France and Spain are set to go head-to-head in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match on July 14. After the group stage and three knockout rounds, the two teams are going to be at their bes
France and Spain are set to go head-to-head in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match on July 14.
After the group stage and three knockout rounds, the two teams are going to be at their best today to earn a place in the final on July 19.
However, it is the Argentine star Lionel Messi who is stealing all the limelight even if his team will play the semifinal against England two days later.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. Getty Images
The France vs Spain semifinal has attracted a lot of money on the crypto-based prediction market, Polymarket.
The platform lets users pay with Circle's USDC stablecoin to predict events like future Bitcoin (BTC) prices, soccer match outcomes, election results, etc.
Traders can deposit cryptocurrency through the Polygon blockchain network and trade shares that represent the likelihood of specific future outcomes.
Every market has two outcomes: Yes and No. Each share is priced between $0.00 and $1.00.
If the event happens, Yes shares pay $1 and No shares pay $0. If the event doesn't happen, No shares pay $1 and Yes shares pay $0.
The current price of a Yes share is interpreted as the market's estimated probability.
One of the trending markets on Polymarket is: What will the announcers say during France vs Spain World Cup match?
What will the announcers say during France vs Spain World Cup match, Source: Polymarket"Messi" dominates the market, with traders betting there is a 95% chance that announcers will mention him during the match even if his team isn't playing.
Such is the enthusiasm surrounding the Argentine legend that no French or Spanish star comes even close.
Trending on TheStreet RoundtableThe economics around other responses in the market also reveal what fans think of the France vs Spain clash.
As per Polymarket traders, there is a 93% chance of "penalty shootout" being mentioned during the match.
Traders also think there is an 85% chance that announcers will say "Bastille" during the match. While France takes on Spain, the former celebrates its national day, called Bastille Day, today.
It is celebrated on July 14 every year to commemorate the 1789 Storming of the Bastille and the 1790 National Unity. The national team will certainly feel compelled to make the country proud on the occasion.
Polymarket traders also think there is an 83% chance that announcers will mention "VAR" during the match. After all, it's a high-stakes match and the video assistant referee could very well be called on to help make more accurate decisions.
Related: TRUMP whales to gain VIP access at FIFA World Cup final
