World Cup Semi-Final line-up complete: Dates, kick-off times confirmed

The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal lineup is complete, with defending champions Argentina, France, Spain and England securing the final four berths after an enthralling quarterfinal round. The last-four fixtures promise two heavyweight European-South American showdowns, with France taking on Spain before England face Argentina for a place in the final.

Argentina became the final team to qualify after overcoming Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City on Sunday (Bangladesh time). Lionel Messi created the breakthrough in the 10th minute, delivering a pinpoint corner for Alexis Mac Allister to head home. Switzerland restored parity through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute before Breel Embolo was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Swiss forced the contest into extra time.

With a penalty shootout looming, Julián Álvarez produced a stunning curling strike from outside the area in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory on the counterattack deep into stoppage time.

Although Messi failed to score for the first time in 10 World Cup matches, ending his remarkable nine-game scoring streak, the 39-year-old remains joint-top scorer of the tournament with eight goals, level with France captain Kylian Mbappé.

England also needed extra time to book their semifinal place, edging Norway 2-1 through a Jude Bellingham brace. The victory sends the Three Lions into their fourth World Cup semifinal and their second in the last three editions, while bringing an end to Norway's fairytale campaign after their historic quarterfinal triumph over Brazil.

France were the first side to reach the semifinals, defeating Morocco 2-0 in Boston on Thursday courtesy of goals from Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Mbappé's strike lifted his tournament tally to eight, keeping him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Spain completed the semifinal quartet with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. Substitute Mikel Merino netted the decisive winner in the 88th minute, having also scored the late winner against Portugal in the Round of 16. The victory sends La Roja into their first World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in 2010.

The opening semifinal will see France face Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on July 14 (July 15, 1:00am Bangladesh time). The second semifinal pits England against Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15 (July 16, 1:00am Bangladesh time).

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (July 20, 1:00am Bangladesh time), where one of football's four remaining heavyweights will be crowned world champions.