Four teams are now vying for a spot in the final of the 2026 World Cup as the competition moves into the semifinal stage.
Semifinal line‑ups confirmed
France was the first nation to secure a semifinal berth, having beaten Morocco 2‑0 in the quarterfinals. The victory kept Les Bleus unbeaten heading into the next round. Spain also advanced after a successful quarter‑final effort.
The remaining two slots will be decided on Saturday. Norway will face England at the Miami Stadium, while Argentina meets Switzerland in Kansas City. Both matches conclude the quarterfinal round and determine the final four.
Schedule for the final matches
The closing fixtures are set for the weekend after the semifinals. The third‑place game is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at 15:00 Central Time, also at the Miami Stadium. The matchup will feature the two quarterfinal losers, though the exact participants are still unknown.
Broadcast rights for the third‑place match in Mexico are held by ViX.
The championship final will be played on Sunday, July 19, kicking off at 13:00 Central Time. The game takes place at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, a venue chosen to host the decisive showdown. In Mexico, the final will be available on multiple channels, including TUDN, Las Estrellas, Canal 5, TV Azteca, ViX and Nueve.
Argentina enters as the defending champion, having lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout win over France in Qatar 2022. The South American side will look to repeat that success on North American soil.
France’s coach Didier Deschamps has guided his squad to a flawless record so far, while Spain’s manager has emphasized tactical flexibility throughout the competition.
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Ousmane Dembélé expressed personal satisfaction after the quarterfinal win, noting that reaching a World Cup semifinal is an “exceptional” achievement and marking his third consecutive appearance at this stage with the French team.
From a broader perspective, the event marks a shift toward a larger format, featuring more teams and a greater geographic spread across three host nations. This expansion aims to increase global participation and revenue, though it also raises logistical challenges for traveling fans and broadcasters alike.
Fans await the decisive matches.
England’s path to the semifinals includes a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16, a result that ended the North American nation’s campaign. The English side will now test Norway, a team that has surprised many with its disciplined play.
Switzerland’s performance has been steady, and the Swiss squad will now confront Argentina, a match that could produce a memorable upset if the South Americans cannot maintain their defensive solidity.
All four semifinalists will have a short recovery window before the final matches, which may influence team selection and strategy. Coaches are expected to rotate players to manage fatigue, especially given the travel distances between Miami, Kansas City and the New York/New Jersey venue.
The organizers have provided detailed logistical information for fans and media, highlighting transportation options and ticketing procedures. For further official details, see the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
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