Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final line-up has been confirmed following Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland and England’s 2-1 win against Norway.
France became the first team to secure a place in the last four after defeating Morocco 2-0 on Thursday, before Spain joined them with a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday.
England booked their place on Saturday after Jude Bellingham scored twice in a 2-1 extra-time comeback victory over Norway in Miami.
The final semi-final berth went to defending champions Argentina, who defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time on Sunday.
Lionel Messi provided an assist before Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed victory late in the game.
The results set up two heavyweight semi-final clashes, with France facing Spain and England taking on Argentina.
England and Argentina will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries after both sides advanced from the quarter-finals.
The encounter will be their first World Cup meeting since the 2002 tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final fixtures
Tuesday, July 14
France vs Spain
Time: 20:00
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Dallas
Wednesday, July 15
England vs Argentina
Time: 20:00
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
Remaining fixtures
Saturday, July 18
Third-place play-off
Losers of Semi-final 1 vs Losers of Semi-final 2
Time: 22:00
Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami
Sunday, July 19
Final
Winners of Semi-final 1 vs Winners of Semi-final 2
Time: 20:00
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
The Punch
