The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals will bring together some of football’s biggest names, with 10 players who have won prestigious Ballon d’Or awards still chasing the sport’s greatest prize.
The final four nations—France, Spain, Argentina, and England—boast an impressive collection of Ballon d’Or winners, Yashin Trophy recipients, Kopa Trophy stars, and Gerd Müller Trophy holders, highlighting the extraordinary quality on display.
The semi-finals begin on Tuesday when Spain take on France, before defending champions Argentina face England on Wednesday. The winners will secure their place in the World Cup final.
Three Ballon d’Or Winners Still Dreaming of World Cup Glory
Three players who have already claimed football’s most prestigious individual honour remain in the race for the World Cup title.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, an unprecedented eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues to lead his nation’s title defence. Spain midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, has been a driving force behind La Roja’s campaign, while France forward Ousmane Dembélé, who claimed the 2025 award, is hoping to crown another outstanding season with World Cup success.
Martínez Stands Alone Among Goalkeepers
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is the only remaining winner of the Yashin Trophy, awarded annually to the world’s best goalkeeper.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper has won the award twice, in 2023 and 2024, and will once again play a crucial role as Argentina aim to reach another World Cup final.
Young Stars Continue to Impress
The tournament’s final four also feature four winners of the Kopa Trophy, presented to the world’s best under-21 player.
Spain boast three former recipients—Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi—while England’s midfield star Jude Bellingham completes the list.
Yamal has already made history by winning the Kopa Trophy in consecutive years, underlining his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Golden Goalscorers Ready for the Big Stage
France captain Kylian Mbappé and England skipper Harry Kane also remain in contention after sharing the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalscorer.
Both strikers have been key figures for their countries throughout the tournament and will be expected to deliver once again with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Ballon d’Or Award Winners in the 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
Ballon d’Or
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Winner in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023
- Rodri (Spain) – Winner in 2024
- Ousmane Dembélé (France) – Winner in 2025
Yashin Trophy
- Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) – Winner in 2023 and 2024
Kopa Trophy
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Winner in 2024 and 2025
- Jude Bellingham (England) – Winner in 2023
- Pedri (Spain) – Winner in 2021
- Gavi (Spain) – Winner in 2022
Gerd Müller Trophy
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – Joint winner in 2024
- Harry Kane (England) – Joint winner in 2024
With football’s biggest individual award winners still competing, the World Cup semi-finals promise to be a showcase of elite talent. Whether it is Messi chasing another historic triumph, Mbappé and Kane hunting decisive goals, or Spain’s young stars looking to make history, fans can expect two unforgettable clashes as the race to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy reaches its climax.
