France vs Spain, England await Argentina or Switzerland in World Cup 2026 semi-finals
France beat Morocco 2-0, England survived Norway 2-1 after extra time as the last-four lineup took shape; Spain await France while Lionel Messi's Argentina aim to join England in the semis.
France march on
France defeated Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday to reach their third consecutive World Cup semi-final. Didier Deschamps' side, runners-up in 2022, will now face Spain in Dallas. The victory extended a commanding run that has positioned Les Bleus among the tournament favourites. They controlled large spells against a Morocco team that had reached the last four in Qatar. Tuesday's semi-final is a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which Spain won 2-1.
Spain edge past Belgium
Spain booked their place with a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals. The European champions are chasing a first World Cup title since 2010 and a rare Euros-World Cup double last achieved by France in 1998 and 2000. Spain's midfield control and clinical finishing have been hallmarks of their campaign. The encounter with France in Dallas is the earlier of the two semi-finals, kicking off at 21:00 local time (20:00 BST) on Tuesday 14 July.
England survive Norway scare
England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead before Jude Bellingham equalised with a controversial goal just before half-time. With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Bellingham struck again early in the first period of extra time to send Thomas Tuchel's side through. The Three Lions had already navigated a demanding path: a 4-2 win over Croatia, a goalless draw with Ghana, a 2-0 victory against Panama, a 2-1 result over DR Congo, and a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
- England 4-2 Croatia, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
- England 0-0 Ghana, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
- England 2-0 Panama, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- England 2-1 DR Congo, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- England 3-2 Mexico, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- England 2-1 AET Norway, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Semi-final: England vs Argentina/Switzerland, Atlanta
- Final: vs France/Spain, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Messi's last dance? Argentina face Switzerland
Argentina meet Switzerland in the final quarter-final in Kansas City on Sunday. Lionel Messi's side reached this stage by coming from behind to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16. Johan Manzambi's Switzerland held Colombia to a goalless draw and prevailed 4-3 on penalties. The winner will travel to Atlanta to face England on Wednesday 15 July. The South American champions, winners in 2022, view this tournament as a final chance to add another world title alongside Messi.
Semi-final schedule and broadcast
The two semi-finals and the final will be shown live across the BBC and ITV. France versus Spain on Tuesday 14 July at 20:00 BST (21:00 local) in Dallas airs on ITV. England's semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET) on Wednesday 15 July at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, broadcast on BBC One. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday 19 July at 20:00 BST. BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will carry commentary from every match, with spoiler-free highlights available each morning on iPlayer and the BBC Football YouTube channel.
