And then there were four.
After what’s been a tremendous World Cup, we’re finally in the semifinals.
When the draw was held in December, this was the dream scenario FIFA had in mind: France vs. Spain in Arlington on Tuesday, followed by Argentina vs. England in Atlanta on Wednesday. Spain, in search of their first championship game appearance since winning the 2010 edition of the tournament, will look to stop France from becoming just the third country (West Germany, 1982, 1986, 1990; Brazil, 1994, 1998, 2002) to make three straight finals.
Whatever the result of Tuesday’s match, expect an absolute barnburner at AT&T Stadium. It’s going to be hard to top Lamine Yamal v. Kylian Mbappé. That is, until Wednesday, when Lionel Messi and Harry Kane meet. Not bad.
France vs. Spain, 3 p.m ET, Arlington
How France got to the semifinal
France has looked like the best team in the field for a while. In fact, it hasn’t conceded in the knockout round, outscoring opponents 8-0 in three matches. Les Bleus‘s toughest encounter was their Round of 16 win over Paraguay, decided by Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in the 70th minute. Though France beat Morocco by a 2-0 scoreline in the quarterfinals, the scoreline clearly flattered the Atlas Lions, who saw Yassine Bounou make eight stops in goal.
How Spain got to the semifinal
Spain needed to leave it late for a second straight match to get past Belgium in the quarterfinal. After Fabián Ruiz scored in the 30th minute, Charles De Ketelaere leveled it in the 41st minute before Mikel Merino’s winner in the 88th. It wasn’t quite the stoppage-time goal he scored in the Round of 16 against Portugal, but Merino’s developed a knack for heroics during the knockout stage.
Where to watch Spain vs. France
FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Metro Atlanta World Cup festivities are carrying on all throughout the tournament. Here’s a list of places you can watch all the World Cup action, along with a map.
If you’re headed to Atlanta to see July 15’s semifinal in person, check out our World Cup guide, which gives you information on where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, along with how to get around using MARTA.