France and Spain set for World Cup semifinal in Arlington
The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its penultimate stage with the first semifinal between France and Spain scheduled for Arlington, Texas, while all three host nations have been eliminated from contention.
France and Spain are set to contest the first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Arlington, Texas, with the victor advancing to the final against either England or Argentina. France, currently ranked third in the world, enters the fixture with the objective of reaching the final for a third consecutive tournament. Meanwhile, European champions Spain are pursuing their deepest run in the competition since securing the title in 2010.
The tournament structure has now narrowed to the final four teams, comprising France, Spain, England, and Argentina. In a notable shift for the expanded 48-team format, all host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—have been eliminated from contention, leaving the remaining European and South American sides to battle for the championship.
Prior to this pivotal clash, France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a match in Philadelphia that was disrupted by weather conditions. The French squad, managed by Didier Deschamps and featuring key players such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, continues its push for further success on the global stage.
Off the pitch, former England international Stephen Warnock, serving as a BBC co-commentator at the event, has identified Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as a potential player of the tournament. Speaking to Get French Football News on behalf of BetTOM, Warnock suggested that Olise’s recent development and influence may surpass that of Mbappé, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the competition.
The tournament concludes on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with the final. This event will feature the first-ever half-time show in FIFA World Cup history, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS scheduled to headline the performance.
