Otkako je turnir počeo 11. juna, ljubitelji fudbala uživali su u tačno 100 utakmica, slavili, tugovali, kladili se i gubili san, dok su oni kojima fudbal nije omiljena razonoda morali da pronađu drugi način da provedu večeri, daleko od televizora koji su gotovo mesec dana okupirali dnevne sobe.
Tehnički gledano, ostale su još četiri utakmice, ali će se većina složiti da su zaista važne samo tri dva polufinala i veliko finale. Meč za treće mesto ostaje četvrta utakmica turnira.
Sve četiri utakmice biće direktno prenošene u Srbiji na kanalima RTS 1 i Arena Sport.
Les Bleus protiv La Roje. Dve od četiri najbolje rangirane reprezentacije sveta bore se za mesto u finalu koje je na programu u nedelju.
Na stadionu Dallas Stadium u Teksasu.
Čuveni AT&T Stadium tokom Svetskog prvenstva privremeno nosi naziv Dallas Stadium, u skladu sa FIFA pravilima o sponzorstvu. Dom NFL ekipe Dallas Cowboys prima oko 80.000 gledalaca, a za pojedine događaje može da ugosti i više navijača.
Zahvaljujući pokretnom krovu i sistemu klimatizacije, prognoziranih 31 stepen i mogući pljuskovi ne bi trebalo da utiču na uslove za igru.
Obe reprezentacije prepune su najvećih svetskih fudbalskih zvezda. Nijedna nema suspendovane igrače, ali će Francuzi pažljivo pratiti stanje Kilijana Mbapea, koji je u četvrtfinalu protiv Maroka zadobio lakšu povredu skočnog zgloba.
Procenjena vrednost verovatnog startnog tima: 754 miliona evra
Francuska možda ima najubojitiji napad na svetu. U vrhu napada je Kilijan Mbape iz Real Madrida, uz kojeg igraju osvajač Zlatne lopte za 2025. godinu Usman Dembele iz Pari Sen Žermena, Dezir Due i Majkl Olise iz Bajerna.
To je napadačka linija sposobna da postigne gol praktično iz svake situacije, iako je zanimljivo da Francuska nije uspela da se upiše u strelce u prvom kolu protiv iznenađenja turnira – Zelenortskih Ostrva.
U odbrani tandem Vilijam Saliba i Dajo Upamekano donosi snagu, brzinu i sigurnost. Na papiru, Francuska gotovo da nema slabosti.
Procenjena vrednost verovatnog startnog tima: 718 miliona evra
Ni Španiji ne nedostaje kvaliteta.
Čudo od deteta Barselone Lamin Jamal jedan je od glavnih kandidata za priznanje najboljem mladom igraču prvenstva. Njegov saigrač Pedri komanduje sredinom terena, dok se mladi Pau Kubarsi nametnuo kao jedan od najboljih defanzivaca turnira.
Reč je o tehnički izuzetno kvalitetnoj i taktički veoma disciplinovanoj ekipi koju neće biti lako savladati.
Kladionice daju blagu prednost Francuskoj u meču za koji se očekuje da bude potpuno izjednačen. Mnogi analitičari veruju da će obe ekipe postići gol, pa se možemo nadati da nećemo gledati još jednu utakmicu bez pogodaka.
Na ovom prvenstvu čak osam mečeva nokaut faze otišlo je u produžetke, dok su četiri rešena posle penala. Možda 2:2 posle 90 minuta, pa Francuska do pobede u produžecima?
Three Lions protiv La Albiseleste.
Engleska već punih 60 godina čeka drugu titulu svetskog prvaka. Na putu ka novom finalu stoji aktuelni šampion sveta – Argentina.
Reč je o još jednom duelu dve reprezentacije koje se nalaze među četiri najbolje na FIFA rang-listi, ali istorija ovom susretu daje dodatnu težinu.
Od kada je Engleska osvojila svoju jedinu titulu 1966. godine, Argentina je svetski šampion postala čak tri puta – 1978, 1986. i 2022.
