Soccer

Semifinals Set for 2026 World Cup as Teams Gear Up for Crucial Matches

France, Spain, England and Argentina will clash in high‑stakes fixtures across the United States, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami preparing for a temporary absence.

The 2026 World Cup has entered its semifinal phase, featuring France, Spain, England and Argentina as the last four contenders. After a compact set of quarterfinal matches concluded on July 11 or 12, the tournament now shifts to high‑pressure knockout games that will determine the finalists.

Semifinal Schedule and Venues

The first semifinal pits France against Spain on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match will kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 12 p.m. Pacific and 8 p.m. British Summer Time. The second semifinal sees England take on Argentina a day later at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, also scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET start.

Both semifinals will be broadcast simultaneously across the participating regions, giving fans a rare chance to compare tactical approaches from Europe and South America in the same evening. The venues were chosen for their capacity, infrastructure and central locations within the host nation.

Knockout Round and Upcoming Finals

Following the semifinals, a third‑place playoff is set for July 18, offering both losing teams a chance to finish the tournament with a medal. The championship match will then take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, the largest arena in the United States, to crown the world champion.

After the intense schedule, players will enjoy a brief respite before returning to club duties. In Europe, leagues are already gearing up for the next season, while Major League Soccer teams, including Inter Miami, will soon reconvene training. Inter Miami must manage a short‑term absence of Lionel Messi, who remains a key figure for the side.

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