World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Preview: Everything you need to know!
For the first time in World Cup history, the four highest-ranked teams on the planet have all reached the semi-finals. No underdog fairytale survived the quarters this time. The 2026 tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico has instead served up a last four that reads like a roll call of the best sides in the world: France, Spain, England and Argentina. Two matches, four heavyweights, and a place at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July on the line. Here is everything you need before Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Thrilling finale to the World Cup
France vs Spain: the final before the final
They are already calling it a final before the final, and it is hard to argue. France, ranked number one in the world, meet reigning European champions Spain in Dallas on Tuesday in the most anticipated fixture of the tournament so far. Didier Deschamps has won all six of his matches and has not conceded a single goal in the knockout rounds. His attack is frightening. Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, Ousmane Dembele has five, and Michael Olise has supplied five assists. Reach the final, and it will be a third in a row for Les Bleus.
Spain have taken the quieter road. Luis de la Fuente’s side have conceded only once all tournament, choking games through the midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo before striking late. Mikel Merino has been the unlikely hero, scoring winners against both Portugal and Belgium. The subplot everyone wants is Mbappe against Lamine Yamal, El Clasico rivals meeting at a World Cup for the first time. Spain won their last two encounters, at Euro 2024 and in a wild 5-4 Nations League tie in which Yamal scored twice, and they hold an 18-13 edge in the all-time head-to-head. France’s one worry is fitness, with Aurelien Tchouameni racing the clock to be ready.
England vs Argentina: a rivalry reignited
Two decades of waiting, and one of football’s fiercest rivalries returns. England have not faced Argentina at a World Cup since 2002, and the memories run deep: 1966, Maradona in 1986, Beckham in 1998 and 2002. Thomas Tuchel’s team have not been pretty. They have won their last four matches by a single goal each, riding grit and the brilliance of Jude Bellingham, who scored braces against both Mexico and Norway. He is the first player to net twice in consecutive World Cup knockout games since Diego Maradona in 1986. Bellingham and Harry Kane share six goals apiece, the first time two players from one nation have each reached six at a single tournament.
Argentina, though, are the defending champions and the form side of the competition. Lionel Scaloni’s men are the only team yet to drop a point, have scored a tournament-high 17 goals, and have found the net three times in each of their last four games. They have reached five previous World Cup semi-finals and progressed from every one, the strongest record at this stage in the tournament’s history. Lionel Messi, at 39 and facing England for the first time in his career, sits joint top of the scoring charts on eight. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez both struck in extra time to see off Switzerland.
The Golden Boot subplot
A personal duel runs through the whole week. Mbappe and Messi are locked together at the top of the Golden Boot standings on eight goals each, with Kane, Bellingham and Dembele in pursuit. One of them may leave the fortnight as the defining figure of the summer. For Messi, this is almost certainly a last World Cup dance. For Bellingham and Yamal, it is a coming-of-age stage on the biggest platform of all. For Tuchel, it is the chance to end England’s 60-year wait for a major trophy, and to become the first man since Ernst Happel in 1978 to reach a World Cup final with a country other than his own.
For the first time in World Cup history: 6 different players have scored 5 or more goals in the same tournament! pic.twitter.com/pFt2JuD4Ux
— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 12, 2026
FAQs
When are the 2026 World Cup semi-finals?
France vs Spain kicks off on Tuesday 14 July at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. England vs Argentina follows on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium. Both start at 3pm ET, which is 8pm BST.
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final takes place on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, with the third-place playoff in Miami on 18 July.
Who is favourite to win the World Cup?
Opta’s supercomputer rates France the most likely winners, ahead of Spain, England and Argentina, though it describes all four semi-finalists as separated by fine margins.
Who leads the Golden Boot race?
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are tied on eight goals, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on six each.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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