Ten Ballon d’Or award winners remain in contention as the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches the semi-final stage, with France, Spain, Argentina and England all represented by players who have claimed honours at football’s most prestigious individual awards ceremony.
The four remaining nations boast winners across the Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy, Kopa Trophy and Gerd Müller Trophy categories.
Spain will take on France in Tuesday’s semi-final, while defending champions Argentina face England on Wednesday, with both fixtures deciding the finalists.
Among the players still chasing World Cup glory are three Ballon d’Or winners. Argentina captain Lionel Messi, an eight-time recipient of the award, is joined by Spain midfielder Rodri and France forward Ousmane Dembélé.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is the only Yashin Trophy winner left in the tournament, having claimed the award for the world’s best goalkeeper in 2023 and 2024.
The semi-finals also feature four Kopa Trophy recipients, awarded annually to the world’s best under-21 player. Spain’s trio of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi are joined by England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
France captain Kylian Mbappé and England skipper Harry Kane, who shared the 2024 Gerd Müller Trophy as the world’s top goalscorers, complete the list of Ballon d’Or award winners still in the competition.
Ballon d’Or award winners in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals
Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Winner in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023
Rodri (Spain) – Winner in 2024
Ousmane Dembélé (France) – Winner in 2025
Yashin Trophy
Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) – Winner in 2023 and 2024
Kopa Trophy
Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Winner in 2024 and 2025
Jude Bellingham (England) – Winner in 2023
Pedri (Spain) – Winner in 2021
Gavi (Spain) – Winner in 2022
Gerd Müller Trophy
Kylian Mbappé (France) – Joint winner in 2024
Harry Kane (England) – Joint winner in 2024
The winners of Tuesday’s Spain-France showdown and Wednesday’s Argentina-England clash will secure their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
