The 2026 World Cup has reached its decisive stage, and the tournament’s last four now features a clash between two European heavyweights. France, the reigning champions, are set to meet Spain in a semi‑final that promises fireworks, while the victor will advance to a final showdown against either England or Argentina on July 19.
Key line‑ups and stakes
Didier Deschamps’ side arrives in Dallas with an immaculate record: six wins, 16 goals scored and only three conceded. Their attack is anchored by Kylian Mbappé, who will be supported by Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé, while Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan start in midfield and goal respectively.
Road to the final
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 UK time, which translates to 21:00 Central European Summer Time, and will be played at the iconic Dallas venue. The kickoff time was confirmed by tournament officials, who also noted the logistical considerations of hosting a high‑stakes encounter in Texas.
France’s lineup also includes Aurelien Tchouaméni, who replaces the benched Manu Koné, and Bradley Barcola, who adds depth to the forward line. Désiré Doué and Lamine Yamal are among the other notable names on the French roster.
Spain, meanwhile, has turned a sluggish start into a resurgence that culminated in a 2‑1 quarter‑final victory over Belgium. Goalkeeper Unai Simon set a new tournament record for minutes without conceding, and Mikel Oyarzabal leads the scoring charts with four goals.
The Spanish side will field Fabian Ruiz in a midfield reshuffle that pushes Pedri to the bench, while Charles De Ketelaere, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo provide additional options. Alex Baena and Pedri’s absence from the starting XI reflects the coach’s tactical adjustments.
With the winners set to meet either England or Argentina in the final, the stakes extend beyond national pride. A victory for France would cement their dominance, while Spain aims to rewrite a narrative that began with a dismal opening but has since gathered momentum.
Implications for the tournament
Fans across the globe will be watching closely, not only for the on‑field drama but also for the broader implications for the tournament’s future format and the emergence of new footballing powers.