The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are here, and two of soccer's biggest powers will battle for a place in the final.
France, the 2018 World Cup champions, may enter the match as slight favorites, but Les Bleus know they can afford no mistakes against a Spain side that topped its group and defeated Portugal and Belgium to reach the semifinals.
Luis de la Fuente's team also boasts the tournament's best defense, conceding just one goal so far, and will provide the toughest test yet for France's star-studded attack.
France's attack has been just as impressive, scoring 16 goals in the tournament—second only to Argentina's 17. Spain, meanwhile, ranks third with 11 goals.
This also marks the third straight World Cup in which France has reached at least the semifinals, having won the title in 2018 before finishing as runner-up to Lionel Messi's Argentina in 2022.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters - David Butler Ii
For Spain, this is its first World Cup semifinal since winning the tournament in 2010. La Roja had not advanced beyond the Round of 16 in any World Cup since then, making this run another major achievement for the reigning European champions.
Referee and VAR Officials for France vs. Spain Semifinal
Iván Barton of El Salvador will serve as the head referee for the World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.
Barton made headlines earlier in the 2026 World Cup after issuing a historic red card to Paraguay's Miguel Almirón for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
MORE: Inside Referee Iván Barton’s Controversial History
The semifinal will be Barton's fourth match of the tournament after officiating three previous games, including the Round of 16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia.
The 34-year-old primarily officiates in El Salvador's Primera División and CONCACAF competitions.
- Head Referee — Iván Barton (El Salvador)
- Assistant Referee 1 — David Morán (El Salvador)
- Assistant Referee 2 — Antonio Pupiro (Nicaragua / El Salvador)
- Fourth Official — Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
- Reserve Assistant Referee — Mahbod Beigi (Sweden)
- Lead VAR — Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland)
- Assistant VAR — Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
- Support VAR — Guillermo Pacheco (Mexico)
