Story perspectives

France Meets Spain in Top-Ranked WC Semifinal; Tickets Cut

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

France (No. 1) will meet Spain (No. 3) in the World Cup 2026 semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, first semifinal with the top three FIFA-ranked nations.
France’s 2-0 win over Morocco (16 goals scored, two conceded) and Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium, sealed by substitute Mikel Merino’s late winner, earned both teams semifinal spots.
Semifinal tickets have dropped to $1,398, about $1,000 less than initially announced.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 World Cup final in Paris, the first with 32 teams, saw host France defeat Brazil 3-0 before 80,000 fans at the purpose-built Stade de France. That elite showdown set a precedent for high-profile matchups that inflate ticket prices. The 2026 semifinal repeats the pattern, pitting France, Spain and Morocco together at Dallas’s AT&T Stadium.

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Story summary

France (No. 1) will meet Spain (No. 3) in the World Cup 2026 semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, first semifinal with the top three FIFA-ranked nations.
France’s 2-0 win over Morocco (16 goals scored, two conceded) and Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium, sealed by substitute Mikel Merino’s late winner, earned both teams semifinal spots.
Semifinal tickets have dropped to $1,398, about $1,000 less than initially announced.

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