Four teams. Two matches. One final.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final four, and the bracket could not have set up a more compelling pair of semifinals. France and Spain meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Tuesday. England and Argentina collide in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winner of each advances to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
This is also a heavyweight semifinal field: all four remaining teams are former World Cup champions, the first time that has happened since 1990. Before we get there, here is how the four teams got here and what to expect when the semifinals kick off.
How They Got Here
France - Beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals, a rematch of the 2022 semifinal that went the same way. Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise have been relentless all tournament, and France have been one of the most complete teams from start to finish.
Spain - Edged Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals, finally conceding their first goal of the tournament after five clean sheets through the group stage and Round of 16. The 0-conceded run is over, but Spain are still here and still dangerous.
England - Beat Norway 2-1 in extra time on Jude Bellingham's brace, with Erling Haaland kept off the scoresheet for the first time all tournament. The match had controversy, including questions around Bellingham's first goal and Norway's disallowed goal, but England survived the chaos and reached the semifinals for the fourth time in their history.
Argentina - Beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with Julian Alvarez's golazo breaking the match open and Lautaro Martinez sealing it late. Messi set up the opener with a corner kick that Mac Allister headed home, his 10th career World Cup assist, all to different players. Argentina are in the semifinals for the third time in four tournaments.
Semifinals Schedule
| Matchup | Date | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Spain | Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00 PM | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| England vs Argentina | Wednesday, July 15 | 3:00 PM | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
Final: Sunday, July 19 - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
France vs Spain - July 14, 3 PM ET
Two of the most technically gifted teams in the world. A match that could easily be the final in any other year.
Spain's run through this tournament has been built on defensive organization and midfield control. Pedri and Spain's midfield structure have suffocated opponents, while Lamine Yamal has stretched defenses and given Spain another way to break games open. Their 0-conceded streak finally ended against Belgium, but it took a quality Belgium side 80-plus minutes to find a way through. Spain do not give up easy goals.
France have the individual weapons to beat anyone. Kylian Mbappe has been at his most dangerous when the stakes are highest, and Michael Olise has been a revelation at this tournament. The question for France is always whether they can unlock a team as disciplined and well-organized as Spain.
This may come down to one moment of individual quality. In a match this tight, Mbappe finding space could decide it.
My pick: France
England vs Argentina - July 15, 3 PM ET
This one has everything.
Lionel Messi chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, defending what Argentina did in Qatar. England carrying the weight of 60 years since their only World Cup title, one more step from the final with a country watching every touch. Jude Bellingham in the form of his life. A Golden Boot race that still has multiple contenders.
Argentina have won ugly and won beautifully in this tournament. They came back from 2-0 down against Egypt in the Round of 16. They ground through extra time against Switzerland. They have a team full of players who have been in this position before, with Messi at the center of all of it.
England have their own momentum. Bellingham's brace against Norway was a performance that announced he is ready for this stage. Harry Kane has been consistent and clinical throughout. And England's defense has found enough big moments to keep them alive when matches get tense.
But Argentina are the defending champions, and this team finds a way.
My pick: Argentina
The Bigger Picture
Honestly? Any of these four teams could lift the trophy on July 19 and it would not be a surprise. Spain's defensive structure gives them a path. France's individual brilliance gives them a path. Bellingham's form gives England a path. And Messi always has a path.
The two semifinals are not just the best matches left in this tournament. They may be the best matches of the entire World Cup.
The final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. We will see you there.
Make your World Cup semifinal picks at Crystal Ball Picks.
