The World Cup semifinal field is set, and it is a heavyweight one: France will play Spain on Tuesday, July 14, followed by England against Argentina on Wednesday, July 15. The winners will advance to the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.

France and Spain meet at Dallas Stadium in the first semifinal, scheduled for 3 p.m. local time. England and Argentina play the following day at Atlanta Stadium, also scheduled for 3 p.m. local time. All four teams came through a demanding quarterfinal round to set up a closing week built around familiar international rivals.

How the final four came together

France reached the last four after beating Morocco 2-0. Spain edged Belgium 2-1, setting up a semifinal between two sides that have both won the tournament before.

On the other side of the bracket, England eliminated Norway after extra time. Argentina then beat Switzerland 3-1, with Julián Álvarez scoring in extra time to send the defending champion through.

The result is a semifinal slate with four of the sport’s most recognizable national teams, and two distinctly different kinds of pressure. France and Spain will decide which European power gets a chance at another World Cup title. England and Argentina bring a deep historical edge to a match that also puts Argentina’s title defense on the line.

Why these games stand out

France and Spain arrive after direct, high-quality quarterfinal wins. Their meeting puts France’s attack against a Spanish side that survived a close contest with Belgium. It is the earlier semifinal, which means its winner gets an extra day before the final.

England-Argentina is the later game and one of the tournament’s most compelling pairings. England needed extra time to get past Norway; Argentina needed extra time to separate itself from Switzerland. That makes recovery and squad management a central part of the buildup, even before tactics enter the picture.

What happens next

  • Tuesday, July 14: France vs. Spain, Dallas Stadium, 3 p.m. local time.
  • Wednesday, July 15: England vs. Argentina, Atlanta Stadium, 3 p.m. local time.
  • Saturday, July 18: Third-place match in Miami.
  • Sunday, July 19: World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The tournament now has two rest days before the semifinals. For supporters, the immediate question is simple: which two of France, Spain, England and Argentina will make the final weekend?