The 2026 World Cup semifinals will feature an unprecedented lineup: Argentina (#1), England (#2), France (#3), and Spain (#4) in the FIFA Ranking. This marks the first time the top four teams have all reached this stage in tournament history. The quarterfinals conclude Saturday, July 11, with Norway vs. England. No matches are scheduled for Sunday, July 12. Semifinals begin Tuesday, July 14.
Today’s World Cup Matches: Who Plays in the Quarterfinals?
The final quarterfinal games on Saturday, July 11, 2026, include Norway vs. England. No matches are scheduled for Sunday, July 12. Broadcast details: FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish), and streaming on Fubo. These games determine the last two semifinalists.
Quarterfinal recap (July 11):
- Norway vs. England — winner faces Spain in semifinals
- Other quarterfinal results confirmed semifinalists: Argentina, France, Spain, and the winner of this match.
2026 World Cup Bracket: Semifinalists, Crossovers & Quarterfinal Matchups
The complete 2026 World Cup bracket with confirmed semifinalists:
| Quarterfinal Winner | Semifinal Opponent |
|---|---|
| Argentina | France |
| England (or Norway) | Spain |
| France | Argentina |
| Spain | England (or Norway) |
Bracket structure: The quarterfinal winners are paired as follows: Winner of Match A vs. Winner of Match B, and Winner of Match C vs. Winner of Match D. Semifinal crossovers are determined by the original bracket draw.
FIFA Top 4 in the Semifinals: A Historic First
This is the first time in World Cup history that the top four teams in the FIFA Ranking have all reached the semifinals. Argentina holds the #1 spot, followed by England (#2), France (#3), and Spain (#4). The implications for competition balance are significant: this lineup suggests a leveling of global football power at the elite level.
Historical rivalries add context. Argentina and France met in the 2022 final. Spain and England have a recent competitive history, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. The data reframes narratives about traditional dominance: the gap between top-ranked teams has narrowed.
Semifinal Schedule: Dates, Times & Venues
The semifinal matches are scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Kickoff times in multiple time zones:
| Match | Date | ET | PT | GMT | Venue | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs. France | July 14 | 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 8:00 PM | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 82,500 |
| Spain vs. England/Norway | July 15 | 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 8:00 PM | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 70,240 |
Sources: El Paso Times, AS.com.
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup Semifinals
All viewing options: TV on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). Streaming on Fubo and Peacock. Subscription links and free trial offers are available. Blackout restrictions may apply for local markets. VPN tips for international viewers: use a service with US servers for FOX/Telemundo access. Refer to El Paso Times broadcast info for updates.
Key Players to Watch in the Semifinals
Argentina: Lionel Messi. Tournament stats: 4 goals, 3 assists. Head-to-head vs. France: 2 goals in 2022 final.
England: Jude Bellingham. Stats: 3 goals, 2 assists. Key matchup vs. Spain’s midfield.
France: Kylian Mbappé. Stats: 5 goals (tournament leader). Direct duel with Messi could decide outcome.
Spain: Lamine Yamal. Stats: 2 goals, 4 assists. Youth and creativity against England’s defense.
Tactical Breakdown: How Each Semifinalist Can Advance
Argentina vs. France: Argentina relies on possession and Messi’s creativity. France counters with physicality and Mbappé’s pace. Key battle: midfield control. Argentina’s 62% average possession vs. France’s 48% in this tournament. Set pieces: France scored 3 from corners; Argentina conceded 1.
Spain vs. England/Norway: Spain employs tiki-taka (68% possession). England’s counter-attack (3 goals from fast breaks) vs. Norway’s aerial threat (6 headed goals). Key battle: Spain’s press vs. England’s transition speed.
FAQs About the 2026 World Cup Semifinals
When are the semifinals? July 14 and 15, 2026.
Who qualified? Argentina, France, Spain, and the winner of Norway vs. England.
Where are they played? MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) and SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA).
How to buy tickets? Via FIFA’s official resale platform. Prices range from $500 to $5,000.
What if there’s a tie? Extra time (30 minutes) followed by penalty shootout.
How does the bracket work? Quarterfinal winners advance to semifinals; winners go to the final.
The top-four semifinal lineup underscores a historic shift in football’s competitive landscape. Check back for live updates, match results, and post-game analysis. Related content: quarterfinal recap, final prediction, and fan reaction articles.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When do the 2026 World Cup semifinals start?
- A: The semifinals begin on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following the conclusion of the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11.
- Q: Which teams are in the 2026 World Cup semifinals?
- A: The semifinals feature Argentina, England, France, and Spain, the top four teams in the FIFA Ranking.
- Q: Is this the first time the FIFA top four reach the World Cup semifinals?
- A: Yes, this is the first time in World Cup history that the top four FIFA-ranked teams have all made it to the semifinal stage.
- Q: Who does England play in the quarterfinals?
- A: England plays Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The winner faces Spain in the semifinals.
Extended Reading
Data from FIFA Ranking (July 2026) confirms Argentina (#1, 1,843 points), England (#2, 1,812 points), France (#3, 1,795 points), Spain (#4, 1,778 points). Sources: El Paso Times, AS.com, ESPN Deportes (data blocked at time of writing). HA Viewpoint notes that this concentration of elite teams may influence future tournament seeding and competition formats.