France and Spain meet in 2026 World Cup semi-final at Dallas Stadium

France and Spain will compete in a semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fixture determines which nation will advance to the tournament final, scheduled for July 19. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

Both national teams enter the match with undefeated tournament records. According to reports, neither France nor Spain has trailed at any point during this year's World Cup. The match guarantees that at least one of these runs will conclude.

Spain enters the fixture with recent historical advantages in major tournament play, having defeated France 2-1 in the semi-final of UEFA Euro 2024. However, the context of a World Cup semi-final in North America introduces variables and pressures that make previous European encounters an incomplete predictor for today's outcome.

The preparation for the match has included off-pitch developments. Spain's head coach has publicly noted the physical and tactical demands of the fixture, stating the team is prepared to suffer to secure a victory. Concurrently, the French national team has presented a unified front against racism, following widely reported and criticised comments directed at the squad by a former Spanish prime minister.

As the teams prepare for kickoff in Texas, the focus remains on the pitch. The tactical execution at Dallas Stadium will resolve whether Spain's recent semi-final success continues or if France secures its return to the final stage of international football.