Extra Rest Day Pattern: First Semifinal Winner Wins Title in Last Eight Major Tournaments

A Hupu sports news article reports a striking pattern in men's football: in the last eight editions of the World Cup and European Championship (2012-2026), the winner of the first semifinal has gone on to win the title every time. The pattern held true in the 2026 World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina in the final after beating France in the first semifinal. The article lists each tournament from 2012 to 2026, noting the first semifinal winner and eventual champion. It suggests that the extra day of rest gained by playing the first semifinal may be a contributing factor, as the two semifinals are typically held on separate days. The report is sourced from Hupu, a Chinese sports community, and includes reader reactions.

First published Aug 4, 01:51 PM UTCUpdated Jul 19, 10:29 PM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Last updated: Jul 19, 10:29 PM UTCEditorial record as of Aug 4, 01:51 PM UTC

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Extra Rest Day Pattern: First Semifinal Winner Wins Title in Last Eight Major Tournaments

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Extra Rest Day Pattern: First Semifinal Winner Wins Title in Last Eight Major Tournaments虎扑 - 足球EasternJul 19, 10:29 PM UTC

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