England and Argentina Set for Semi-Final Clash as Expanded World Cup Enters Final Week
Four nations remain in the hunt for the 2026 title as the tournament moves to its final stages.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has narrowed its field to four global powers, setting the stage for a semi-final round headlined by a historic rivalry between England and Argentina. After a grueling 37-day schedule across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the tournament—the first to feature 104 matches—will conclude its penultimate stage this week before the final on July 19.
England secured its place in the final four with a 2-1 victory over Norway on July 11, according to official match results. They are now scheduled to face Argentina on July 15 at 20:00 BST. Argentina’s path to the semi-final required extra time to overcome Switzerland in a 3-1 win, marking a high-intensity finish for the South American side in the quarter-finals. This matchup renews one of football’s most storied international fixtures, a rivalry that has frequently defined the knockout stages of past tournaments.
The other side of the bracket features an all-European heavyweight bout between France and Spain on July 14. France advanced following a 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain ended Belgium’s campaign with a 2-1 victory. Both nations are seeking to cement their dominance in an expanded format that saw the introduction of a Round of 32, a necessity following the FIFA decision to expand the tournament to 48 participating teams.
This expanded structure, which began on June 11, has seen a significant increase in volume from the traditional 64-match format used since 1998. The 2026 edition marks the first time three nations have shared hosting duties, with Mexico having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986, and the USA in 1994. Canada is making its debut as a tournament host.
Official data from the group stage, which concluded on June 27, highlighted the dominance of the eventual semi-finalists. England finished atop Group L with seven points, while Argentina swept Group J with three consecutive wins. Spain and France also entered the knockout rounds as group winners, with France maintaining a perfect record in Group I with 10 goals scored and only two conceded.
The losers of the upcoming semi-finals will meet in a third-place playoff on July 18 at 22:00 BST. The winners will advance to Match 104, the tournament final, scheduled for the following evening at 20:00 BST.
