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World Cup 2026 semifinals: schedule, teams, odds — AI-generated representative image of a World Cup semifinal atmosphere inside a U.S. stadium, with a scoreboard-style bracket display over the pitch.

Editorial Team

The World Cup 2026 semifinals are set, with France, Spain, England and Argentina still in contention after progressing through the expanded 48-team tournament. The two semifinal matches will be played in the United States in Dallas and Atlanta on July 14 and 15, with the winners advancing to the final on July 19.

With the trophy now within reach, the semifinal round will decide which two teams earn a place in the World Cup final. The matchups bring together four of world football’s top-ranked sides, featuring headline attackers Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane alongside emerging stars such as Lamine Yamal.

Qualified teams The semifinalists secured their places with the following quarterfinal results: France defeated Morocco 2-0 Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 England defeated Norway 2-1 Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 Semifinal schedule (venues and kickoff times) France vs Spain — Tuesday, July 14, 2pm (19:00 GMT) — Dallas Stadium, US England vs Argentina — Wednesday, July 15, 3pm (19:00 GMT) — Atlanta Stadium, US

What’s at stake The World Cup began with 48 teams and is now down to four. The semifinal winners will meet in the final on July 19. Opta’s tournament forecast Statistics provider Opta’s supercomputer projection currently makes France the most likely champion. Opta says France have a 53 percent chance of reaching the final and a 33 percent chance of winning the trophy. In Opta’s forecast, Spain are second favourites with a 27 percent chance of lifting the World Cup for a second time, with Argentina ranked third favourites and England fourth. For more on the tournament’s wider impact beyond the pitch, see FIFA World Cup carbon emissions face growing scrutiny .

Lamine Yamal celebrates after the match as Spain qualify for the semifinal stage of the World Cup

Key players to watch France vs Spain (Dallas) France forward Kylian Mbappe has been in strong form during the tournament and will look to extend his scoring streak against Spain. France’s Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele are also among the attacking options expected to play prominent roles. Spain’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal is set to appear in his first World Cup semifinal and is described as a key outlet for the reigning European champions. Midfielder Mikel Merino has scored late winning goals off the bench in Spain’s past two matches, raising questions over whether he could start. England vs Argentina (Atlanta) England’s early tournament run was driven by goals from captain Harry Kane, while Jude Bellingham has added to the scoring in the knockout rounds. Bellingham has six goals in the tournament, including two in the quarterfinal, placing him in contention for the Golden Boot. Argentina’s title defence has featured eight goals in six matches from captain Lionel Messi. Although he did not score in the quarterfinal, Argentina will look to his influence as they chase a second consecutive World Cup final appearance. How to watch in the United States English-language TV: FOX and FS1 (every match) Streaming (all 104 games): Fox One and the FOX Sports app Spanish-language TV: Telemundo and Universo Spanish-language streaming: Peacock Other viewing options (services carrying FOX and FS1): Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV For additional context on Spain off the field, read Spain plans to produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources in 2023.

Current status and what happens next France will play Spain in Dallas on July 14, followed by England against Argentina in Atlanta on July 15. The winners will advance to the World Cup final on July 19. Further details on the final matchup will be confirmed once the semifinal results are known.