The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its business end. Four teams remain from the original 48 that began the tournament, and all four happen to be the top-ranked sides in the world. France, Spain, England, and Argentina booked their semi-final places after a dramatic run of quarter-final matches, setting up two blockbuster fixtures this week before the final on July 19.
Teams Confirmed for the Semi-Finals
Kylian Mbappé scored again as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the last four. Spain needed a late intervention from substitute Mikel Merino, who found the winner for the second straight match, to edge past Belgium 2-1. England ended Erling Haaland and Norway’s World Cup dreams with a 2-1 win built around captain Harry Kane and a rejuvenated Jude Bellingham, who has scored six goals so far. Argentina’s path was the toughest of the four. Julian Alvarez struck a long-range effort in the 112th minute against Switzerland, and Lautaro Martinez added a stoppage-time goal in extra time to seal a 3-1 win. Alexis Mac Allister had opened the scoring earlier from a Lionel Messi corner. Messi’s own scoring streak, which had stretched across nine matches, came to an end in that game, though he still leads the tournament with eight goals from six appearances alongside Mbappe.
Semi-Final Schedule and Fixtures
France Vs Spain
France face Spain first, in a heavyweight clash between two of the tournament’s most in-form attacks. The match is set for Dallas Stadium, with kickoff at 2 pm US Eastern Time (19:00 GMT) — that works out to the early hours of Wednesday, July 15, for fans in India. Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé carry France’s attacking threat, while Spain will lean on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, playing in his first World Cup semi-final, and the impact of Merino off the bench.
England Vs Argentina
England and Argentina meet a day later at Atlanta Stadium, with the same 19:00 GMT kickoff translating to early Thursday morning in India. Bellingham’s recent scoring form puts him in contention for the Golden Boot, while Messi will be chasing a second World Cup title and looking to leave his mark after a rare quiet match in the quarter-final.
Stats provider Opta currently rates France as favourites to win the tournament, giving them a 34.05 percent chance of lifting the trophy and a 57.70 percent chance of reaching the final. Spain follow as second favourites at 23.45 percent, ahead of England and Argentina.
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Where to Watch the Semi-Finals
Viewers in the United States can follow every match on FOX and FS1, with streaming available through the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. Spanish-language broadcasts run on Telemundo and Universo, with Peacock carrying the streaming rights. Cord-cutters can also tune in through Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DIRECTV Stream.
In India, the semi-finals will air on Unite8 Sports channels, with live streaming available on ZEE5 for the full tournament. Both semi-final winners advance to the World Cup final in Miami on July 19, with the third-place match also scheduled around the same window.
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