FIFA World Cup 2026™ Semifinals: Team Previews, Schedule, and More

Between the inspiring stories, remarkable runs, and tight, tense matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been equally heartwarming and harrowing through its first 100 matches. But with only four teams and four games left, that's all over. From here on out, it's all heart-attacks and heartbreak. Argentina, England, France, and Spain are the last teams remaining as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and they're the top four teams in the world, per FIFA rankings. That means we should see some beautiful football as the tournament reaches it's apex. 

Here's a preview of both semifinal matches, which air live on FOX (check your Guide for the local channel number). Remember, you can watch highlights, replays, documentaries, and more on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ App on DISH, available on Channel 159! For more information on how to watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX with DISH, follow the link.

France vs. Spain - Tuesday, July 14, 3:00 PM ET on FOX

Les Bleus arrive in flawless form, boasting a perfect six wins in six matches while outscoring opponents 16-2. After comfortably sweeping Group I by defeating Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0, and Norway 4-1, Didier Deschamps’s side easily dispatched Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. They subsequently edged Paraguay 1-0 before dismantling Morocco 2-0 to secure their third consecutive semifinal appearance. France's highly lethal transition system leads the tournament with three counterattack goals, verticalizing play rapidly to exploit open space. However, their passive defensive stance remains a notable concern, ranking a lowly 20th in progressive passes allowed and 29th in progressive carries allowed. Deschamps himself is set to take charge of his record-breaking 26th World Cup match, surpassing Helmut Schon’s long-standing tournament record.

Conversely, Spain’s game is built on meticulous positional control, suffocating opponents by defending with the ball. Boasting an unbeaten 5W-1D-0L record, La Roja eased through Group H before defeating Austria 3-0 and Portugal 1-0. Spain then conceded just a single goal all tournament—a late first-half header from Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere that snapped a record 650-minute scoreless streak. Luis de la Fuente's side are currently on a spectacular 36-match unbeaten run, standing just one game away from matching Italy's historic world record of 37 undefeated games.

Historically, these European neighbors share a rich and fiercely contested rivalry spanning 38 matches, with Spain holding the upper hand with 18 victories to France's 13. Surprisingly, this semifinal is only their second-ever meeting on the World Cup stage. Their sole previous encounter came in the 2006 Round of 16 in Germany, where Franck Ribéry, Patrick Vieira, and Zinedine Zidane spearheaded a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory for France. In other major tournaments, their history is legendary. France famously defeated Spain 2-0 in the Euro 1984 final to claim their first major trophy, and edged a tense Euro 2000 quarterfinal 2-1. However, Spain dominated the Euro 2012 quarterfinals 2-0, and defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinals. Their most recent official clash was a chaotic, historic 5-4 Nations League semifinal thriller won by Spain in June 2025.

Tactically, Spain will monopolize possession, while France will sit in a compact mid-block, waiting to spring devastating counterattacks. If Rodri can disrupt France’s transitions, Spain can control the match; if Kylian Mbappé finds space behind Spain's high line, Les Bleus will punish them.

France Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappé

The 27-year-old French captain remains the most terrifying attacking force in world football. Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and three assists at this World Cup, scoring in every single knockout match so far. Having fully recovered from a minor ankle knock sustained against Morocco, he sits on twenty career World Cup goals, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time tournament record of 21. With his sights set on a third consecutive World Cup Final appearance, Mbappé's frighteningly fast transition speed, explosive one-on-one dribbling, and clinical finishing will be the ultimate, defining test for Spain’s defense in Arlington.

Spain Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal

The 19-year-old Barcelona wonderkid is the creative heartbeat of La Roja's offense. Although opponents have focused heavily on isolating Yamal on the right wing—resulting in a quiet statistical tournament of one goal and zero assists—his tactical value on the pitch of this global showpiece remains immense. He draws multiple defenders, completing 21 of 40 dribbles and winning 36 ground duels. Boasting an undefeated 5-0 career record against Mbappé in knockout matches, Yamal’s ability to rediscover his Euro 2024 magic, isolate fullbacks, and carve his own name in the history books is Spain's skeleton key to unlocking France's defense.

