The 2026 World Cup semifinal field is complete: France will face Spain on Tuesday, July 14, before England meets defending champion Argentina on Wednesday, July 15. The tournament has arrived at a final four made up of the four highest-ranked teams in FIFA's pre-tournament draw structure.

England and Argentina claimed the last two places on Saturday. England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami, while Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. France and Spain had already advanced from the other half of the bracket.

The winners will meet in the final on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. For the semifinalists, the immediate challenge is recovery: both England and Argentina played 120 minutes in demanding conditions before their matchup was confirmed.

The semifinal schedule

  • France vs. Spain: Tuesday, July 14, at Arlington Stadium in Texas.
  • England vs. Argentina: Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.
  • World Cup final: Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Kickoff and broadcast details can vary by market, so viewers should check FIFA's match center or their local rights holder before game time.

How England and Argentina advanced

Jude Bellingham scored both England goals against Norway. His first brought England level in the first half, and his second arrived in the third minute of extra time. Norway striker Erling Haaland was held scoreless, ending his team's run one match short of the semifinals.

Argentina also needed extra time. Julián Álvarez scored in the 112th minute as the defending champions pulled away for a 3-1 victory over Switzerland. Lionel Messi did not extend his nine-game World Cup scoring streak, but Argentina remained on course to defend the title it won in 2022.

Why these matchups stand out

France-Spain puts two recent international champions into the same semifinal. France won the 2018 World Cup and finished second in 2022, while Spain entered this tournament as the reigning European champion. Their meeting also brings together two sides built to control the ball but capable of attacking quickly when space opens.

England-Argentina carries a different history. England is trying to reach its first men's World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966. Argentina is seeking a second consecutive final and a chance to become the first repeat men's champion since Brazil in 1962.

The bracket also produced an unusually clean top tier: Spain, Argentina, France and England were the top four teams positioned to avoid one another until the semifinals if they won their groups. All four did, and all four survived the expanded knockout phase.

What to watch next

Extra-time fatigue may matter most in the second semifinal, especially if England or Argentina has to manage players carrying knocks. Lineups, recovery updates and any disciplinary suspensions will sharpen the picture before Wednesday.

For France and Spain, the central question is who can dictate the match without giving the other side room to counter. For England and Argentina, the focus will fall on the tournament's leading scorers and whether either defense can keep another tight game from spilling into extra time again.