All 2026 World Cup semifinalists are former champions; no first-time winner possible
Argentina, England, France and Spain all won their quarterfinal ties, meaning every team left in the tournament has lifted the trophy at least once before.
A closed circle of champions
All four teams that advanced through the quarterfinals have won the World Cup at least once. England's 1966 triumph is the oldest, claimed on home soil with the Jules Rimet trophy. Spain won their only title in South Africa in 2010. France last lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018 and won their first as hosts in 1998. Argentina defend the title they won in Qatar in 2024, adding to wins in 1978 and 1986. The losing quarterfinalists (Morocco, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland) have never been world champions.
How the quarter-finals were decided
France beat Morocco 2:0 in a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Spain eliminated Belgium 2:1 with a late goal from Mikel Merino that denied the Belgians extra time. England needed extra time to stop Norway 2:1; Jude Bellingham scored both goals, including the decider early in the additional period. Argentina also required extra time against Switzerland. Alexis Mac Allister put the holders ahead, Dan Ndoye equalised for the Swiss, who finished the match with ten men. Julian Alvarez restored the lead in the 112th minute with a long-range strike before Lautaro Martinez made it 3:1 in the 121st minute.
- Semifinal: France vs Spain (Dallas/Arlington)
- Semifinal: Argentina vs England (Atlanta)
- Third-place playoff
- World Cup final (New Jersey)
The semi-final matchups
France face Spain on Tuesday 14 July at 21:00 CEST in Dallas/Arlington. The fixture is a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which Spain won 2:1. England meet Argentina on Wednesday 15 July at 21:00 CEST in Atlanta. It pits the Euro 2024 runners-up against the defending world champions.
What's at stake
France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, a feat previously achieved only by Brazil and West Germany. Spain seek a second world title and have never before reached a semi-final outside their 2010 winning campaign. England are aiming for a first final since 1966. Argentina could become back-to-back champions.
The road to New Jersey
The third-place match is scheduled for 18 July. The World Cup final will be played on 19 July in New Jersey. Only four matches remain in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
