The FIFA World Cup 2026 is hitting the brakes today, July 12, with a scheduled rest day, but don't let that fool you: the calm before the storm is absolutely electric. The field of four is locked, and we're just days away from a semifinal showdown that pits two of the sport's biggest names, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, head-to-head in the Golden Boot race. Yesterday's quarterfinal clashes were insane, with England needing extra time to beat Norway 2-1 and Argentina edging Switzerland 3-1, also in extra time. Now, the world waits for Tuesday when the real fireworks begin.
France's Unstoppable Attack Meets Spain's Iron Wall
First up, we've got France squaring off against Spain on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 p.m. ET, right there in Dallas Stadium. You can catch all the action live on FOX, or stream it on FOX One. France has been on a tear, winning Group I with an insane 10-2 goal difference, then demolishing Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, squeaking past Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, and then taking down Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappé is a force of nature, with eight goals already, tied with Messi for the Golden Boot lead. And Michael Olise? His five assists are pacing all players in the tournament. On the flip side, Spain is the tournament's stingiest team, winning Group H with three clean sheets, shutting out Austria 3-0, Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds, and holding off Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Can France's offense break Spain's defense? It's gonna be a chess match!England's Grit vs. Argentina's Messi Magic
Then on Wednesday, July 15, get ready for another epic battle as England faces Argentina at 3 p.m. ET from Atlanta Stadium. Again, FOX and FOX One have you covered. England fought tooth and nail to get here, winning Group L unbeaten. They took down DR Congo 2-1, outlasted Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16, and then needed extra time for a 2-1 win over Norway in the quarterfinals, thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace. Both captain Harry Kane and Bellingham are lighting it up with six goals each. Argentina, meanwhile, swept Group J, survived Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, rallied past Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, and then beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the quarterfinals. Oh, and did we mention Lionel Messi? He not only has eight goals, tying Mbappé, but he also set the World Cup's all-time assists record along the way. That's just wild. So, while today is a rest day, the tension is building. The stage is set for two absolute bangers that will decide who plays for the World Cup trophy. Get ready, because these semifinals are going to be everything we've been waiting for!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.