Na Mundijalu 1986. Dijego Maradona eliminisao je Englesku golom čuvenom kao „Božja ruka“, a samo četiri minuta kasnije postigao je i „Gol veka“.
Godine 1998. Argentina je ponovo bila uspešnija, ovoga puta posle izvođenja jedanaesteraca u osmini finala. Naravno, tu je i istorija Foklandskog rata iz 1982. godine, iako se taj sukob teško može računati kao fudbalsko rivalstvo.
Na stadionu Atlanta Stadium u Džordžiji.
Objekat poznatiji kao Mercedes-Benz Stadium prima više od 71.000 gledalaca, a zahvaljujući pokretnom krovu vremenske prilike neće imati gotovo nikakav uticaj na utakmicu.
Procenjena vrednost verovatnog startnog tima: 704 miliona evra
Defanzivac Džarel Kvansa suspendovan je zbog crvenog kartona protiv Meksika i neće igrati ni u polufinalu.
Pod znakom pitanja je i nastup Džordana Hendersona, koji je prema navodima engleskih medija operisao prelom ručnog zgloba nakon bizarnog pada preko reklamne ograde dok je slavio pobedu nad Meksikom, iako nije ulazio u igru.
Englesku predvode Hari Kejn i Džud Belingem. Napad izgleda veoma opasno, ali odbrana je tokom turnira pokazala određene slabosti i u proseku prima oko jednog gola po utakmici.
Procenjena vrednost verovatnog startnog tima: 439 miliona evra
Argentina nema suspendovanih igrača niti ozbiljnijih problema sa povredama.
Još važnije – Argentina ima Lionela Mesija. Popularna La Pulga („Buva“) igra svoje šesto Svetsko prvenstvo, nakon što je debitovao još kao tinejdžer u Nemačkoj 2006. godine.
Na 32 utakmice Mundijala postigao je 21 gol i upisao deset asistencija. Još impresivnije zvuči podatak da sa 39 godina igra statistički najbolji Mundijal u karijeri – do sada je postigao osam golova i zabeležio dve asistencije.
Naravno, nije sam. Hulijan Alvarez, Aleksis Mek Alister, Enco Fernandes, Kristijan Romero, Emilijano Martinez i brojni premijerligaški asovi čine izuzetno iskusan tim.
Kladionice daju malu prednost Engleskoj, ali gotovo svi stručnjaci očekuju izuzetno neizvestan duel sa malo golova.
Možda pobedu Engleske od 1:0?
Ili čvrstih 1:1, pa produžeci i penali?
Da li bi to ikoga zaista iznenadilo?
Bilo da utakmice pratite iz svog doma, sa porodicom i prijateljima, u navijačkim zonama poput Belgrade Football Festivala na Kalemegdanu ili BIG Football Zone u Novom Sadu, ili u omiljenom kafiću, uživajte u završnici Svetskog prvenstva.
I pokušajte da sačuvate malo živaca za veliko finale u nedelju.
AUTOR: DAVID KARMAN
It is hard to believe that the 2026 World Cup is nearly over. Since the tournament kicked off on 11 June, fans have had exactly 100 matches in which to rejoice, despair, place bets and lose sleep, while non-football fans have learnt to rearrange their evening entertainment away from the talking picture boxes occupying half their living rooms.
Technically, there are still four matches to go, although all but the most dedicated supporters would probably agree that only three really count: the two semifinals and the final. The third-place playoff is the fourth.
All four matches will be broadcast live in Serbia on RTS 1 and Arena Sport.
Les Bleus v La Roja. Two of the four highest-ranked teams in the world go head-to-head for a place in Sunday’s final.
Dallas Stadium, Texas.
AT&T Stadium has been temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium for the tournament because of FIFA’s sponsorship requirements. The vast, luxurious home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys normally accommodates around 80,000 spectators and can hold even more for certain events.
With its retractable roof and climate-control system, the forecast temperature of 31°C and the possibility of thunderstorms should have little effect on the match.
