FIFA World Cup 2026™: Semifinals Schedule & Preview
The top four teams in the world are in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semifinals. Here’s a closer look at each of them, the schedule, and how to watch live on FOX with Sling TV.
The first 100 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ were filled with harrowing stories, remarkable runs, and thrilling comebacks. But with the quarterfinals in the rearview mirror and just four teams and four matches left, it’s time to get down to business. Argentina, England, France, and Spain are the last teams remaining as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ moves on to the high-stakes semifinal matches that will decide the final. Here’s a preview, plus how to watch all remaining matches on FOX with Sling TV.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX with Sling
https://youtu.be/QehCQ3EVifI?si=oVP9ioHYHI2F8DpQ
English-language coverage of the remaining matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be exclusive to FOX. Here are the Sling services with FOX available in select markets:
- Sling Select (Best Value)
- Sling Blue (More Variety)
- Sling Orange + Blue (Most Channels)
Use your Sling credentials to sign in to the FOX One app and watch the FOX channels included in your Sling subscription. Packages include Sling Select, Sling Blue, Sling Orange & Blue, and Sling Essentials & Select.
FOX is also available to stream directly on Sling for subscribers in the markets listed below:
If you live in one of these markets, you can watch every game of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a subscription to Sling Select, Sling Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue. Click the link below to subscribe to Sling Select, and follow this link for complete details on how to watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX and FS1 with Sling!
Can You Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ With Sling Day Passes?
No. FOX and FS1 are available with a subscription to Sling Blue or Select. 1, 3, and 7 Day Passes only offer programming in the Sling Orange package.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Semifinals Schedule
https://youtu.be/gS9_pKf-540?si=jI4C0V0VBp5nNJAU
The two semifinal matches take place Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15 at 3:00 PM ET. Here’s the full schedule of the four remaining matches. Remember, all remaining FIFA World Cup 2026™ games air live on FOX:
Tuesday, July 14 – 3:00 PM ET – France vs. Spain from Arlington, TX.
Wednesday, July 15 – 3:00 PM ET – England vs. Argentina from Atlanta.
Saturday, July 18 – 5:00 PM ET – Third Place Game from Miami
Sunday, July 19 – 3:00 PM ET – Final from New York/New Jersey
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Semifinal Previews
https://youtu.be/bbemhmzdaDQ?si=O7O4og9QpOwos0Ih
France
Strengths: France's primary strength is their devastating attacking transition game, which has produced sixteen goals across six consecutive wins. Led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, who has scored eight goals to lead the tournament's scoring charts, Les Bleus possess an explosive frontline that is lethal in open space. Alongside Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé provides world-class wing play with five goals of his own, while Michael Olise acts as the team's chief creative playmaker, registering a staggering, tournament-high six assists from central areas. This attacking quartet is widely considered the most dangerous in international football. Defensively, France is incredibly stable and robust in central areas, anchored by the settled, world-class center-back partnership of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. Supported by starting goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Les Bleus have kept three consecutive clean sheets in the knockout rounds. This defensive stability, combined with deep bench options, makes France the most complete, balanced, and formidable championship favorite.
Weaknesses: France's main vulnerability is their surprisingly passive defensive stance, which has seen Didier Deschamps's side drop deep and allow opponents significant territory. Les Bleus rank low in proactive pressing and progressive passes allowed, often inviting unnecessary pressure from technical and patient teams. This passive, deep defensive structure can leave their fullbacks isolated when opponents shift play quickly to wide areas. While their center-backs are exceptional in individual duels, they can become overworked if the midfield fails to shield them effectively. Additionally, France has shown a tendency toward early-match defensive sloppiness, often struggling to establish their rhythm during the opening minutes against well-organized opponents. If they fail to secure an early breakthrough, their reliance on direct transition play can lead to frustrating, stagnant spells in possession. This crucial lack of high-pressing intensity remains an area that elite, patient teams can exploit to disrupt France's defensive concentration and control the game's tempo.
Spain
https://youtu.be/jqG_pZGkLcc?si=TxIDeDpBC2BVr_Bd
Strengths: Spain's greatest strength is their unmatched midfield control and suffocating possession-first style under manager Luis de la Fuente. Anchored by Rodri, widely considered the premier defensive midfielder in world football, La Roja excels at dictating the tempo and denying space to opponents. Alongside Rodri, Gavi and Pedri provide exceptional passing accuracy and fluid movement, allowing Spain to patiently and effectively circulate the ball until gaps open. Defensively, Spain has been nearly impregnable, conceding just a single goal across six matches. Goalkeeper Unai Simón set an all-time tournament record by keeping six consecutive clean sheets, a streak spanning over six hundred scoreless minutes. In central defense, nineteen-year-old sensation Pau Cubarsí has displayed maturity beyond his years, establishing a highly organized, sturdy backline alongside Aymeric Laporte. This defensive solidity, combined with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal's creative threat on the right wing, makes Spain an incredibly balanced, highly formidable opponent on this stage.
