"The Classic Does Not Pass You By"

Nasser Al-Anzi

The last meeting between Spain and France took place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in June 2025, ending in a 5-4 victory for Spain without extra time, decided by penalties. Today, the “European Clásico” returns in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals with the same players and coaches, but it is unreasonable to expect the same result. Spain has conceded only one goal, not solely because of their goalkeeper Unai Simón, but because the team employs a tight organization that is difficult to penetrate. In today’s match, however, the goal will be more accessible to the French, with Mbappé, Dembélé, and Doué in their ranks.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has revealed a list of the ten best players in terms of individual performance at the 2026 World Cup, according to the official evaluation system that measures players’ contributions during the tournament. The list features some of the standout stars of the current edition. Leading the list are several names who shone with their national teams, including Mbappé, Messi, Haaland, Harry Kane, Bellingham, Dembélé, and Vinícius. The list also includes Swiss player Manzambi and Belgian player Ketelaere, who drew attention during the tournament, as well as Mexican player Keninos Ashra, who achieved an offensive rating of 6.83.

This is not a prediction, but a wish: that Spain and Argentina are the two finalists. It would be unjust if this remarkable generation of Spanish players did not reach the World Cup final. Imagine the spectacle of a first-ever World Cup final between Spain and Argentina since the tournament’s inception in 1930. The Spanish national team does not rely on a single player like Argentina, which makes them less tense and allows different players to score in each match. Meanwhile, the Argentine “Tango” side is accustomed to reaching final matches and has won the title three times, led by Mario Kempes, Maradona, and Messi.