Today's World Cup Matches, 7/14: Schedule, Players To Watch & Key Storylines
We’re now into the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s time to preview the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features the semifinal matchup between France and Spain. Let’s break down today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know for Tuesday, July 14th.
Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 7/14
The semifinals get underway on the World Cup schedule today. Spain takes on France in a showdown of top European squads. The match kicks off at 3 pm ET from AT&T Stadium in Dallas. You can watch the World Cup matches today on FOX and Telemundo, or stream on FOX One. Which country will punch its ticket to the World Cup final on Sunday?
Best World Cup Match To Watch Today
The World Cup matches today feature only one game, but it’s definitely worth tuning into. Spain and France face off with a World Cup final berth on the line. This is a heavyweight matchup between two of the top teams in the world rankings, with France at No. 1 and Spain at No. 3.
We just saw this matchup in last year’s Nations League semifinal, with Spain edging out a 5-4 victory in a high-scoring thriller. Could we see another goalfest in this rematch? It’s certainly possible with France and Spain combining for 27 goals in the tournament so far. However, both defenses have looked strong with only 3 total goals allowed between them.
The winner of this semifinal would likely be the favorite to win the final over either England or Argentina as well. It sets up to be a tightly contested showdown with exciting goal-scorers and playmakers on both sides. Enjoy!
Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches
The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. Lamine Yamal headlines Spain’s attack as one of the most exciting attackers in the world. He only has 1 goal in the tournament so far, but he’s always a threat to score multiple times. Mikel Oyarzabal also leads the Spanish offense with a team-high 4 goals.
In the midfield, Pedri and Rodri anchor Spain’s elite ability to control possession. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Unai Simon has been a brick wall. He posted 5 straight clean sheets to set a World Cup record before finally allowing a goal in the quarterfinals.
On the other side of today’s World Cup matches, Kylian Mbappe leads the way for France’s potent attack. His 8 goals are tied with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, and he’s added 3 assists as well. Ousmane Dembele (5 goals, 2 assists) and Michael Olise (5 assists) also headline the French offense. Don’t sleep on Desire Doué or Bradley Barcola finding the back of the net as well.
Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches
As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. France continues its quest to avenge the loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final. The 2018 champions can also join rare company with a win in this semifinal. The French can become just the third team ever to make 3 straight World Cup title games, joining Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002) and West Germany (1982, 1986, 1990).
Of course, Kylian Mbappe is a major storyline himself. The French superstar has scored 8 goals in the tournament, which is tied with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. He’s also now at 20 career World Cup goals, which is one behind Messi all-time. Will Mbappe add to his totals with another goal against Spain?
Meanwhile, Spain is looking to return to the World Cup final for the first time since winning it all in 2010. This is also just the second time ever that the Spaniards have reached the semifinals.
World Cup Odds Today at DraftKings Sportsbook
Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks.
- Odds To Advance: France -155 | Spain +125
- Moneyline: France +135 | Draw +220 | Spain +220
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-115) | Under 2.5 (-105)
What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament
The tournament’s knockout rounds continue in the World Cup matches today. We’re now into the semifinals, with a World Cup Final appearance up for grabs. The winner of France vs. Spain faces the winner of England vs. Argentina next. That World Cup Final match is scheduled for Sunday, July 19th.
Meanwhile, the loser of this semifinal also has another game to play. The third-place match will take place on Saturday, July 18th, against the loser of the England vs. Argentina match.
