When are the World Cup 2026 Semi-finals?
The two Semi-finals are played on July 14 and July 15, 2026 — one match per evening, three days after the last Quarter-final on July 11.
How does the Semi-final work?
Four teams, two matches. Win → World Cup Final on July 19. Lose → Third-place play-off on July 18. If level after 90 minutes, extra time then penalties decide it.
Semi-final fixtures (TBC after Quarter-finals)
Live updates at FIFA.com.
What is the Third-place play-off?
The two Semi-final losers play the Third-place match on July 18, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey — the day before the Final. Both teams receive World Cup medals. Extra time and penalties apply if level at 90 minutes.
Semi-final favourites
- 🇦🇷 Argentina — 2022 champions, Messi 19 WC goals (all-time record)
- 🇫🇷 France — reached the Final in 2018 and 2022, beat Sweden 3-0 in R32
- 🇧🇷 Brazil — five-time winners, beat Japan 2-1 in R32
- 🇲🇦 Morocco — 2022 semi-finalists, beat Netherlands 3-2p in R32
- 🇪🇸 Spain — Euro 2024 champions, fluid and clinical
Dark horses: 🇳🇴 Norway (Haaland 5 goals, beat Ivory Coast 2-1), 🇺🇸 USA (home crowd), 🇵🇾 Paraguay (eliminated Germany).
Most dramatic World Cup Semi-finals in history
2014 Germany 7–1 Brazil — The Mineirão. Six goals in 29 first-half minutes. The most shocking result in World Cup history.
2022 France 2–0 Morocco — Morocco became the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semi-final. They fell to France but left with the world's respect.
2018 France 1–0 Belgium — Tactical masterclass. Umtiti's header the only goal. France went on to win the tournament.