The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals kicks off on Tuesday, July 14 — Bastille Day at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, between France and Spain
France Brilliant Form
Les Bleus have been the tournament’s most dominant team, going a perfect 6-0-0 through six matches to reach the last four.
They clinched their semi-final position with an easy 2-0 win over Morocco, a replay of the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
Winger Michael Olise has been a revelation, with a tournament-high six assists and just one away from Pelé’s all-time record for assists in a single World Cup, per Fox Sports
Semi-final match-ups 👀#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2WWvIw4E06
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 12, 2026
Spain Grinding Out Results
Spain’s route has been less spectacular but as successful.
La Roja needed a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to defeat Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with Charles de Ketelaere the first player to score against Spain all tournament
The goal brought an end to Spain’s run of six successive clean sheets.
Rivalry Renewed, On And Off The Field
France and Spain are facing off in the semifinals for the third straight major event, and France will be out for revenge after Spain bested them 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal.
The meeting also rekindles the club rivalry between Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, although Yamal has failed to make an impact in this World Cup, following a red-hot Euro 2024.
The victor will face the winner between Argentina and England for the World Cup title.
