One semi-final down. One to go. Spain ended France’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a composed, clinical 2-0 victory in Dallas — and now the stage is set for what promises to be the most-watched match in this tournament’s history. England meet Argentina in Atlanta. Bellingham against Messi. Midnight in India. Sleep is optional.
Watch every remaining match of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live on ZEE 5 — India’s exclusive home of the World Cup.
Dallas Stadium: Spain 2-0 France
France entered this semi-final as tournament favourites, having scored 16 goals in their previous six matches. They left conceding two and without a shot of serious consequence at goal. Spain were better — across every department, for the full 90 minutes.
Lamine Yamal set the tone. His clever movement in the box drew Lucas Digne into a foul in the 21st minute — contact from behind, undeniable — and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty without hesitation, slotting low to Maignan’s left. Spain 1-0.
France‘s night got worse before it got better. William Saliba, cleared to play after a week of fitness concerns, limped off in the 30th minute. Maxence Lacroix came on. The defensive shape France had built their entire tournament around had to be changed. At half-time, Deschamps also removed the cautioned Adrien Rabiot — a defensive necessity that cost him a presence in midfield.
Spain‘s second goal, in the 58th minute, was everything this Spanish side represents. A rapid counter-attack, Pedro Porro cutting inside from the right, a give-and-go with Dani Olmo that created the yard of space he needed, and a side-footed finish around Maignan. 2-0. The match was over as a contest.
Next: Atlanta Stadium — England vs Argentina | 12:30 AM IST, 16 July
The second semi-final arrives tonight. England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium — a fixture that needs no introduction and carries the full weight of football’s most loaded rivalry.
England confirmed Declan Rice is fit after his illness against Norway. They will be without Jarell Quansah through suspension. Thomas Tuchel has spoken about England’s attack yet to reach its peak. He observed that Messi always spots gaps before any other player on the pitch and exploits them brilliantly. His message to his squad: be physically, psychologically, and emotionally ready.
Argentina are less predictable. Lionel Scaloni hinted at a tactical change in his press conference — “there could be some change thinking about hurting the opponent” — and would say nothing more. Training sessions reportedly tested both a 4-3-3 and a five-man defensive block. Nahuel Molina’s place at right back is in doubt after his struggles against Switzerland.
England have won 3 of their 5 matches against Argentina at a FIFA World Cup™. But none of that matters tonight. Tonight, it is about England giving their all to advance to a World Cup Final in 60 years. It is about Messi showing the world he is still the best.
England vs Argentina — 12:30 AM IST, 16 July. Subscribe to the ZEE 5 FIFA Subscription Quarterly Plan at ₹799 and watch the semi-final live in India.
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