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The FIFA World Cup is coming to a close, with Spain on the verge of qualifying for the tournament and England facing Argentina where they remain.
Spain booked its place in the World Cup Final after 2-0 win over Francewhile England and Argentina prepare for the semifinal at the Atlanta Stadium.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is the schedule for the second semifinal?
- England vs ArgentinaWednesday, July 15 (19:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
What do we know about the latter?
Spain booked their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the first semifinal on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium. Spain’s defense was also the difference-maker, recording its sixth clean sheet of the game as France held back.
The win sent Spain back to the World Cup final for the first time since 2010.
Spain’s opponents in the final will be decided on Wednesday, July 15, while Argentina and England will meet in the second semifinal.
Although France failed to reach the final, their World Cup campaign was not over. The team still have one more game to play, facing the losers of the Argentina-England semifinal in the third play off.
The final plan is:
- Spain vs the winner of England/ArgentinaSunday, July 19 (19:00 GMT) – MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Third place:
- France vs England/Argentina loserSaturday, July 18 (22:00 GMT) – Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
What are England vs Argentina predictions?
There is nothing to separate England and Argentina ahead of their much-anticipated second leg, with both teams arriving in good form and history on the line. According to Opta’s main engine, England has a slight edge, progressing in 51.9 percent of the expected predictions.
In an unprecedented tally, England captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each scored six goals, marking the first time in World Cup history that two players from the same country have achieved the feat in one tournament.
Argentina, led by Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi with eight goals, will enter the semifinals as the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup, having found the net 17 times. One goal made them match their record for most goals scored in a single World Cup.
Wednesday’s game at Atlanta Stadium will also be one of the world’s greatest sports the most successful racesand the winner moves one step closer to World Cup immortality.
What other things are going on?
France’s World Cup dream is over
Spain he has reached the World Cup final for the first time since 2010 after winning the semifinal against France in Dallas.
La Roja also showed their defensive prowess, keeping a clean sheet against a Les Bleus side that entered the game with one of the game’s biggest threats, led by captain Kylian Mbappe.
Spain opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box. Pedro Porro added a second goal in the 58th minute, completing a brace from Dani Olmo to put Spain firmly on the scoreboard.
For France, the loss ended hopes of a third consecutive World Cup final. They went into the semifinals unbeaten in their first six games and scored 16 goals in the tournament, but struggled to break down the Spaniards and create consistent chances.
Mbappe gave an honest assessment about France’s reaction after the defeat, admitting that his team failed to execute his plans and allowed Spain to dominate.
“We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically or tactically,” Mbappe said. “If you don’t do what you have to do in the semifinal of the World Cup, you don’t win.”
The 27-year-old highlighted Spain’s dominance in midfield, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz able to dictate tempo and time and space on the ball. Mbappe said defensive coordination and forced decisions are the biggest challenges in every game.
France’s strategy was to force Spain to raise the game and disrupt their style, but Spain repeatedly played with the press and regained control every time France won the ball.
Lamine Yamal has made history on the World Cup stage
Yamal continues to prove that age is no barrier in the World Cup.
The young Spaniard played a key role in his side’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, turning the game around. As France defender Lucas Digne tried to clear the loose ball from his position, Yamal recognized the opening, ran in, and forced it. Digne failed to see who was coming and caught Yamal in his pursuit, which resulted in a penalty for Spain.
Although Yamal scored only once during Spain’s run to the World Cup final, his impact has increased. The Barcelona star’s intelligent movement and ability to create chances have been key aspects of La Roja’s success.
The game came a day after Yamal celebrated his 19th birthday, and his performance gave Spain manager Luis de la Fuente another example of the maturity he has shown throughout the first World Cup.
“This team defines every game very well,” de la Fuente said after Spain secured a place in the final.
A smart play by Yamal earned a penalty, but it was veteran Oyarzabal who stepped up to take advantage and save. The Real Sociedad striker calmly placed a shot to the right in the 22nd minute, scoring his fifth goal of the game.
Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed join the closing ceremony of the World Cup
Many players, from actor Tom Cruise to IShowSpeed, will help close the World Cup, FIFA announced on Tuesday.
The football governing body has released the lineup for the closing ceremony, which will take place 90 minutes before Sunday’s final. The show is to “celebrate the unforgettable journey of 48 teams” through 16 cities across three countries, FIFA said.
iShowSpeed, which has shown a number of matches, has been named as an actor, while Cruise, who was also seen in the stands with a stutter at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, is said to be “spectacular”.
The event will also include performances by Laura Pausini, the Italian singer who helped open the Milan Cortina Olympics in February; Tony winner Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger; and Robbie Williams, British singer and former member of Take That.
“Following the spirit of the opening ceremony, which welcomed the whole world in the biggest event in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring together the whole team of the FIFA World Cup 2026 through music, culture and football, before we begin the highly anticipated games that will dress the champions of this dangerous competition,” said Heimo Schirgi, head of operations of the World Cup.
