Semifinal Lineup Confirmed After Dramatic Quarterfinals

The World Cup 2026 semifinal field is complete after a thrilling quarterfinal round that saw France beat Morocco 2-0, Spain edge Belgium 2-1, England eliminate Norway 2-1 after extra time, and Argentina defeat Switzerland 3-1. For the first time in World Cup history, the semifinals feature the top four ranked teams in the world: France at number one, Argentina at two, Spain at three, and England at four.

World Cup 2026 Semifinal Schedule

The first semifinal is set for Tuesday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, where France take on Spain at 3 p.m. ET. The second semifinal follows on Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where England face defending champions Argentina, also at 3 p.m. ET. Both semifinals are afternoon kickoffs at stadiums with retractable roofs to help players cope with the summer heat.

France vs Spain: Europe's Heavyweight Clash

France, led by Golden Boot contender Kylian Mbappe, have scored 13 goals across six matches this tournament, with Mbappe accounting for eight of them. Spain counter with arguably the tournament's best defence, having conceded just once in five matches, and will lean on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has already broken Lionel Messi's record as the youngest World Cup goalscorer. Spain reached the semifinal on the back of a late winner from substitute Mikel Merino against Belgium.

England vs Argentina: A Rematch Four Decades in the Making

England reached the semifinal for the fourth time in the nation's history, following campaigns in 1966, 1990, and 2018, powered by a Jude Bellingham brace in extra time against Norway. Bellingham has emerged as a Golden Boot contender with six goals. Argentina, meanwhile, advanced to their sixth straight World Cup semifinal behind Lionel Messi, who has eight goals and two assists this tournament as he chases a second consecutive title.

Path to the Final

The winners of both semifinals will meet in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The two semifinal losers will contest the third-place match on Saturday, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. If either semifinal is level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to two 15-minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if still level.

What to Watch For

Statistical models from Opta are currently favouring France to win the tournament, but Argentina's title defence and England's resurgent form under Thomas Tuchel make both semifinals difficult to call. Fans in India can follow both matches through official broadcast and streaming partners as the World Cup 2026 enters its most decisive week.