The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal field is set, and for the first time in tournament history, it's made up of the top four ranked teams in the world: France, Spain, England, and defending champion Argentina. France faces Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, followed by England against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 - both kicking off at 3 p.m. ET.
Beyond the historic bracket, all four semifinalists arrive carrying storylines of faith that have run through the tournament since its June 11 opening. France's Kylian Mbappé has spoken openly about his Catholic faith shaping a career he calls a "gift from God," and he enters the semifinal locked in a Golden Boot race with Argentina's Lionel Messi, who has credited his own record-breaking run to the same source. Messi had his boots blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján before the tournament began.
England advanced on the strength of Jude Bellingham's extra-time winner over Norway, but the team's faith identity has centered on four players known within the squad as the "Bible Brothers" - Bukayo Saka, Marc Guéhi, Eberechi Eze, and Ivan Toney - who pray together and hold Bible studies before every match. Guéhi, the son of a South London pastor, has Bible verses inscribed on his boots.
Spain's run to its first semifinal since winning the 2010 title has been powered by Mikel Merino's late goals in back-to-back knockout matches, while Argentina needed extra time to get past Switzerland, with Julián Álvarez's 112th-minute strike proving decisive.
With the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, this week's semifinals will determine which two of these faith-forward teams play for the trophy - and which two meet in Saturday's third-place match in Miami.
