World Cup 2026 set for blockbuster semis: France v Spain on 14 July, Argentina v England on 15 July

The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its semi-final stage on 14 and 15 July, with kickoff times listed in South African time. France meet Spain on Tuesday, 14 July at 21:00 (SA time), followed by Argentina against England on Wednesday, 15 July at 21:00 (SA time).

Two high-profile semis set the scene

After a month-long tournament featuring an expanded 48 teams, the last four now includes France, Spain, Argentina and England. France vs Spain will be played in Arlington, just outside Dallas, while Argentina vs England is scheduled for Atlanta.

How the teams reached the semis

Argentina clinched their semi-final spot with a late extra-time win over Switzerland in Kansas City. A stunning strike by Julián Álvarez and a Lautaro Martínez goal in the dying moments settled that quarter-final after Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye had forced extra time.

England reached the last four after Jude Bellingham scored twice in extra time to secure a 2-1 win over Norway in Miami. England coach Thomas Tuchel reacted to the result:

“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we were very lucky today,”

Stories to watch

Argentina are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. For Lionel Messi, the semi-final will be his 206th international appearance and, according to the report, his first ever against England.

France’s Kylian Mbappé heads into the semis in strong goalscoring form, while Spain bring teenage forward Lamine Yamal into the spotlight. The report notes the clash with France will be played a day after Yamal turns 19. Spain captain Rodri commented on Yamal:

“I think Lamine needs to calm the anxiety he sometimes has because he wants to show how important a player he is for us. He is a very intelligent kid but it is true that he is only 19 at the end of the day.”

Politics, history and context

Thursday’s Argentina–England match carries historical echoes: the report recalls Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup, featuring two goals from Diego Maradona one the “Hand of God” and the other a solo run widely regarded among the greatest World Cup goals.

The report also notes the match will be played against the backdrop of a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said of the upcoming fixture:

“The message is this is a football game. That’s what I can say. It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach and this is a football game and that’s all.”

What’s next

The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the July 19 final at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City, where they will meet the victor of France vs Spain.

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