Both teams boast some of the biggest names in world football. Neither side has any suspended players, although France will be monitoring Kylian Mbappé after he suffered an ankle knock during the quarterfinal victory over Morocco.
Estimated market value of the probable starting XI: €754 million
France may possess the most exciting attack in world football. Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé leads the line, supported by Paris Saint-Germain’s 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.
It is an attacking unit capable of producing goals from almost anywhere — although, somewhat ironically, France failed to score in their opening match against surprise package Cabo Verde.
At the other end, the imposing centre-back partnership of Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano gives France strength, speed and composure. On paper, they have very few weaknesses.
Estimated market value of the probable starting XI: €718 million
Spain are hardly short of talent themselves.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, one of the leading candidates for the tournament’s Best Young Player award, provides invention and unpredictability on the right wing. His club teammate Pedri controls the midfield, while another Barcelona youngster, Pau Cubarsí, has emerged as one of the tournament’s outstanding defenders.
This is a technically gifted and tactically intelligent side that nobody would expect to overcome easily.
The bookmakers have France as slight favourites in what is expected to be a closely contested match. Many analysts expect both teams to score, so we can at least hope to avoid a grim 0–0.
Eight knockout matches at this World Cup have already required extra time, with four decided by penalties.
So, perhaps 2–2 after 90 minutes and a French winner in extra time?
The Three Lions v La Albiceleste.
England have already waited 60 years for their second World Cup title. Standing between them and another final are the reigning champions, Argentina.
The two teams are also among the four highest-ranked sides in the world, but history adds another layer to what would already be an enormous match.
In the six decades since England lifted the trophy in 1966, Argentina have won it three times: in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
At the 1986 World Cup, Argentina eliminated England in the quarterfinals after Diego Maradona scored his infamous „Hand of God“ goal in the 51st minute and the „Goal of the Century“ just four minutes later.
In 1998, Argentina knocked England out on penalties in the Round of 16.
There was also the small matter of the Falklands War in 1982, although, as that was won by the United Kingdom, England can hardly claim it as a footballing victory of their own.
Atlanta Stadium, Georgia.
Normally known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the enormous and ultra-modern arena can accommodate more than 71,000 spectators. Its retractable roof means the match can be played in comfortable conditions regardless of the weather outside.
Estimated market value of the probable starting XI: €704 million
Defender Jarell Quansah is suspended after receiving a red card against Mexico and subsequently being handed a two-match ban. He missed the quarterfinal victory over Norway and will also sit out the semifinal.
There is also uncertainty over Jordan Henderson’s availability following reports that he required surgery on a fractured wrist. In an unusual twist, the injury was reportedly sustained when he fell over an advertising hoarding while celebrating England’s 3–2 victory over Mexico — despite having been an unused substitute.
England are led by Bayern Munich’s prolific Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Herculean Jude Bellingham. There are certainly goals in this attack, although the defence has appeared vulnerable at times, conceding an average of approximately one goal per match during the tournament.
Estimated market value of the probable starting XI: €439 million
Argentina have no suspensions or known major injury problems.
More importantly, Argentina have Messi.
La Pulga — „The Flea“ — is appearing at his sixth World Cup, having made his tournament debut as a teenager in Germany in 2006.
Across 32 World Cup appearances, he has scored 21 goals and supplied ten assists. Even more remarkably, after turning 39 during this tournament, he is enjoying statistically the finest World Cup of his career, with eight goals and two assists so far.
He is far from alone. Julián Álvarez provides speed and aggression in attack, while Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martínez and several other familiar Premier League figures give Argentina experience throughout the team.
England are slight favourites, but most experts are predicting an extremely tight and relatively low-scoring contest.
Perhaps a 1–0 England victory?
Or a bruising 1–1 draw followed by extra time and penalties?
Would anyone really be surprised?
Whether you are watching from your living room with friends and family, joining a fan zone such as the Belgrade Football Festival at Kalemegdan or the BIG Football Zone at BIG Novi Sad, or heading to your favourite local watering hole, enjoy the semifinals — and try to keep a few nerves intact for Sunday’s final.
AUTOR: DAVID KAHRMANN
