World Cup 2026 semi‑finals scheduled for July 14‑15 as tournament pauses

After two rest days on 12‑13 July, the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes with the semi‑finals. France will meet Spain in Dallas on 14 July at 21:00 CET, and England will face Argentina in Atlanta on 15 July at the same time. Both matches will be broadcast in Germany by ARD/ZDF and streamed on MagentaTV.

The tournament, now in its 48‑team format across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has also introduced a set of new regulations, including expanded VAR authority, stricter time‑wasting limits and harsher penalties for dissent. Off the pitch, Panini sticker collecting continues to surge, with historic rookie cards such as a 2004/05 Messi sticker fetching over $1.5 million at auction.

These developments highlight the commercial, regulatory and sporting significance of the World Cup as it moves toward its final stages.