The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals are set for July 14 and 15, with France facing Spain in a blockbuster matchup on Tuesday and England taking on either Argentina or Switzerland the following day in what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the tournament’s knockout stage.
France booked their spot in the final four after a dominant quarterfinal performance, securing their place on the strength of their consistent play throughout the tournament. Spain advanced after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to seal the dramatic win and set up the highly anticipated clash with France in Dallas on July 14 at 7 p.m. ET.
England’s path to the semifinals came through a hard-fought battle against Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice, including a crucial equalizer to force the match into extra time. England ultimately prevailed 2-1 in the additional period, securing their semifinal berth and a date in Atlanta on July 15 at 3 p.m. ET.
England’s opponent on July 15 will be determined by the outcome of the Argentina vs. Switzerland quarterfinal, which was still underway as the semifinals bracket took shape. Argentina entered the quarterfinals as defending world champions, while Switzerland had upset Colombia on penalties in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter to earn their place in the final eight.
Historic Matchups Set the Stage
The France-Spain semifinal marks a renewal of one of international football’s most storied rivalries, with both nations boasting rich World Cup histories. France has won the tournament twice, while Spain claimed their sole World Cup title in 2010. The two nations have met multiple times in major competitions, making this semifinal clash a fitting centerpiece for the tournament’s penultimate stage.
England’s emergence to the semifinals represents a significant achievement for the Three Lions, who have struggled to reach the final four of the World Cup in recent decades. The team’s victory over Norway showcased their ability to perform under pressure, with Bellingham’s performance drawing comparisons to some of England’s greatest moments in knockout football.
The semifinals will be held at two of North America’s premier venues: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the France-Spain match, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, for England’s matchup. These matches will determine which two teams advance to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sources
- FOX Sports — Confirmed the 2026 World Cup semifinal matchups and schedule for July 14-15
- Olympics.com — Reported the semifinal bracket and live updates on France and Spain’s advancement
- NBC News — Covered England’s 2-1 victory over Norway in extra time on July 11
- ESPN — Provided the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule and semifinal details
- Al Jazeera — Reported Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium with Mikel Merino’s late goal
