⚽🏆 Lothar Matthäus Reveals His Predictions for 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
German football icon Lothar Matthäus has shared his expectations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final matches, as the tournament enters its decisive stages with some of the world’s biggest national teams competing for a place in the final.
During his program “Lothar Starts” on Bild, Matthäus discussed the two highly anticipated semi-final encounters, offering his technical view on how each match could unfold based on his extensive experience in international football.
The former Germany captain believes the semi-finals will deliver intense competition and high-quality football, especially with four teams that have strong histories, talented squads, and players capable of deciding matches at the highest level. ⭐
🇫🇷🇪🇸 France vs Spain.. Matthäus Expects a Dramatic Battle
Regarding the highly anticipated clash between France and Spain, Matthäus expects a very balanced encounter, suggesting that the quality and strength of both teams could make it difficult for either side to secure victory during normal time.
The German legend predicted that the match could go all the way to a penalty shootout, with France eventually winning 6-5 on penalties in a dramatic scenario.
The France-Spain showdown is considered one of the biggest matches of the tournament, with both teams possessing world-class players who can change the game through individual brilliance, tactical discipline, and attacking quality. 🔥
France enters the match with a squad full of experience and attacking power, while Spain has impressed throughout the competition with its technical style and ability to control possession.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs England.. Matthäus Backs the World Champions
When discussing the second semi-final between Argentina and England, Matthäus gave the advantage to Argentina, believing that the defending world champions have the experience and mentality needed to reach the final.
The German football legend highlighted the importance of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, saying that he trusts the Argentine goalkeeper more than England’s goalkeepers when it comes to decisive moments.
According to Matthäus, Argentina’s experience in major tournaments and their ability to handle pressure could play a crucial role against England, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup.
The Argentine squad continues to rely on a combination of leadership, tactical maturity, and individual talent as they aim to defend their global title and secure another appearance in the World Cup final. ⚽✨
🇩🇪 Germany’s Unfulfilled World Cup Dream
During his comments, Matthäus also spoke about the German national team, admitting that reaching the semi-finals or even the final was his dream before the start of the tournament.
He explained that this was the realistic path he hoped Germany would follow during the 2026 World Cup, expressing his disappointment that the team could not achieve that goal.
However, Matthäus emphasized that the World Cup is always a tournament full of surprises, where small details often determine which teams continue their journey toward the trophy. 🏆
🔥 Global Battle for a Place in the Final
Football fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the outcomes of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, with four historic teams competing for the ultimate prize.
According to Matthäus’ predictions, the final could feature a repeat of the Argentina vs France showdown from the 2022 World Cup final, one of the most memorable matches in football history.
Despite the predictions, the final decision will be made on the pitch, where unexpected results remain possible in the biggest football tournament on the planet. ⚽🌍
