The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals will feature 10 players who have won the Ballon d’Or or one of the awards presented at the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The quartet of semi-finalists, France, Spain, Argentina and England, boast winners of the Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy, Kopa Trophy and Gerd Müller Trophy.
Spain will face France in the first semi-final on Tuesday, while Argentina take on England on Wednesday for a place in the final.
Three former Ballon d’Or winners remain in contention for the World Cup title.
They are Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times, Spain midfielder Rodri and France forward Ousmane Dembélé.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, is the only recipient of the award for the world’s best goalkeeper still in the tournament.
The semi-finals also feature four Kopa Trophy winners, awarded to the world’s best under-21 player.
They are Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi, alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
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France captain Kylian Mbappé and England striker Harry Kane, who shared the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy for the world’s best goalscorer, complete the list.
Full list of Ballon d’Or awards 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
The winners of Tuesday’s Spain-France clash and Wednesday’s Argentina-England encounter will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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Source: The Punch
