(MOCK-UP) INTERACTIVE: World Cup fans picked three semi-finalists correctly. Who will be the finalists? Vote here

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

PETALING JAYA: World Cup fans correctly picked three of the four semi-finalists, with Argentina, France and Spain reaching the last four of the 2026 tournament.

Before the Round of 16 began, The Star conducted a poll on July 4 asking fans which teams they believed would reach the semi-finals.

The poll attracted a total of 2,293 respondents, comprising Malaysians as well as World Cup fans in countries such as Singapore, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Argentina emerged as the top pick, with 481 respondents backing the team to reach the last four, followed by France (476), Spain (345) and Brazil (287).

The fans’ predictions proved largely accurate, with the top three choices — Argentina, France and Spain — securing their semi-final spots.

Brazil, however, was the only team among the survey’s top four picks that failed to progress, ending its campaign before reaching the final four.

Norway, meanwhile, produced the biggest surprise by defying expectations to reach the semi-finals after placing ninth in The Star’s poll.

The Scandinavian side was selected by 43 fans, far fewer than the tournament favourites, but its performances in the knockout rounds earned it a place among the final four contenders.

 

The quarter-finals, Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-1, while the other semi-finalists also overcame their opponents to set up two highly anticipated clashes.

The semi-finals will begin tomorrow at 3am, with France taking on Spain before Norway faces Argentina on Thursday.

With only four teams left standing, which two sides do you think will reach the 2026 World Cup final?

Cast your vote in our poll below.

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