Spain and Argentina secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by decisively winning their midfield battles against France and England, respectively. Spain defeated France 2-0, with Rodri, Fabiàn Ruiz, and Dani Olmo controlling the game against a French side lacking midfield strength. Argentina overcame England 2-1, as Enzo Fernandez, Alexis MacAllister, and Leandro Paredes outmaneuvered England's midfield, aided by Thomas Tuchel's defensive tactics.

These semi-final outcomes underscore the critical importance of a strong midfield in modern football, a lesson Manchester City is actively applying. City aims to bolster its squad, having signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and potentially targeting Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. This strategy, also influenced by PSG's recent UEFA Champions League success with a formidable midfield, is crucial for Enzo Maresca's side to achieve sustained success.