Prediction

With France's overwhelming attacking depth and Spain’s elite tactical organization, this will be decided by razor-thin margins. We predict a 2-1 victory for France after extra time, with their superior counterattacking clinical edge ultimately breaking Spain's defensive resolve.

Argentina vs. England - Wednesday, July 15, 3:00 PM ET on FOX

Thomas Tuchel’s resilient Three Lions have demonstrated immense grit to reach their fourth-ever semifinal. After topping Group L, England defeated DR Congo 2-1, silenced co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a hostile Azteca Stadium, and overcame Norway 2-1 in a grueling, humid Miami quarterfinal after extra time. Statistically, England’s offense has been highly potent, scoring at least twice in each of their last four matches. They are led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have scored six goals each. However, a right-back crisis looms; Jarell Quansah remains suspended, Reece James is unlikely to start, and Jordan Henderson is injured.

Champions Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, have navigated a rollercoaster path, winning all six matches. After sweeping Group J, La Albiceleste survived three grueling extra-time knockout battles. They edged past Cape Verde 3-2, engineered a frantic late 3-2 comeback against Egypt, and eliminated ten-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals. Argentina has scored sixteen goals, spearheaded by Lionel Messi's tournament-high eight strikes. Their primary weapon remains their set-piece dominance, boasting a tournament-high five set-piece goals. Yet, they have looked porous in transition, conceding six goals and allowing opponents to work the ball into dangerous central areas.

The historic rivalry between these nations is deeply rooted in geopolitical and sporting drama. This will be their sixth World Cup meeting, with England leading the head-to-head on the world stage with three wins to Argentina's two. Their first encounter at Chile 1962 ended in a 3-1 English win. In 1966, England edged a physical quarterfinal 1-0, a match so fierce that manager Alf Ramsey called the Argentines "animals" after captain Antonio Rattin was controversially sent off. The most iconic chapter unfolded in 1986, following the Falklands War, when Diego Maradona scored his infamous "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" to secure a 2-1 victory. Twelve years later at France 1998, David Beckham was red-carded after kicking Diego Simeone during a thrilling 2-2 draw, which Argentina ultimately won 4-3 on penalties. In 2002, Beckham found redemption, scoring a penalty to secure a 1-0 group-stage victory.

Tactically, this clash is a battle of attrition. England will utilize a compact midfield pressing cage led by Declan Rice to choke supply lines to Messi, attempting to exploit space behind Argentina's high line with direct transitions. Argentina will look to overcrowd central areas with their 4-4-2 diamond and rely on late, relentless pressure.

Argentina Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi remains the undisputed creative heartbeat and focal point of the reigning world champions' title defense. The 39-year-old captain leads the Golden Boot race with a tournament-high eight goals and two assists, scoring in every single match prior to the quarterfinals. This semifinal carries immense personal weight, representing what is likely his last-ever World Cup campaign and his first-ever senior international appearance against England. Operating in a diamond midfield designed to preserve his energy, Messi’s world-class vision, spatial awareness, and clinical touch remain Argentina’s primary, most devastating weapons to unlock England's advanced, physical defensive block.

England Player to Watch: Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham is the engine driving the Three Lions' march toward World Cup immortality. The 23-year-old midfielder has been in spectacular, show-stopping form, scoring six goals—including back-to-back braces in the knockouts against Mexico and Norway. Bellingham's elite box-to-box presence, tireless work rate, and soccer intelligence off the ball allow him to cover more distance than any other midfielder. His late, dangerous runs into the penalty area will be England's chief weapon. Up against a slow, porous Argentine transition defense, Bellingham’s unmatched ability to drive forward and create scoring chances is England's key to the final.

Prediction

We predict a hard-fought 1-1 draw after regulation, with England's clinical crossing edge helping them secure a dramatic 2-1 victory in extra time.

Remaining World Cup Matches

Tuesday, July 14 – 3:00 PM ET – France vs. Spain from Arlington, TX

Wednesday, July 15 – 3:00 PM ET – England vs. Argentina from Atlanta

Saturday, July 18 – 5:00 PM ET – Third Place Game from Miami 

Sunday, July 19 – 3:00 PM ET – Final from New York/New Jersey