Weaknesses: Spain's primary weakness is their persistent lack of clinical finishing in the final third, which often leaves tight knockout games dangerously open. Despite dominating possession, La Roja frequently struggles to turn their high pass volumes into clear-cut scoring opportunities in the penalty box. This attacking inefficiency has occasionally made their build-up play appear sterile and predictable against compact low blocks. Furthermore, Spain's explosive wing play has been hampered by injuries; Nico Williams has battled fitness issues throughout the tournament, while Lamine Yamal enters the latter stages looking slightly below his sharpest physical level. Without their key, explosive wingers operating at full speed, Spain struggles to stretch deep defensive lines vertically. This lack of a dominant, clinical center-forward to convert half-chances inside the penalty area remains a major concern. If hit quickly on the counterattack before Rodri can screen, Spain's advanced defensive line is highly vulnerable to rapid, vertical transitions.
Argentina
https://youtu.be/ZaJO9U8zWLk?si=11h1boQMzL94ESkY
Strengths: Argentina's defining strength remains the transcendent form of veteran captain Lionel Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals after scoring in every match prior to the quarterfinals. Operating in a system designed to maximize his genius, Messi's world-class vision and clinical touch are the centerpiece of the Albiceleste attack. Beyond Messi’s genius, the team also possesses immense foundational chemistry, with over sixty percent of their 2022 championship-winning squad returning to defend their global title. Under the astute guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni, this roster has shown incredible mental resilience and a rare ability to win ugly, grit-filled games, grinding out results under extreme pressure. Furthermore, Argentina has dominated set-piece situations, scoring a tournament-high five goals from corners and dangerous free-kicks. This clinical set-piece efficiency serves as a highly vital scoring outlet when open-play avenues are choked, making Scaloni's experienced, hard-working, and resilient side exceptionally difficult to eliminate.
Weaknesses: Argentina's principal vulnerability is their extreme tactical dependency on Messi, who has scored eight of their seventeen tournament goals, leaving their other starting forwards underperforming. If opponents manage to clog his passing lanes, Argentina's central attack can stall, showing a lack of ideas without his creative spark. Defensively, Scaloni's side has looked porous in transition, conceding six total goals across their last three grueling matches. Their central defenders have occasionally struggled to defend quick counters, repeatedly allowing opponents to carry the ball into dangerous central areas. Additionally, Argentina has been highly vulnerable in the air, winning just forty percent of their aerial duels in defensive situations, which makes them susceptible to crosses into the box. This worrying defensive fragility, combined with heavy legs after playing three consecutive extra-time matches, is a massive liability. If Argentina falls behind early, their lack of midfield defensive coverage could prevent them from chasing the game effectively.
England
https://youtu.be/dVWBrxpPVuY?si=Vc0Te1KVMpdCtm1E
Strengths: England's principal strength is their relentless squad depth and elite individual star power, which has carried them through grueling knockout matches under German manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions possess outstanding defensive organization, boasting the third-best expected goals conceded rating in the tournament. Anchored by John Stones and Marc Guéhi, their secure backline rarely allows opponents clean, high-quality scoring opportunities inside the penalty area. In midfield, Arsenal star Declan Rice provides tireless defensive coverage and physical dominance, allowing Jude Bellingham to operate with complete creative freedom. The 23-year-old Bellingham has been in spectacular, show-stopping form, scoring six goals to co-lead England's attack alongside captain Harry Kane, who has also registered six goals. Furthermore, England is exceptionally dangerous in set-piece and corner situations, averaging six set-piece shot attempts per match. This physical, direct aerial threat, combined with the team's mental resilience and grit under adversity, makes England a formidable contender.
Weaknesses: England's primary weakness is their persistent struggle with offensive creativity alongside a slow, labor-intensive buildup in central midfield. Under manager Thomas Tuchel's highly conservative positional system, England ranks low in progressive passing metrics, often failing to break down organized, compact low blocks from open play. This lack of midfield dynamism frequently isolates Harry Kane, forcing Jude Bellingham to carry the entire creative burden on his shoulders. Additionally, England's defensive width has been severely depleted by a painful right-back injury crisis; Jarell Quansah is suspended, Reece James remains a major doubt, and Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament. This unexpected defensive emergency has forced makeshift, inexperienced fullbacks to play out of position, leaving England highly vulnerable to wide overloads from clinical wingers. If opponents can control the midfield tempo and restrict Bellingham's late runs into the box, England's highly stagnant attack can struggle to adapt to changing matchday circumstances.
To watch all remaining matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX with Sling, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Select and use your Sling credentials to log into the FOX One app!