When was the last time each semifinalist reached the World Cup Final?

Charlie Zschau Updated: 13 hours ago

Looking back at the last time each of the 2026 World Cup semifinalists have reach the World Cup Finals, with England facing the longest drought.

Reaching a World Cup final is a monumental achievement that few footballers ever experience. It is often a once-in-a-lifetime match that can define a career. To win it is a privilege that cements a player's place in sporting history.

Eight different nations have won the tournament since it was founded, and Brazil have won the most World Cups (5) in the history of the tournament. All 22 winners of the World Cup have been from either Europe or South America.

2026 will not feature a new World Cup winner, since Argentina, France, Spain, and England have all lifted the trophy before.

2026 World Cup Bracket as of the Semifinals, featuring France vs. Spain and England vs. Argentina.

When was the last time Argentina reached the World Cup Final?

Argentina appeared in the most recent World Cup Final in 2022, where they defeated France 3-3 (4-2 in penalties) to win the countries third World Cup. Argentina are one of the most successful nations in World Cup history having reached six finals.

Legend of the game, Diego Maradona helped earn Argentina it's first two World Cup victories in 1978, and 1986. Lionel Messi then helped his nation earn it's third star in 2022.

Led by Messi again in 2026, Argentina will have the opportunity to be the first team two win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and the first team to win two World Cups in the 21st century.

When was the last time France reached the World Cup Final?

France has reached the World Cup Finals in two consecutive tournaments (2018 and 2022).

France reached the finals for the first time in 1998 on home soil, and defeated Brazil 3-0 to win their first World Cup. France then reached the final again in 2006, but fell to Italy in a penalty shootout.

Didier Deschamps has managed France since 2012, and the manager led the nation to it's second World Cup victory in 2018, and finished second at 2022 tournament.

When was the last time Spain reached the World Cup Final?

Spain reached it's first and only World Cup final in 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg. Andrés Iniesta scored the game-winning goal in the 116th minute of extra time. This victory made Spain the first European nation to win a World Cup hosted outside of Europe.

The 2010 team was loaded with talent, including Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, David Villa, and Sergio Busquets. Other than the victory in 2010, Spain's best finish was fourth place in 1950.

Since 2010, Spain were eliminated in the group Stage in 2014, and eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2018 and 2022.

When was the last time England reached the World Cup Final?

England has not reached the World Cup finals since 1966, when the Three lions famously defeated West Germany 4-2 in extra time, with Geoff Hurst scoring a hat trick on home soil.

England's World Cup final draught has now reached 60 years, with the team not surpassing that semifinal stage since their one and only victory. England have reached the semifinals for the third time since 1966, with the other two appearances coming in 1990 and 2018. There have been an addition five eliminations at the quarterfinal phase since 1966, including at the most recent World Cup in 2022.