new world champion

FIFA World Cup's last games: When to watch the semifinal, third-place match, and final


After more than a month of thrilling action across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, soccer fans now have four powerhouse nations battling for the sport's biggest prize


(L-R) Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane of England, and Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Leandro Paredes, and Julian Alvarez of Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina© FIFA via Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JULY 14, 2026 10:00 AM EDT

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final stretch, with just three matches left before a new world champion is crowned. After more than a month of thrilling action across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, soccer fans now have four powerhouse nations battling for the sport's biggest prize.

The remaining schedule features two blockbuster semifinals, followed by the third-place playoff and the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Final. Here's everything you need to know about when to watch the tournament's last three games.

Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain points at the bis scoreboard while his brother Keyne is on the screen after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match© Getty Images
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain points at the bis scoreboard while his brother Keyne is on the screen after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match

FIFA World Cup Last Three Games Schedule

First Semifinal: France vs. Spain

(L-R) Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Mike Maignan, and Ousmane Dembele of France, and Lamine Yamal, Unai Simon, Fabian Ruiz, and Rodri of Spain, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain© FIFA via Getty Images
(L-R) Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Mike Maignan, and Ousmane Dembele of France, and Lamine Yamal, Unai Simon, Fabian Ruiz, and Rodri of Spain, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain
  • Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

The first semifinal features two European giants with championship pedigrees. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, takes on Spain in a match that many fans believe could have easily been the final. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament and entered the semifinal unbeaten, as reported by AP News.

Second Semifinal: England vs. Argentina

(L-R) Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane of England, and Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Leandro Paredes, and Julian Alvarez of Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina© FIFA via Getty Images
(L-R) Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane of England, and Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Leandro Paredes, and Julian Alvarez of Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina
  • Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
  • Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

One day later, defending champion Argentina faces England in another heavyweight showdown. Lionel Messi is aiming to guide Argentina back to another World Cup final, while England is chasing its first men's World Cup title since 1966.

When Is the FIFA World Cup Third-Place Match?

The losing teams from the two semifinals will meet in the third-place playoff.

  • Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
  • Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET

Although it doesn't determine the champion, the third-place match gives teams one final opportunity to finish the tournament on a high note and earn a medal, according to FIFA.

From left, Cruz Beckham, his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, Harper Beckham, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, above him Romeo Beckham, celebrate the victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final football match between Norway and England© Getty Images
From left, Cruz Beckham, his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, Harper Beckham, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, above him Romeo Beckham, celebrate the victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final football match between Norway and England

When Is the FIFA World Cup Final?

The biggest match in international soccer takes place one day later.

  • Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
  • Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The winners of the two semifinals will battle for the FIFA World Cup trophy in front of a global audience expected to reach billions of viewers. The 2026 final marks the conclusion of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, 2026, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.© Global Citizen
Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, 2026, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

During the match, FIFA will also introduce a halftime performance headlined by Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS.

How to Watch the FIFA World Cup Final Matches

Fans in the United States can watch the remaining matches live on Telemundo and FOX, with streaming options available through participating TV providers and supported streaming platforms. International broadcast options vary by country, with FIFA's official match schedule providing local viewing information. 

This year's tournament has already delivered memorable upsets, dramatic penalty shootouts, and standout performances from some of the world's biggest stars. Now, only four teams remain with hopes of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland© Getty Images
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland

The semifinal winners will advance to the championship match, while the losing sides will compete for third place. By Sunday evening, one nation will add another World Cup title to its history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many games are left in the FIFA World Cup?

There are four matches remaining in total: two semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the FIFA World Cup Final. 

When is the FIFA World Cup Final?

The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Where is the FIFA World Cup Final being played?

The championship match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Who plays in the third-place match?

The third-place playoff features the two teams that lose in the semifinal round. It takes place on Saturday, July 18.