Manchester United's World Cup Dream Lives On: England Reach the Semi-Finals as Argentina Awaits
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Manchester United's World Cup Dream Lives On: England Reach the Semi-Finals as Argentina Awaits
Published: 12 July 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the business end of the tournament, and Manchester United remain heavily represented as the race for football's biggest prize enters the semi-finals.
While many current and former Reds have already seen their campaigns come to an end, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martínez are still chasing World Cup glory, with England and Argentina now set for a blockbuster semi-final.
From Cristiano Ronaldo's emotional farewell to Bruno Fernandes' exit, Jude Bellingham's brilliance and England's dramatic extra-time victory over Norway, there has been no shortage of storylines involving Manchester United players past and present.
Here's where everything stands.
England Through After Norway Thriller
England booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
The Three Lions were pushed all the way by Erling Haaland and company before Jude Bellingham once again delivered on the biggest stage with two outstanding goals.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo continue their World Cup journeys after another resilient England performance under Thomas Tuchel.
Although Rashford wasn't on the scoresheet, his pace and direct running continue to offer England a dangerous outlet, while Mainoo's composure in midfield has been another major positive throughout the tournament.
England now stand just two wins away from lifting the World Cup.
Argentina Also Reach The Last Four
Waiting for England are the reigning world champions.
Argentina needed extra time themselves to overcome Switzerland, eventually winning 3-1 thanks to late goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez after Alexis Mac Allister had earlier opened the scoring.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez remains firmly in contention to become a back-to-back World Cup winner.
If fully fit for the semi-final, Martínez could find himself facing club teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford with a place in the World Cup Final on the line.
It doesn't get much bigger than that.
Semi-Final Confirmed
England vs Argentina
Wednesday 15 July
One current Manchester United defender.
Two current Manchester United attackers.
A World Cup Final at stake.
This is exactly the type of occasion football fans dream about.
France Continue To Impress
France secured another professional victory by beating Morocco 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.
The 2022 finalists have looked incredibly balanced throughout the tournament and now face Spain in what many believe could be the real final before the final.
Former United academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe's impressive World Cup with DR Congo may have ended earlier in the knockout stages, but France remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain Eliminate Belgium
Spain continued their impressive tournament by defeating Belgium 2-1.
That victory officially ended the World Cup hopes of current Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose Belgium side battled hard but couldn't find a way through.
Spain now meet France in arguably the biggest tactical battle of the tournament.
Current Manchester United Players Still Alive
Only three current Manchester United players remain in the competition.
England
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Marcus Rashford
Argentina
- Lisandro Martínez
One of them is guaranteed to reach the World Cup Final.
Current Manchester United Players Eliminated
Several members of Michael Carrick's squad have already headed home.
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
- Diogo Dalot (Portugal)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
- Senne Lammens (Belgium)
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
- Altay Bayındır (Türkiye)
- Tyler Fletcher (Scotland)
Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha also exited the tournament earlier, while Manuel Ugarte's campaign sadly ended after suffering a serious knee injury.
Former Reds Who Have Exited
The tournament has also marked the end of several notable World Cup journeys.
Cristiano Ronaldo officially played the final World Cup match of his extraordinary career after Portugal's elimination.
Scott McTominay captained Scotland before their group-stage exit.
Anthony Elanga represented Sweden before France knocked them out.
Victor Lindelöf's campaign also ended with Sweden.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka's impressive run with DR Congo concluded in the Round of 32.
Casemiro's final tournament as a Manchester United player ended with Brazil's defeat.
Manchester United's World Cup Story Isn't Finished
Regardless of who lifts the trophy, Manchester United will have representation in the World Cup Final.
England versus Argentina guarantees it.
Could Rashford finally become a World Cup winner?
Will Kobbie Mainoo complete one of the greatest breakthrough years any young midfielder has ever enjoyed?
Or will Lisandro Martínez defend Argentina's crown and become a two-time consecutive World Cup champion?
One thing is certain.
Manchester United supporters will have plenty of reasons to keep watching right until the final whistle in New Jersey.
The road to World Cup glory now runs through Manchester United. Information about England's quarter-final win, Argentina's victory, and the confirmed semi-final pairing is reflected in the latest tournament update.