The line-up for the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been completed, with England and Argentina joining France and Spain in the race for football’s biggest prize after a dramatic round of quarter-final encounters across the United States.
France were the first nation to secure a place in the last four after recording a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday. Spain followed a day later, edging Belgium 2-1 to set up an all-European semi-final showdown.
England then booked their place in the semi-finals after overcoming Norway 2-1 following extra time in Miami. Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero for the Three Lions, scoring twice to overturn Norway’s first-half lead and send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last four.
Defending champions Argentina claimed the final semi-final ticket with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. After the teams finished level in regulation time, Lionel Scaloni’s men capitalised on their numerical advantage following Switzerland’s red card, with Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez finding the net in extra time.
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Lionel Messi played a key role in Argentina’s triumph, providing an assist as the South Americans kept alive their hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
The results have produced two highly anticipated semi-final fixtures. France will take on Spain in Dallas, while England and Argentina will renew one of international football’s most storied rivalries in Atlanta.
ALSO READ: England, Argentina to renew historic rivalry in World Cup semi-final
The meeting between England and Argentina will mark their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea, when England secured a 1-0 group-stage victory thanks to David Beckham’s penalty. Their World Cup history also includes memorable clashes in 1966, 1986 and 1998, making the fixture one of the most significant rivalries on the global stage.
The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19, while the defeated teams will contest the third-place play-off in Miami a day earlier.
2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Fixtures
Tuesday, July 14
- France vs Spain
- Time: 20:00
- Venue: Dallas Stadium, Dallas
Wednesday, July 15
- England vs Argentina
- Time: 20:00
- Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
Remaining Fixtures
Saturday, July 18
- Third-Place Play-Off
- Losers of Semi-final 1 vs Losers of Semi-final 2
- Time: 22:00
- Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami
Sunday, July 19
- Final
- Winners of Semi-final 1 vs Winners of Semi-final 2
- Time: 20:00
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
