World Cup 2026 · Day 34
The World Cup semi-finals begin today with France against Spain in Dallas, England against Argentina in Atlanta tomorrow, and Opta making France the favourites for the trophy
France meet Spain at AT&T Stadium near Dallas on 14 July in the first semi-final, with Mbappé against Yamal, while holders Argentina and Lionel Messi face England in Atlanta on 15 July. The Opta supercomputer makes France the likeliest champions. Five verified stories.
14 July 2026 · WorldCuply.com daily news archive
Semi-finalFrance meet Spain in Dallas today in the first World Cup semi-final, Mbappé against Yamal
France face Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, near Dallas, on Tuesday 14 July in the first semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, per FIFA, ESPN and Al Jazeera. Kylian Mbappé, in sensational form up front for France, leads Les Bleus against a Spain side inspired by Lamine Yamal. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET. The winner advances to the final at MetLife Stadium near New York on Sunday 19 July.
Sources: FIFA · ESPN · Al Jazeera
PredictionOpta's supercomputer makes France the favourites to lift the trophy, with Spain next
The Opta supercomputer makes France the likeliest 2026 World Cup winners at 34.6 percent, ahead of Spain at 23.8 percent, England at 21.9 percent and holders Argentina at 20.6 percent, per Opta Analyst and Al Jazeera. For today's semi-final, Opta gives France a 42.1 percent chance of winning in regulation against Spain's 31.8 percent, and projects France reaching the final in 57.1 percent of its simulations.
Sources: Opta Analyst · Al Jazeera
ArgentinaMessi and Argentina meet England in Atlanta on 15 July, the first time he has faced the Three Lions
Holders Argentina face England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday 15 July in the second semi-final, per Al Jazeera, Goal and beIN Sports. At 39, Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals, ahead of England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on 6 apiece, and sets a record with his 32nd World Cup appearance. Messi said facing England, an opponent he has never played, will be special.
Sources: Al Jazeera · Goal · beIN Sports
Final showFIFA reveals the MetLife halftime line-up: Madonna, Shakira and BTS headline the first show at a World Cup final
FIFA has unveiled the line-up for the halftime show at the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, the first of its kind at a World Cup final, per FIFA and Yahoo Sports. Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline an 11 minute performance curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, with Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus also on the bill. Justin Bieber is the latest name added. Kickoff near New York is at 3 p.m. ET.
Sources: FIFA · Yahoo Sports
ScheduleThe final week is set: semi-finals on 14 and 15 July, third place in Miami on 18 July, final at MetLife on 19 July
The decisive week runs from 14 to 19 July, per FIFA and Sports Illustrated. The semi-finals are at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 14 July and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 15 July. The third-place match is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 18 July, and the final is at MetLife Stadium near New York on Sunday 19 July, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET.
Sources: FIFA · Sports Illustrated