The 2026 World Cup is entering its decisive phase: the WC 2026 match schedule by Kyiv time features two semi-finals within a single week — and both promise to be spectacular. While fans around the world are still digesting the results of Saturday's quarter-finals, managers and players have already had their say ahead of the decisive matches.
Four teams, two matches: semi-final schedule by Kyiv time
All four semi-finalists have been confirmed. France will face Spain on Tuesday, 15 July, at 22:00 Kyiv time at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The following day, Wednesday 16 July at 22:00 Kyiv time, England and Argentina will meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winners will face each other in the final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium near New York.
This is the first time in World Cup history that the four highest-ranked FIFA nations have simultaneously reached the semi-finals.
Tuchel and Scaloni after the quarter-finals: "We need to be better"
After Saturday's matches, both managers were openly self-critical. England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted: "The result is fantastic, the final four is amazing, but I'm not happy with the performance… we were very lucky today". His words drew a mixed reaction within the squad — Jude Bellingham responded emotionally, after which the manager clarified his position.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also urged realism: "We have to be realistic, we need to play better". On the historical context of the match against England — the Falklands dispute — Scaloni was blunt: "It's a football match. That's all I can say."
Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in the quarter-final against Norway, stressed the psychological dimension: "The most important thing is how you deal with adversity. This team proved it again."
Messi vs England for the first time in his career — and the top-scorers race
For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, the upcoming match will be the first of his career against England — across 205 appearances for Argentina he has never once faced the Three Lions. Argentina are aiming to become the first team to win the World Cup in back-to-back tournaments since Brazil in 1958–1962.
In the top-scorers race, Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead with 8 goals each. Bellingham and Kane have 6 goals apiece. Messi also leads the all-time World Cup scoring charts with 21 goals, ahead of Mbappé on 20.
FIFA discusses heat protocols and tournament expansion
Important discussions are ongoing both on and off the tournament's pitches. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the organisation will consider expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. In addition, FIFA and the international players' union FIFPRO are in talks about introducing protocols to protect players from excessive heat during matches.
No WC 2026 matches are scheduled for this evening — a detailed preview of both semi-finals will be published shortly. The latest overnight digest of off-field events is already available on the site.
Photo: Sean Leahy · Editorial (source)
