The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is nearing its climax. With all host nations eliminated, only four teams remain: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. The semifinals kick off today with a highly anticipated clash between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 3 PM ET. This match marks the first semifinal of the expanded 48-team tournament, which has drawn record crowds: over 6.2 million spectators have attended matches live, with millions more following via digital platforms and broadcast.
The road to the semifinals for both teams
Defending champion France dominated Group E with three straight wins. In the Round of 32, they defeated Tunisia 3-0, and in the quarterfinals they edged Brazil on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Spain won Group G with seven points, beat Japan 4-1 in the Round of 32, and overcame Portugal 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Both teams boast strong midfields and deadly forwards. The duel between Mbappé and Yamal could decide which side reaches the final.
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How to watch the match live on TV and streaming
In the United States, Fox Sports broadcasts the game on cable and satellite. For streaming, the primary option is YouTube TV with its Sports Plan at $55 per month. Alternatively, Fubo offers a plan for $46 per month, while Hulu Live Sports costs $90. For Spanish-language coverage, Peacock partners with Telemundo to stream all matches. In the UK, the BBC and ITV share coverage, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. To ensure you don't miss a minute, you can set a reminder on your smartphone, perhaps using the new Siri AI features in iOS 27 public beta, as detailed in this article.
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The final and the first-ever World Cup halftime show
The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19, at New York/New Jersey Stadium at 3 PM ET. For the first time in history, the halftime interval will feature a Super Bowl-style show, with performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Gustavo Dudamel. The third-place playoff will be held on Saturday, July 18, at Miami Stadium at 5 PM ET. A historic edition that has already set viewership and attendance records.
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The new 48-team format changed the tournament
For the first time, the men's World Cup featured 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced to the Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals. This expanded format increased the number of matches and allowed traditionally excluded teams to experience the global stage. Fans responded with enthusiasm, filling stadiums and following digital broadcasts in droves. For more details, check the Wikipedia page on the tournament.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-the-fifa-2026-world-cup-07-14-2026
