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France Loses 2-0; Messi Tops Scoring Race Before England Final

7/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semifinal, ending its hopes.
Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi have eight goals, as Lionel Messi leads tiebreaker with four assists.
Kylian Mbappé got a yellow card 86th minute after colliding with goalkeeper Unai Simón.
France will meet England in match Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, as July 16 odds give Lionel Messi a 62 % chance and Kylian Mbappé a 37 % chance for Golden Boot.

History

Historical Context

France entered the 1998 FIFA World Cup as host and lifted its first title, defeating Brazil 3-0 in Paris. That victory marked the nation’s first of two championships (the second in 2018) and cemented a pattern where host nations and star players shape outcomes. The upcoming France-Spain semifinal in Miami echoes this legacy, featuring stars like Messi and Mbappé.

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Story summary

France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semifinal, ending its hopes.
Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi have eight goals, as Lionel Messi leads tiebreaker with four assists.
Kylian Mbappé got a yellow card 86th minute after colliding with goalkeeper Unai Simón.
France will meet England in match Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, as July 16 odds give Lionel Messi a 62 % chance and Kylian Mbappé a 37 % chance for Golden Boot.

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