The semi-finals are done, and the final is set: Spain vs Argentina, for the World Cup. Spain's fortress dethroned the favourites France, and Argentina broke England's hearts with a stunning late comeback. Here's everything that happened.

Watch our full semi-final round-up above, then read on for the details.

Spain 2-0 France: the fortress dethrones the favourites

The immovable object beat the irresistible force. Spain, the meanest defence in the tournament, dismantled France in Arlington. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty, and Pedro Porro doubled the lead just past the hour after France switched off down their left. It was a tactical masterclass from Luis de la Fuente's unbeaten side, who barely let the tournament's most feared attack breathe. Didier Deschamps questioned the referee afterwards, but even he acknowledged France were second best.

Full story: Spain's win over France was really about shutting down Mbappé

England 1-2 Argentina: the cruellest collapse

For an hour, England were dreaming. Anthony Gordon turned in a Morgan Rogers cross on 55 minutes, and Thomas Tuchel's side were on course for a first World Cup final since 1966. Then it fell apart. Enzo Fernández levelled on 85 minutes, and Lautaro Martínez won it deep in stoppage time, a two-one comeback that broke English hearts. Tuchel's passive retreat after taking the lead was heavily criticised by Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, but the FA moved quickly to back their manager.

Full story: Lionel Messi drives Argentina past England

Messi's masterclass, on a heated night

At the heart of it all was Lionel Messi. In his first ever meeting with England, the greatest of all orchestrated the comeback, extended his all-time World Cup assists record, and dedicated the victory to Diego Maradona. It boiled over at the end, with a late melee, a Jude Bellingham flashpoint, and a reported FIFA charge over a political banner. But the night, and the headlines, belonged to the GOAT.

Full story: Messi hits back at FIFA bias claims after England win

What's next

🏆 The final: Spain vs Argentina, in New York. The reigning European champions against the reigning world champions. Lionel Messi against Lamine Yamal, the past against the future.

🥉 Third place: France vs England, two wounded giants meeting for the bronze.

We'll have full previews of both games. Subscribe on YouTube so you never miss what happened.

Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 12 outlets. How we work →