On July 7th, the UEFA Euro quarterfinals saw the Netherlands overcome Turkey 2-1 to secure their spot in the semifinals. All four teams in the semifinals are now confirmed: France, Spain, England, and the Netherlands. This marks the first time in history that all UEFA Euro semifinalists have previously reached the final of the FIFA World Cup.
This edition’s semifinalists are all European powerhouses with impressive records on the global stage. France boasts the best World Cup record with 2 titles and 2 runner-up finishes (1998 champions, 2006 runners-up, 2018 champions, and 2022 runners-up). Despite some setbacks, their progression to the semifinals is well-deserved.
Spain enjoyed a golden era from 2008 to 2012, winning one World Cup and two consecutive Euros, establishing the so-called “Spanish dynasty.” Their 2010 World Cup triumph, led by an exceptional generation of players, stands as their only World Cup title.
England lifted the World Cup trophy as hosts back in 1966. The Netherlands, though never World Cup champions, have earned the nickname “the Netherlands of Never” with three World Cup runner-up finishes (1974, 1978, and 2010).
This is the first time in the history of the UEFA Euro that all four semifinalists have previously made it to the World Cup final, making it the strongest quartet ever!