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It seems like an eternity has passed since this World Cup featured 48 competing nations.
The field of competing countries has been whittled down rapidly since the group stage wrapped up in such spectacular fashion when Austria and Algeria played out a wild draw on June 27. The inaugural round of 32 in World Cup history gave way to a handful of surprising eliminations, while the second wave of knockout matches delivered some of the tournament's most thrilling contests.
The quarterfinals are where only the tournament's finest sides face off against each other. France's meeting with Morocco to open the last eight showcased the exceptional quality of competition at this stage of the World Cup, with plenty more enticing action still ahead.
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France has discovered new ways to secure victories this summer. After being jolted awake against Senegal, Iraq and Norway were simply swept aside. Sweden's goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström did everything in his power to hold back the relentless French attacks until the deadlock was finally broken just before halftime.
Paraguay came the closest to stopping France through a completely different approach in a physical round of 16 clash. But once again, Kylian Mbappé found a way to break through. It was France's inspirational captain who made the decisive difference against Morocco as well, curling in a breathtaking opener in the sweltering heat of Boston to hand Les Bleus the lead their commanding quarterfinal performance deserved.
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When Do the World Cup Semifinals Begin?
The opening month of the World Cup featured just a single day without a match. However, there is a notable three-day gap between the end of the quarterfinals and the start of the semifinals on Tuesday, July 14. The second last-four fixture follows just one day later on Wednesday, July 15.
Both matches are set for a 3 p.m. ET kickoff (12 p.m. PT, 8 p.m. BST) to allow as many regions as possible to watch at a reasonable hour. There should be far fewer bleary-eyed students later this month.
2026 World Cup Knockout Stages
Phase | Date |
|---|---|
Semifinal 1 | July 14 |
Semifinal 2 | July 15 |
Final | July 19 |
Where Will the World Cup Semifinals Be Played?
Temperatures have been relatively manageable for much of the tournament—which has only intensified the criticism surrounding the mandatory hydration breaks. Yet as July progresses, the heat has continued to climb.
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Fortunately for the elite athletes who advance to the semifinals, both matches will be held under a closed roof with welcome air conditioning. It is a wise call to ensure that the conditions do not interfere with the quality of play on show. However, no such measures have been arranged for the final, which will take place under the blazing sun at MetLife Stadium.