2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals: Schedule and Results Update

The 2026 World Cup is reaching its climax with only four teams left competing for the title. The largest tournament ever, featuring 48 teams across North America, has now been narrowed down through intense play to the semifinal stage. Each of these squads still believes they can claim the championship.

The semifinals promise high stakes and showcase some of the sport's biggest names on a massive stage. This phase often turns the championship dream into a more tangible goal.

Details on Semifinalists

• France: Group I winner; defeated Sweden in Round of 32, Paraguay in Round of 16, Morocco in Quarterfinals
• Spain: Group H winner; overcame Austria in Round of 32, Portugal in Round of 16, Belgium in Quarterfinals
• England: Group L winner; beat DR Congo in Round of 32, Mexico in Round of 16, Norway in Quarterfinals
• Argentina: Group J winner; triumphed over Cape Verde in Round of 32, Egypt in Round of 16, Switzerland in Quarterfinals

How the Semifinals Work

The semifinal stage involves two matches where the winners earn spots in the final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19. The losing teams will face off in the third-place game on July 18.

This edition’s expanded format means the remaining teams have played more matches than in past tournaments, having gone through three group games and three knockout rounds. Their progress reflects solid performance and endurance.

Resolving Tied Matches in Knockouts

If a knockout match is tied after the standard 90 minutes, it moves into extra time—two periods of 15 minutes each, plus stoppage time. No sudden-death rule applies, so teams must lead at the end of this period to win.

If the tie persists, the match is decided by a penalty shootout. Each team selects five players, and the one scoring more goals after these rounds wins. If still tied, additional rounds continue until a winner emerges.

Advancing Through the Tournament

The World Cup began with 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. Each team played three matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place finishers.

The knockout rounds are single-elimination matches where winners move forward and losers exit. To lift the trophy, a team must win five consecutive knockout games.