident boy, but I don’t think you go to bed at night dreaming about games like that. It’s nice to have an impact and help my team, but I’m just so proud of how the lads keep battling regardless of what situation we find ourselves in.”
France remain focused
France have been widely tipped as the team most likely to lift the trophy, but Kylian Mbappe insists nothing has been achieved yet.
“I don’t know if I’d call it a ‘mission’, but we all know we can only relax if we win it. We can’t let our guard down until then. We still have a lot to prove if we want to be recognised as an ‘invincible team’.”
Forward Ousmane Dembele echoed that determination, stressing that collective success remains more important than individual recognition.
“I’m very happy,” he revealed. “I feel comfortable in my role for France and Paris Saint-Germain. I’m getting stronger as the tournament goes on, but the team come first.”
Spain trust Yamal’s flair
Spain head into their semi-final against France full of belief, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal embracing the challenge against one of Europe’s strongest teams.
“Ever since the tournament got under way, many people have been hoping for this match,” he said. “For me, these are the two best teams at this World Cup. We’re not afraid. If anyone can beat France, it’s us.”
Providing balance behind Spain’s attack is midfielder Rodri, whose calmness and passing have been instrumental throughout the tournament. He expects France to provide Spain’s toughest examination so far but is confident his side can progress.
“France will probably be our toughest test,” admitted the 30-year-old. “We’re highly motivated and determined to win the tie. We have to play to our strengths. France are a great side, but so are we.”
With a place in the FIFA World Cup final at stake, football’s biggest stars now have another opportunity to shape the tournament and move their countries one step closer to lifting the game’s most prestigious trophy.
