England

Argentina have scored 16 goals from 8 different players but needed extra time in two of three knockout matches. England have 13 goals from just three scorers — Bellingham and Kane account for 12 — but won their quarter-final with a 93rd-minute Bellingham strike. One team has depth. The other has destiny. The data reveals a semi-final shaped by mirror formations, contrasting vulnerabilities, and two very different paths to survival.

Argentina and Spain clash in the World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

In a dramatic late comeback, Argentina defeated England 2-1, overturning a deficit established by Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal. Despite England's initial lead, Enzo Fernández spearheaded Argentina's resurgence, contributing to a dominant 15-shot effort that overwhelmed England's defense and secured victory.

England stages a late comeback to defeat Congo DR 2-1, overcoming an early setback from Brian Cipenga's 7th-minute goal. Harry Kane emerges as the hero, capitalizing on England's 7-2 shots on target advantage to secure the win. This victory underscores England's resilience and ability to dominate offensively despite trailing early.

England secures a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia, with Harry Kane's early goal in the 12th minute setting the tone for a decisive win. Dominating the shot count 22-10, England's offensive prowess overwhelms Croatia, ensuring control and momentum throughout the match.

England's dominance goes unrewarded in a 0-0 draw against Ghana, despite outshooting their opponents 19-2. The lack of a decisive turning point underscores England's inability to convert possession and opportunities into goals, leaving them frustrated despite controlling the match.

England's shocking collapse highlighted by a mere four passes in 19 minutes, underscoring their tactical disarray.

France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.

England win the bronze medal in a stunning 6-4 victory after leading 4-0 at halftime, surviving a ferocious French comeback led by Mbappé — who broke the all-time World Cup scoring record — before Saka's hat-trick penalty and Bellingham's late strike sealed the greatest third-place match ever played.

Ghana executes a counterattacking masterclass to secure a 1-0 victory over Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyi's decisive goal in the 90'+5 minute. Despite Panama's 62% possession, Ghana's strategic defensive setup and swift transitions culminate in a last-minute breakthrough, highlighting their tactical discipline and efficiency on the counterattack.