The semifinals for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been set
These are the two semifinal matchups that will determine the finalists of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Only four teams remain in contention for the title. Who's your favorite to reach the final?
Only four national teams are still alive in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the semifinals set to take place midweek. These two matches will determine the finalists who will battle for football’s ultimate prize on Sunday, July 19.
THE SEMIFINAL MATCHUPS
- France vs. Spain — Dallas Stadium
- England vs. Argentina — Atlanta Stadium
FRANCE VS. SPAIN: A SHOWDOWN WITH A REVENGE STORYLINE
After 35 meetings, France and Spain will face each other once again, this time with a place in the World Cup final on the line.
This highly anticipated showdown carries a revenge storyline for Les Bleus, who have recently denied Spain on the European stage. France defeated La Roja in the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany (2-1) and later in the 2025 UEFA Nations League (5-4) — the most recent competitive meetings between these rivals.
Spain will look to overcome its difficult history against France in World Cups and European Championships.
This will be only the second World Cup meeting between the two nations, with the previous encounter coming at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when Zinedine Zidane’s France defeated Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16.
They have met five times at the European Championship, including the iconic Euro 1984 final, where France lifted the trophy on home soil with a 2-0 victory. Spain won the Euro 2012 quarterfinal (2-0), drew in the 1996 group stage (1-1), and lost the Euro 2000 quarterfinal (2-1). The overall Euro record stands at two wins for France, two for Spain, and one draw — although Les Bleus hold the advantage in terms of historic significance.
France, the reigning World Cup runners-up and the team with the strongest statistical numbers in this tournament, reached the semifinals after eliminating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco.
Spain, the reigning European champions, advanced after overcoming Austria, Portugal, and Belgium.
It will also be the highly anticipated battle between Kylian Mbappé, the superstar of Les Bleus, and Lamine Yamal, the young sensation leading La Roja.
ENGLAND VS. ARGENTINA, A MATCH FULL OF TENSION AND HISTORY
The history between Argentina and England at the World Cup is filled with unforgettable matches, controversy, and an enormous emotional weight. Every meeting between these two national teams represents much more than a football match, given their historical background and the intensity with which their fans experience every encounter. The rivalry even extends beyond the pitch, fueled by national pride.
The most iconic chapter came at Mexico 1986, when Argentina eliminated England in the quarterfinals thanks to two legendary goals from Diego Maradona: the infamous “Hand of God” and what is widely considered the “Goal of the Century.”
Four years later, in Italy 1990, the two sides met again in the same stage, with Argentina advancing after a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
Over the years, Argentina and England have continued to build one of international football’s most intense rivalries.
This semifinal matchup generates enormous anticipation because of the history between the two nations. Their clashes represent pride, tradition, and the pursuit of a place among the greatest moments in World Cup history.
