Semifinals define finalists in duels of great rivalry and expectations at the FIFA World Cup By Jeronimo Santos
3 min read
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The 2026 World Cup reaches its decisive phase, with only four teams competing for the coveted title. France, Spain, England and Argentina, all world champions, remain in contention for the cup.
The semi-final clashes promise high-level clashes, bringing together football powers, historic rivalries and great stars. On the one hand, France and Spain face each other in what many consider an “early final”. On the other, England and Argentina renew a rivalry full of meaning on and off the pitch.
Details of semi-final game dates and times
The games that will decide the finalists are scheduled for next week:
- Tuesday, July 14th
- France x Spain
- Time: 4pm (Brasília time)
- Wednesday, July 15
- England x Argentina
- Time: 4pm (Brasília time)
The winners of these clashes will advance to the grand final of the World Cup, which will be played on Sunday, July 19, also at 4pm (Brasília time).
Confrontation between France and Spain promises ‘early final’ in the World Cup
The first game of this crucial stage will put two of the strongest teams in the tournament face to face.
The French team arrives with a star-studded squad and has maintained favoritism since the start of the competition. In contrast, Spain relies on its collective strength and robust defense to halt the French advance.
The Spanish reach the semi-final undefeated, with five consecutive victories after their debut, and have conceded just one goal in the entire World Cup. Despite the great expectations surrounding young Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the match, the team led by Luis de la Fuente has impressed mainly due to its tactical organization, and it is worth remembering that Spain defeated France in the last two clashes in knockout matches, adding more spice to the duel.
The Spanish coach himself, Luis de la Fuente, described the match as an “early final”, given the exceptional quality of the two teams involved.
England and Argentina revive historic rivalry in search of the World Cup final
The other semi-final will provide a new chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in global football.
This will be the sixth meeting between England and Argentina in World Cups. The history of these clashes is rich in memorable moments, including Antonio Rattín’s expulsion in 1966, the famous post-Malvinas War duel in the 1986 World Cup, with the iconic “Hand of God” and Diego Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” goals, as well as games involving David Beckham in 1998 and 2002.
Now, the classic gains an additional special flavor: this will be the first and also the last time that Lionel Messi will face England in a World Cup, as the number 10 plays his last World Cup, adding a unique emotional weight to the confrontation.
While many fans see the clash as the continuation of a deeply rooted rivalry, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni is trying to minimize the burden of the past.
“It’s a football game, period”, summarized the Argentina coach, trying to focus on the current match.
Expectations for the grand final of the 2026 World Cup
The winners of the semifinals will guarantee their place in the big decision of the 2026 World Cup, while the defeated teams will compete for third place in the tournament.
With four teams that have already been world champions still in contention, the expectation is for two high-level clashes before the eagerly awaited World Cup final.
