The World Cup 2026 final is set, with Spain and France advancing after dramatic semi-final victories. For the first time in tournament history, the top four ranked teams in the world comprised the final four: world champions and No.2-ranked Argentina, No.4-ranked England, No.1-ranked France, and No.3-ranked Spain.
Semi-Final Results
The first semi-final took place on July 14 in Arlington, Texas, where France defeated Spain 2-0. The second semi-final on July 15 in Atlanta, Georgia, saw Argentina beat England 2-1, setting up a final between Spain and France.
Third-Place and Final Fixtures
The third-place match will be held on July 18 at 10pm in Miami, featuring France against England. The final is scheduled for July 18 at 8pm in New York/New Jersey, with Spain facing France.
Road to the Final
Argentina's journey included a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in the last 32, a 3-2 victory against Egypt in the last 16, and a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Spain advanced with a 3-0 win over Austria in the last 32, a 1-0 victory against Portugal in the last 16, and a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals.
France's path featured a 3-0 win over Sweden in the last 32, a 1-0 victory against Paraguay in the last 16, and a 2-0 win over Morocco in the quarter-finals. England's route included a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last 32, a 3-2 victory against Mexico in the last 16, and a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-finals.
Historic Final Beckons
History beckons for Argentina in the World Cup final, but they were eliminated in the semi-finals. Spain and France will now battle for the trophy. According to Alex Young, Senior Sport Editor, "Only two teams left to battle it out on football’s grandest stage."
