The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are set, featuring the top four teams in the FIFA rankings: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Matches take place Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, in Dallas and Atlanta, respectively. Winners advance to the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
France and Spain Clash in Dallas Semifinal
The first semifinal matchup pits two European powerhouses against each other on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium. France secured its spot in the final four after a 2-0 victory over Morocco, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which France has reached the semifinals.
Spain enters the match following a hard-fought 2-1 win against Belgium in the quarterfinals. The victory was secured by a late 88th-minute goal from Mikel Merino. This appearance represents Spain’s first trip to the World Cup semifinals since their championship run in 2010. France, meanwhile, looks to build on its 2018 title success, with Mbappé aiming to reach the finals in all three of his tournament appearances to date.
England and Argentina Face Off in Atlanta
The second semifinal will see England face defending champions Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium. England punched its ticket to the semifinals after an extra-time victory over Norway. Jude Bellingham was central to the win, scoring a brace to rescue a team that faced fatigue and challenging conditions in Miami.
Argentina, the defending champions, advanced after defeating Switzerland in extra time on Saturday. This is Argentina’s third semifinal appearance in five tournaments.
Key Performances and Tournament Stakes
The road to the semifinals has been defined by individual brilliance. Analysts have consistently highlighted Jude Bellingham’s impact on the English squad. The Athletic curation of writer opinions credits Bellingham with providing the necessary “big game aura” to keep England’s campaign alive, particularly during their quarterfinal struggle against Norway.
France’s collective performance has also drawn praise for its clinical nature. Beyond the star power of Mbappé, contributors such as Ousmane Dembélé have provided the necessary depth to break down organized defenses like Morocco’s.
| Match | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| France vs. Spain | Tuesday, July 14 | Dallas Stadium |
| England vs. Argentina | Wednesday, July 15 | Atlanta Stadium |
| World Cup Final | Sunday, July 19 | New York New Jersey Stadium |
As the tournament reaches its conclusion, the focus shifts to the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. England remains motivated by the prospect of securing its first World Cup title since 1966, while Argentina seeks to repeat as champions, a feat that would mark a historic continuation of their current dominance on the world stage.
Find more reporting in our Sports section.
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