The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final lineup is officially locked in after a weekend of edge-of-your-seat drama across the United States. Defending champions Argentina will face England in one semi-final, while European giants France and Spain clash in the other — setting up a mouthwatering conclusion to the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
Argentina Edge Past Switzerland in Controversial Classic
In Kansas City, Argentina booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. The match was shrouded in controversy when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half after a VAR review overturned a mistaken identity call — Embolo was judged to have simulated contact and received a second yellow card for diving.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Switzerland had equalized through Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye after Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina an early lead from Lionel Messi’s corner. But Julian Alvarez produced a moment of magic in extra time, curling an unstoppable 25-yard strike past Gregor Kobel. Lautaro Martinez sealed it on the counter-attack.
Messi also made history — becoming the first player to register 10 World Cup assists.
England Battle Past Norway in Miami
Thomas Tuchel’s England showed their fighting spirit once again, overcoming a stubborn Norway side 2-1 in extra time in Miami. Jude Bellingham proved decisive as England rallied after going behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s controversial cross-shot. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford broke Peter Shilton’s record for most World Cup appearances by an England keeper (18).
“You’ve got to want to improve. Sometimes you have to go in the trenches and be resilient — we have that togetherness and team spirit,” Pickford said after the match.
France and Spain Complete the Semi-Final Picture
Kylian Mbappé produced another stunning moment to knock out Morocco and send France into the semi-finals, while Spain also secured their place in the final four after a tournament that has seen the expanded 48-team format widely praised.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already hinted at further expansion, telling Swiss media that a move to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament “will be examined.” The 2030 edition is already set to be co-hosted across Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
🗓️ 2026 World Cup — Remaining Schedule
- Semi-Final 1: Spain vs France — Tuesday, July 14, 20:00 BST (Dallas)
- Semi-Final 2: Argentina vs England — Wednesday, July 15, 20:00 BST (Atlanta)
- Final: Sunday, July 19, 20:00 BST (New York/New Jersey)
❓ FAQ
Where can I watch the World Cup semi-finals?
In the UK, Spain vs France is on ITV, while Argentina vs England is live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. BBC Radio 5 Live has commentary for all matches.
Has England ever beaten Argentina in a World Cup knockout match?
The two sides have a storied rivalry. England beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2002 group stage and 3-2 in the 2018 round of 16, but Argentina won the most famous encounter — the 1986 quarter-final (Maradona’s “Hand of God” and solo goal) and the 1998 round of 16 on penalties.
Will Messi play against England?
Yes — Lionel Messi has started every match for Argentina in this tournament and is expected to lead the line against England, looking to add to his record-breaking World Cup tally.