​There are no World Cup games today, but the tournament’s most important week ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup championship final will feature heavyweight confrontations involving France, Spain, England and Argentina. The semifinal matchups begin on Tuesday, July 14, marking the start of a dramatic run toward crowning the new world champion.
Over a thrilling weekend, France booked a place in the semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco, while Spain advanced by defeating Belgium 2-1. England edged Norway 2-1 after extra time, and Argentina fought past Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to complete the final four. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina as they prepare to take on England in one of the tournament’s marquee clashes. Argentina’s extra-time win over Switzerland propelled them into the final four, with each appearance adding another chapter to Messi’s storied World Cup legacy.
For England, Jude Bellingham comes into the semifinal in peak form after delivering a brace, including the extra-time winner versus Norway. If England is to reach the final, Bellingham figures to be central to their chances. The other semifinal promises a heavyweight duel between two tournament favorites: France and Spain. France reached the semis with a 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in one of the most tightly contested quarterfinals.
Beyond the star power, the big question this week is whether Argentina can defend their title or whether France, Spain or England will end their run one win shy of the final. With four teams remaining, every moment carries championship-level significance.
Here’s what you need to know and when to watch. The 2026 World Cup took a brief pause on Monday, July 13, after the quarterfinals concluded, and the next action begins on Tuesday, July 14, with France facing Spain in the first semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Arlington, Texas. The second semifinal follows on Wednesday, July 15, as England takes on Argentina at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with both matches set for a 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The winners will advance to the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, to determine the champion. The semifinal lineup is set: France vs. Spain and England vs. Argentina, with these four teams representing the last stand of the expanded 48-team tournament.
The schedule remains clear: Tuesday, July 14 will host France vs. Spain at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas, and Wednesday, July 15 will feature England vs. Argentina at 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Fans will want to keep an eye on star players—Mbappé for France, Messi for Argentina, and a surge of rising form from England’s Bellingham—as the world eyes a weekend that could redefine international football as the 2026 edition marches toward its final. The prospects of a France-Argentina rematch would echo the famous 2022 World Cup final, heightening anticipation for what could become one of the sport’s most storied chapters.