FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal Schedule – Dates, Teams, Venues and Kickoff Times
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its most exciting stage, with only four teams remaining in the race for football’s biggest international trophy.
The two blockbuster semifinals will feature France against Spain and England against Argentina. The matches will be played on July 14 and July 15, 2026, in Dallas and Atlanta respectively. Both games are officially scheduled for 19:00 UTC.
The winners will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, while the losing teams will meet in the third-place playoff.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal Schedule
| Match | Date in Host City | Venue | Local Kickoff | UTC | India Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Spain | Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Dallas Stadium, Arlington | 2:00 PM CDT | 7:00 PM | Wednesday, July 15 at 12:30 AM IST |
| England vs Argentina | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta | 3:00 PM EDT | 7:00 PM | Thursday, July 16 at 12:30 AM IST |
FIFA’s official schedule confirms Dallas Stadium as the venue for Match 101 and Atlanta Stadium as the venue for Match 102.
Semifinal 1: France vs Spain
The first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will see two European giants, France and Spain, compete for a place in the final.
France vs Spain match details
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
India date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Kickoff time: 7:00 PM UTC
India kickoff time: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Match number: Match 101
France booked its semifinal place from the first side of the knockout bracket, while Spain progressed after defeating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Spain’s quarterfinal victory was secured through goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino.
What to expect from France vs Spain
France against Spain promises to be a fascinating contest between two technically gifted teams with different approaches.
Spain will likely look to control possession, move the ball quickly through midfield and create space through intelligent passing combinations. France, meanwhile, may be more comfortable attacking at speed and taking advantage of transitions when Spain loses possession.
The midfield battle could decide the match. Spain will want to dictate the tempo, while France will try to prevent its opponent from settling into a comfortable rhythm.
Set pieces, defensive concentration and the ability to convert limited chances could also prove decisive in what is expected to be a closely contested semifinal.
Semifinal 2: England vs Argentina
The second semifinal will feature England against defending champions Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina secured its semifinal position by defeating Switzerland in the quarterfinals and will now meet England for a place in the final. FIFA’s official match report confirmed the England–Argentina semifinal following Argentina’s quarterfinal victory.
England vs Argentina match details
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
India date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Kickoff time: 7:00 PM UTC
India kickoff time: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Match number: Match 102
England reached the semifinals after beating Norway 2-1 in its quarterfinal. Argentina advanced by defeating Switzerland 3-1.
What to expect from England vs Argentina
England versus Argentina is one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
The match brings together two teams with technically talented attackers, experienced midfielders and strong tournament ambitions. England may look to use its physical strength, wide players and set-piece threat, while Argentina will aim to control central areas and create opportunities through quick combinations around the penalty area.
Patience will be important for both teams. Semifinals are often decided by small details, such as an individual mistake, a moment of creativity, a set piece or a successful substitution.
Argentina also enters the match with the experience and expectations that come with being the defending champion, while England will be looking to take another major step toward winning the men’s World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal Timings in India
Football fans in India will need to stay awake after midnight to watch both semifinals live.
France vs Spain India time
France vs Spain will begin at:
12:30 AM IST on Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Although the match is being played on Tuesday afternoon in Texas, the time difference means it will begin shortly after midnight on Wednesday in India.
England vs Argentina India time
England vs Argentina will begin at:
12:30 AM IST on Thursday, July 16, 2026
The match will be played on Wednesday afternoon in Atlanta but will begin early Thursday morning for viewers in India.
Viewers should confirm television and streaming information with the official broadcaster in their country shortly before kickoff, as programming schedules and platform availability can change.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal Venues
Dallas Stadium
The first semifinal will take place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The stadium has hosted several important matches during the tournament and will now stage the France vs Spain semifinal. FIFA lists the fixture as Match 101, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
Dallas Stadium is an enclosed venue with a retractable roof, which can help reduce the effect of extreme outdoor weather conditions. Its large capacity and modern facilities make it a fitting stage for one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
Atlanta Stadium
Atlanta Stadium will host the second semifinal between England and Argentina.
FIFA selected Atlanta to stage eight matches during the 2026 tournament, including this semifinal.
The stadium is known for its modern design, retractable roof and large video display. The indoor environment could create a loud and intense atmosphere when England and Argentina compete for the second place in the final.
What Happens After the Semifinals?
The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.
The losing semifinalists will play in the third-place match.
Third-place playoff
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Venue: Miami Stadium
Local kickoff: 5:00 PM EDT
India time: Sunday, July 19 at 2:30 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium
Local kickoff: 3:00 PM EDT
India time: Monday, July 20 at 12:30 AM IST
The final will feature the winner of France vs Spain against the winner of England vs Argentina. FIFA’s knockout schedule confirms Miami as the venue for the bronze match and New York New Jersey Stadium as the venue for the final.
Possible FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Matchups
Depending on the semifinal results, the final could feature one of the following combinations:
- France vs England
- France vs Argentina
- Spain vs England
- Spain vs Argentina
Every possible matchup offers a compelling storyline.
A France–Argentina final would be a rematch between two modern international heavyweights. Spain–Argentina would bring together two teams renowned for technical football. France–England would produce an all-European final, while Spain–England would renew a major European rivalry on the world stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026: A Historic Tournament
The 2026 competition is the first men’s FIFA World Cup to include 48 teams. It is also the first edition hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
A total of 104 matches are being played across 16 host cities, with the tournament running from June 11 until the final on July 19, 2026.
The expanded format introduced 12 groups of four teams, followed by a Round of 32. This created an additional knockout round and a longer path to the final for the eventual champion.
Tips for Watching the Semifinals
Indian viewers should remember that both matches begin at 12:30 AM IST on the day after their listed host-city dates.
Set a reminder at least 15 to 30 minutes before kickoff to catch the team announcements, tactical analysis and pre-match coverage. Checking the official broadcaster’s schedule on matchday is also recommended.
Fans attending the matches should arrive well in advance because major tournament fixtures usually involve security screening, road closures and increased demand for public transport.
Tickets should only be purchased through FIFA’s official ticketing platforms or authorised sellers. FIFA has warned supporters that tickets purchased through unofficial sources may not be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals?
The semifinals will be played on Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the United States.
Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 semifinals?
The four semifinalists are France, Spain, England and Argentina. (FIFA)
Who will play in the first semifinal?
France will face Spain in the first semifinal at Dallas Stadium.
Who will play in the second semifinal?
England will face Argentina in the second semifinal at Atlanta Stadium.
What time is France vs Spain in India?
France vs Spain will begin at 12:30 AM IST on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
What time is England vs Argentina in India?
England vs Argentina will begin at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Where will the first World Cup semifinal be played?
The first semifinal will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Where will the second World Cup semifinal be played?
The second semifinal will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium. In India, the match will begin at 12:30 AM IST on Monday, July 20.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals bring together four of international football’s biggest teams.
France and Spain will compete in Dallas for the first place in the final, while England and Argentina will meet in Atlanta to determine the second finalist. With contrasting playing styles, world-class talent and enormous pressure on every player, both semifinals have the potential to become memorable World Cup encounters.
For viewers in India, both matches begin at 12:30 AM IST. Football fans should mark July 15 and July 16 on their calendars as the tournament moves toward its dramatic conclusion.
