Cinderella has left, the bridesmaid is waiting

England has waited the longest to win a World Cup. Will anyone blow them apart again?

Many a football follower has gone from ecstasy to tears and the 2026 World Cup has seen it all

By Callistus Davy

Football never had it so good and for the first time the four top-ranked countries have entered the semifinals of the World Cup since it became the most coveted prize in 1930. 

No underdog hit it big although some came tantalizingly close and at least one would-be Cinderella went back empty-handed and will continue to be football’s poor cousins for the next four years.

Poetic justice will be the name of the game to take its turn starting today when the favourite of many, France, confront Spain in the first semifinal and the defending champion Argentina take on England, the country that was always a bridesmaid and never a bride since 1966.

Nothing will be asked or given after the three host countries, the USA, Mexico and Canada ended their parties but kept their doors open before the final curtain on July 19.

The world’s most followed player, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, has never ever played against England in a match and the last time the two powerhouses of football met was in 2005 when the latter won 3-2. All eyes will be on Messi and England’s Harry Kane who with a clear view can kick a ball straight into the net from 50 metres out 

But happy is the nation that has no history as no stone is likely to be left unturned while the two giants will be locked in a do-or-die battle like never before. 

Supporters of the 48 teams that took the field nearly a month ago made stories like the now famous Viking row of the Norwegians after their team made world headlines on the field of play. But the off-field stories will now count for very little in the game of death as the Final Four line up for their ultimate trials.

England with their new found play-maker in Jude Bellingham may look the team that is better organised on the field of play, but taking on a team like Argentina who are yet to be at their champion best can be another preposition.

France with their fast pace play will be waiting. Stopping their forward march will be like winning the World Cup in the semifinal itself for the victor. Their opponents Spain have been the coolest team on the planet progressing virtually unnoticed until the semifinals and whether they can be the last man standing like they did to become Euro champions, is a question only they can answer.