2026 World Cup semi-finals spark viewing parties, player rankings and FIFA controversy

Fans in Maribor, Slovenia will gather under the Hotel Habakuk terrace to watch the World Cup semi‑finals and final on a large screen, with free entry and limited seating that requires reservation. In the Balkans, broadcasters in Serbia and neighboring regions have announced that the France‑Spain semi‑final will be aired live on 14 July at 21:00 from Dallas, with the England‑Argentina match following a day later.

Statistical analysis from Sofascore highlights Lionel Messi as the top‑rated player of the tournament, with Argentina’s forward posting a 9.18 average, ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé (8.28) and England’s Jude Bellingham (7.95). The semi‑finals and final will further shape these rankings.

Off the pitch, the Senegal team’s head chef was dismissed over sexual‑harassment allegations, prompting an immediate response from the Senegalese Football Federation. Meanwhile, Paris Saint‑Germain have agreed to trigger a €10 million release clause for Lucas Digne, returning him to the club.

Former FIFA official Mark Pieth called for UEFA to break away from FIFA amid criticism of the governing body’s handling of multiple scandals during the tournament. The article also notes that six nations – Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay – have already secured spots for the 2030 World Cup as co‑hosts.