2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-finals
Two semi-finals determine the World Cup finalists. Hosted in Dallas and Atlanta in 2026.
The 2026 World Cup Semi-finals, explained
The semi-finals are the gateway to the FIFA World Cup Final. Two matches at AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) decide who plays at MetLife Stadium on July 19 — and who plays for bronze in Miami.
Qualification rule
Winners advance to the Final. Losers compete in the Third-place playoff.
Format
- ·Two single-elimination matches determine the World Cup finalists.
- ·Extra time (2 × 15 min) and penalties if scores are level after 90 minutes.
- ·Winners advance to the Final. Losers contest the Third-place Playoff.
Semi-finals through recent World Cups
How the Semi-finals has played out across the most recent FIFA World Cups.
| Edition | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Semi-finalists included Brazil, Germany, Turkey, South Korea |
| 2006 | Semi-finalists included Italy, France, Germany, Portugal |
| 2010 | Semi-finalists included Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Uruguay |
| 2014 | Semi-finalists included Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, Brazil |
| 2018 | Semi-finalists included France, Croatia, Belgium, England |
| 2022 | Semi-finalists included Argentina, France, Croatia, Morocco |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many matches are in the World Cup 2026 Semi-finals?
The Semi-finals consists of 2 matches between 2026-07-14 and 2026-07-15 — an average of 1.0 matches per day.
What is the qualification rule for the Semi-finals?
Winners advance to the Final. Losers compete in the Third-place playoff.
When does the Semi-finals start at the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-finals runs from Tuesday, July 14 to Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Does Semi-finals use extra time and penalties?
Yes. If the score is level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute halves of extra time are played. If still tied, the match is decided on penalty kicks.
Can I get Semi-finals fixtures and live scores via API?
Yes. Filter the matches endpoint by stage (semi-finals) or by date range (2026-07-14–2026-07-15) to get every Semi-finals fixture, plus live scores, lineups, in-match events, xG, and odds during play.
How does the 2026 Semi-finals compare to previous editions?
The 2026 Semi-finals retains the same single-elimination format used in recent World Cups, but draws teams from the expanded 48-team field.
Get live Semi-finals data via API
Scores, lineups, events, xG, and odds. 7-day free trial.