Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Wednesday 15 July 2026, the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded, confirming the two nations that will contest the final on Sunday 19 July 2026 and the teams that will meet in the third-place play-off.
Chronicle.lu has prepared an overview of the semi-final action and a look ahead to the final weekend of the tournament. Europe and South America will once again contest the FIFA World Cup title, as Spain prepare to face current champions Argentina in Sunday's final. With only two matches remaining of the tournament's 104 fixtures, fans have already witnessed 307 goals across the opening 102 games, averaging just over three goals per match.
Argentina Punish England to Reach Another World Cup Final
Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta and book their place in a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final. Chronicle.lu witnessed Lionel Scaloni's side secure the victory during the public viewing at Glacis Square in Luxembourg City, where more than 1,200 spectators gathered to watch the semi-final.
England took the lead ten minutes after half-time when Anthony Gordon finished from close range after sustained pressure. With the Three Lions ahead, head coach Thomas Tuchel opted for a more defensive approach, withdrawing goalscorer Gordon in the 72nd minute before replacing key midfielder Declan Rice and right-back Reece James ten minutes later. The changes allowed Argentina to take control of possession during the closing stages.
The South Americans finally broke through five minutes from time when Lionel Messi delivered a precise pass for Enzo Fernández to equalise. Deep into stoppage time, Messi again turned provider, finding Lautaro Martínez for the winning goal and sending the world champions into another final.
Although the Argentina captain did not score, his two assists took his tournament tally to twelve goal contributions (eight goals and four assists).
Argentina have now reached the World Cup final for the second tournament in succession and will attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. It also marked the seventh time that Argentina have reached the semi-finals of a World Cup and, remarkably, they have progressed to the final on every occasion.
England, meanwhile, will once again contest the third-place play-off, as they did at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when they lost to Belgium.
Spain Defeat France to Repeat EURO 2024 Final Success
Spain defeated France 2-0 in Dallas to return to the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute before Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage shortly before the hour mark. France were unable to respond as La Roja comfortably protected their lead until full time.
The result also repeated the outcome of the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final, when Spain eliminated France on their way to winning the European title.
Spain will now contest only the second FIFA World Cup final in their history, having won their previous appearance against the Netherlands in South Africa in 2010.
La Roja also extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling Italy's national-team record, and now have the opportunity to set a new mark should they avoid defeat in Sunday's final.
Final Weekend Confirmed
Sunday's final will see Spain face defending champions Argentina at 21:00 on Sunday 19 July 2026 at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The day before, France and England will meet in the third-place play-off at 23:00 on Saturday 18 July 2026 at Miami Stadium.
