The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia marked a significant moment in football, producing an all-European final four for the first time since 1966. The semi-finals featured teams from France, Belgium, Croatia, and England, each showcasing their strong lineups.
As we look ahead to the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026, it’s noteworthy that only five players from the 2018 semi-final starting lineups continue to represent their national teams. The standout among these is Kylian Mbappe. At just 19 years old during the 2018 tournament, he played a crucial role in France's victory. Alongside him, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez also remain integral parts of the French team, both having participated in the final match.
Croatia’s Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic are the enduring figures for the Croatian national team. Modric's presence is particularly striking, given he was already 32 during the last tournament.
Belgium's semi-final lineup has transitioned significantly, with key players like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois either having aged out or moved on from the team. Similarly, England’s 2018 semi-final starters, led by Harry Kane, have seen a refreshing new wave of players emerge in their ranks.
What sets Croatia apart is its retention of a broader base of World Cup experience. As preparations for the 2026 squad unfold, Croatia is benefiting from the involvement of six players with ties to the 2018 runners-up team. Despite a population of approximately four million, Croatia has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce world-class talent across multiple tournament cycles.
Looking to the future of international football, the 2026 tournament will debut an expanded format featuring 48 teams, departing from the previous 32-team structure seen since 1998. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for nations aiming to secure their spots in the tournament.
England has embraced this new era, integrating promising talents like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka into a competitive squad, while largely moving on from the legacy of the 2018 semi-final roster. This evolution is critical as five players—the aforementioned Mbappe, Modric, Perisic, Kante, and Hernandez—symbolize the continuity and change inherent in the world of international football, setting the stage for what is to come in 2026.