The 2026 World Cup semifinals bring together four teams that have tasted world title glory for the third time in the tournament's history since its inception in 1930, after Argentina, France, Spain, and England qualified for the final four. Before the current edition reaching its penultimate stage, the scenario of four former champions reaching the semifinals had occurred only twice in 22 previous editions: first in Mexico 1970, and second in Italy 1990. In the 1970 World Cup hosted by Mexico, which witnessed Brazil's third title led by its legend Pelé, the semifinalists were Brazil, Italy, Uruguay, and West Germany, all of whom shared the distinction of having a star of achievement on their jerseys. Brazil entered the semifinals with two titles (1958 and 1962), Italy with two (1934 and 1938), Uruguay with two (1930 and 1950), while West Germany had one title (1954). The semifinals saw Brazil defeat Uruguay 3-1 and Italy beat West Germany 4-3 after extra time. In the final at the famous Azteca Stadium, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 to become the first team to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently with their third title. The gathering of champions in the semifinals was absent for four consecutive World Cups before the scenario repeated on Italian soil in 1990, when Italy (three titles: 1934, 1938, 1982), Argentina (two: 1978, 1986), West Germany (two: 1954, 1974), and England (one: 1966) secured places in the final four. In the semifinals, Argentina, led by legend Diego Maradona, beat Italy 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and Germany defeated England by the same score to set up a rematch between Argentina and Germany, which the Germans won 1-0. Now, 36 years later, excitement is renewed in the final four as four former champions clash to reach the highly anticipated final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The semifinals begin with France vs Spain on Tuesday, followed by Argentina vs England the next day. Argentina leads the list of semifinal teams as the most decorated World Cup winner (3 titles), followed by France (2), then Spain and England (one each).