The Short Version
The quarter-finals are done, and the holders are through. Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 at Arrowhead Stadium to reach the semi-finals and complete the last four. Lionel Messi’s side, already the reigning champions, are two wins from another final. Their victory sets the semi-final line-up in full: France vs Spain on July 14, and England vs Argentina on July 15. Switzerland, who had reached the quarter-finals via a shootout, bow out to the tournament’s defending champions.
The last of the eight quarter-finals brought the holders through and completed the semi-final field. Argentina, carried this far by Lionel Messi, beat Switzerland 3-1 to book their place in the last four. With that, the quarter-finals are complete and the four teams left standing are known — and the reigning champions are among them, chasing back-to-back world titles.
July 12 result at a glance
| Tie | Score | Venue | Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Switzerland | 3–1 | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | Argentina |
The final quarter-final, the last semi-finalist — and the last four is complete.
Messi’s Argentina into the semis
Argentina reached the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, the defending champions doing what favourites are supposed to do in the knockouts. Having survived a scare in the round of 16 — where Messi drove a comeback to beat Egypt after a five-goal tie — Argentina were more comfortable here, controlling the quarter-final and taking their chances to win 3-1.
For Switzerland, it is the end of a strong tournament. Having come through their round-of-16 tie on penalties, they reached the last eight but could not match the holders’ quality. For Argentina, the reward is a semi-final and a place among the last four, still on course for a title defence, as the result confirmed.
The semi-finals are set
With Argentina through, the semi-final line-up is complete. France, the first team into the last four, meet Spain on July 14 in a heavyweight tie between two of the tournament’s strongest sides. England, who ended Haaland’s Norway to reach the semis, face holders Argentina on July 15, with the bracket now set.
Both semi-finals carry weight. France against Spain is a meeting of two European heavyweights; England against Argentina pits a side chasing a first World Cup since 1966 against the reigning champions and Messi, as the day’s coverage set out. Two ties, two places in the final — and four teams who all believe they can win it.
The semi-final line-up
The quarter-finals are complete. The last four is set as follows:
| Semi-final | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Spain | July 14 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| England vs Argentina | July 15 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
France and Spain meet first, on July 14; England and Argentina follow on July 15. The winners advance to the final. After a tournament that has already sent out Brazil, both host nations plus Canada, Ronaldo’s Portugal and Morocco’s giant-killers, these are the four left standing.
Frequently asked questions
What was the July 12 World Cup result? Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals at Arrowhead Stadium, reaching the semi-finals and completing the last four.
Who are the 2026 World Cup semi-finalists? The four semi-finalists are France, Spain, England and Argentina.
What are the World Cup semi-finals? The semi-finals are France vs Spain on July 14 and England vs Argentina on July 15.
Is Switzerland out of the 2026 World Cup? Yes. Switzerland lost 3-1 to Argentina in the quarter-finals, ending a run that had reached the last eight via a penalty shootout.
Are Argentina still the defending champions in the tournament? Yes. Argentina, the 2022 world champions, have reached the semi-finals and remain on course to defend their title.
Who do England play in the semi-finals? England play holders Argentina in the semi-final on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
When is the France vs Spain semi-final? France play Spain in the semi-final on July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
When do the semi-finals start? The semi-finals begin on July 14, 2026, with France against Spain.
