The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as France and Spain prepare to face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal on July 14, 2026 at Dallas Stadium. This matchup promises to be a spectacle, given the teams’ recent history and the high stakes involved.
The French team, led by the formidable Kylian Mbappé has been in stellar form, winning all six of their matches so far. Their most recent victory came against Morocco in the quarterfinals, where they secured a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Spain advanced with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium thanks to a late goal by Mikel Merino.
The Road to the Semifinal
France’s journey to the semifinal has been impressive, with Mbappé playing a pivotal role. In their quarterfinal match against Morocco, Mbappé scored one goal and provided an assist, bringing his World Cup tally to 20 goals in 20 matches. He is now just one goal behind Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring charts. The French team’s dominance was evident, as they held a 21-4 advantage in shots on goal and an 8-1 edge in shots on target.
Spain, on the other hand, has shown resilience and determination. Their victory over Belgium was secured in the dying minutes, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. This win adds to their recent successes against France, including victories in the 2026 Euros and the 2026 UEFA Nations League semifinals.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The rivalry between France and Spain is one of the most intense in international football. Spain holds a historical edge, having won six of the last ten meetings between the two teams. Their recent encounters have been on some of the biggest stages in football, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup where France emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in the Round of 16.
However, Spain has had the upper hand in recent years, defeating France in both the 2026 Euros and the 2026 UEFA Nations League semifinals. This semifinal matchup is a chance for France to avenge those defeats and secure their place in the final.
How to Watch the Semifinal
Football fans can catch all the action live on FOX or stream it on FOX One and FOX Sports. The match is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. For those without cable, both platforms offer streaming options with features like multi-view, key plays, real-time stats, and personalized viewing options.
In addition to the semifinal, the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule includes the third-place match on July 18, 2026 and the final on July 19, 2026. The other semifinal between England and Argentina will take place on July 15, 2026.
For those looking for more World Cup coverage, the James Corden World Cup Show on FOX One features celebrity guests, tournament highlights, player interviews, and reactions to the biggest moments from the tournament.
