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Top-Ranked Four Meet in U.S. World Cup Semifinals

7/13/2026

Summary

FIFA Announces Semifinals

Semifinals in the U.S.: France vs Spain on July 14 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, and England vs Argentina on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
All four semifinalists—France, Spain, England, Argentina—lead the FIFA World Rankings as of July 12, a first since 1992.
FIFA’s new seeding placed each team in a separate quadrant, preventing any meeting before the semifinals.
Winners meet at MetLife Stadium on July 19; losers play the third-place match on July 18.

Summary

England’s Rivalry

The rivalry began in 1867 when British railway workers played Argentina’s first football match.
England’s 1966 World Cup quarter-final 1-0 win at Wembley was labeled “El Robo del Siglo” by Argentines.
In the 1986 quarter-final, Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal and “Goal of the Century” against England.
England eliminated Argentina in 2002 with a 1-0 win in Sapporo, secured by a David Beckham penalty.

History

Historical Context

On 25 June 1978 Argentina, playing at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in extra time to claim its first World Cup title as the tournament’s host nation. The 2026 semifinals, featuring Argentina, France, Spain and England, recall that landmark host victory and illustrate FIFA’s ongoing effort to balance competition.

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FIFA Announces Semifinals

Semifinals in the U.S.: France vs Spain on July 14 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, and England vs Argentina on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
All four semifinalists—France, Spain, England, Argentina—lead the FIFA World Rankings as of July 12, a first since 1992.
FIFA’s new seeding placed each team in a separate quadrant, preventing any meeting before the semifinals.
Winners meet at MetLife Stadium on July 19; losers play the third-place match on July 18.

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