2026 World Cup Semifinal Matchups and Schedule
The 2026 World Cup is reaching its final phase with only four teams remaining. This tournament, the largest ever with 48 teams competing across North America, has seen intense action over several weeks. Now, the focus shifts to these last squads, each aiming to claim the championship.
Semifinal Fixtures
- France: Group I winner; defeated Sweden, Paraguay, Morocco in earlier knockout rounds.
- Spain: Group H winner; overcame Austria, Portugal, Belgium.
- England: Group L winner; eliminated DR Congo, Mexico, Norway.
- Argentina: Group J winner; beat Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland.
Quarterfinal Results Recap
With four teams left, the semifinals consist of two matches. Winners move on to the final scheduled for July 19, while the losers meet in a third-place playoff on July 18. The tournament format demands strong performances across group and knockout stages—each team played three group games followed by three knockout matches to reach this point.
Tie-Breaking Procedure
If a knockout match is tied after regular time, it goes into extra time: two 15-minute halves plus stoppage time, totaling 30 additional minutes. Teams must be leading at the end of extra time to win. Otherwise, the contest moves to a penalty shootout where five players per side take turns. If still tied after five shots each, sudden death rounds decide the victor.
Advancement Format
The tournament began with 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. Each team played three matches in the group stage. The top two from each group advanced along with eight of the best third-place teams, forming a 32-team knockout bracket. From there, single elimination ruled. Each win propelled a team forward, while losses ended their campaign. To lift the trophy, a team must triumph in five knockout matches.
