World Cup Semi-Finals Boast Impressive Lineup of Ballon d'Or Winners

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its semi-final stage, fans are in for a treat with a plethora of talented players who have received prestigious awards at the annual Ballon d'Or ceremony. The semi-finalists, comprising France, Spain, Argentina, and England, include winners of the revered Ballon d'Or, the Yashin Trophy, the Kopa Trophy, and the Gerd Müller Trophy. The first semi-final match will see Spain face off against France, while Argentina will clash with England in the second semi-final, all vying for a spot in the final. Notably, three former Ballon d'Or winners are still in the running for the World Cup title: Argentina's Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times, Spain's Rodri, and France's Ousmane Dembélé. Additionally, Argentina's 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, including Spain's Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, as well as England's Jude Bellingham. Rounding out the list are France's Kylian Mbappé and England's Harry Kane, who shared the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy for the world's best goalscorer. The full list of Ballon d'Or award winners in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals includes Lionel Messi, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, Emiliano Martínez, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Gavi, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane. The winners of the semi-final matches will proceed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament.