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Star-Studded Semi-Finals as Ballon d'Or Winners Collide at 2026 World Cup

Star-Studded Semi-Finals as Ballon d'Or Winners Collide at 2026 World Cup

Ten winners of the Ballon d'Or and its associated awards remain in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title as the tournament reaches its final four.

Spain, France, Argentina and England are setting up a pair of blockbuster semi-finals.

Spain face France on Tuesday before Argentina meet England on Wednesday, with the winners of each tie advancing to the final.

Three former Ballon d'Or winners are still in the hunt. 

Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain and an eight-time winner of the award, leads the field alongside Spain midfielder Rodri, who won it in 2024, and France forward Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 recipient.

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is the sole surviving Yashin Trophy winner, the award for the world's best goalkeeper, having claimed it in both 2023 and 2024.

Spain dominate the Kopa Trophy contingent, which recognises the world's best under-21 player. 

Lamine Yamal, a back-to-back winner in 2024 and 2025, is joined by Pedri, who won it in 2021, and Gavi, the 2022 recipient. 

England's Jude Bellingham, the 2023 Kopa Trophy winner, completes that group.

France captain Kylian Mbappe and England striker Harry Kane, who shared the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy for the world's top goalscorer, round out the list of decorated players still standing in the tournament.

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