​Forward Folarin Balogun (captain) of the United States celebrates with his teammates after scoring their third goal in the 2026 World Cup Group D clash against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images captured the moment. Across the globe, attention remains fixed on Kylian Mbappe, who once again demonstrated his undeniable impact in the 2026 World Cup by scoring a second-half goal that gave France a commanding edge in their quarterfinal encounter against Morocco, his eighth goal of the tournament. Mbappe’s strike, paired with an insurance goal from Ousmane Dembele, secured Les Bleus a place in the semifinals and set up a clash on July 14 that promises to be a showdown for the ages.
France now awaits the winner of the Spain versus Belgium match, scheduled to be played Friday on American soil in California. Yet the path to the semis is not entirely smooth for Didier Deschamps’ team. Mbappe left the victory a bit prematurely, appearing to roll his ankle or foot as he left the pitch late in the second half. He was seen icing the area afterward, although he joined his teammates in celebration on the field, suggesting the issue could be minor. Nonetheless, the potential for lingering concerns adds a layer of suspense as France eyes their next hurdle.
Here is what you need to know about the semifinals and France’s potential opponents. The World Cup brackets are beginning to take shape as the tournament narrows to its final four teams, with France standing as one of the specified contenders. The semifinals pairings, schedules, and venues are being finalized as teams jockey for position and rest periods ahead of the high-stakes matches.
According to the latest updates, the teams that have advanced to the 2026 World Cup semifinals include France, which continues to showcase the depth and talent of its squad. The bracket reveals several possible matchups, including a confrontation between Spain and Belgium for a spot in the final four, while other fixtures feature cross-continental showdowns that have fans buzzing about possible dream matchups.
The official schedule lists France against either Spain or Belgium in a semifinal, with the game set for 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Eastern Time) in Arlington, Texas. The other semifinal is slated for 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta, featuring either Norway or England facing Argentina or Switzerland. A separate quarterfinal pairing is also highlighted for fans tracking potential routes to the final, including matches in Inglewood and Miami Gardens that could determine the paths of these teams.
In summary, the World Cup semifinals currently feature France as a steady contender, having defeated Morocco to secure their place in the next round. Mbappe’s continued scoring form remains a central story, even as France’s potential minor injury concerns threaten to complicate their plans. Fans will be watching closely as the Spain versus Belgium winner prepares to square off against France, while the other half of the bracket promises a thrilling contest between the remaining European and South American powers.
This overview originally appeared on USA Today, highlighting the live bracket, the latest updates as France advances, and the broader context of the 2026 World Cup semifinals and the teams poised to compete for the title. As the tournament moves into its final stages, fans can expect more nail-biting action, strategic tactical battles, and standout performances that could define these players’ legacies in the competition’s history.