The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to Dallas Stadium for one final match: France-Spain. It’s a rematch of the 2024 Euros Semifinal. Spain beat France 2-1; teenage superstar Lamine Yamal scored, and Spain went on to win the tournament against England. Their 2026 World Cup path could be a repeat if Eng land can defeat Norway and then likely Argentina. The French fever is already being felt across North Texas. At Alliance Française de Dallas, a French school, kids are singing, and there are touches of France everywhere. “We teach French and do events,” said Angel Jimenez, Executive Assistant. Right now, the energy is bubbling for the World Cup. The school has been co-hosting watch parties throughout the tournament. So has Hendy’s on Henderson. “We have been thinking about it since the beginning. We know we will have a semi-final here in Dallas. But we didn’t know if France will be playing in Dallas,” Alexandre Rossignol, Alliance Française de Dallas executive director, said. “The third time they are in a row, they reach for the semi-finals, and we won twice, so we will win,” Eric Nega, exam coordinator teacher, said. The game is Tuesday, July 14 at 2 p.m. July 14 also happens to be Bastille Day, the French national holiday commemorating the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. Typically, it’s celebrated with a parade along the Champs Élysées and fireworks, so we’ll see if the national team can display some fireworks on the pitch in Arlington. “Bastille Day Soiree. Okay, it always sounds fancier in French, too, when you say it,” Rossignol said. “I think it’s a sign we’re gonna win this World Cup.” To celebrate Bastille Day after the match Tuesday, you can join the annual Bishop Bastille Walk in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District. Your ticket includes access to participating businesses offering wine, cocktails, mocktails, small bites, treats, restaurant specials and shopping perks. At check-in, you’ll receive a wine glass and a Bastille passport and map to guide you through the district. “Alles les blues!” Nega said. With a win, France would join Brazil and Germany as the only nations to reach three straight finals. France won 4-2 over Croatia in 2018 before losing to Argentina in 2022. France has yet to lose in this tournament and has only conceded two goals, both in the group stage. Mbappe has 8 goals so far this tournament as he seeks to add to his astonishing totals at just 27 years old. Only Lionel Messi (21) has more than Mbappe’s 20 in 20 games. What to know about France Nickname: “Les Bleus” Colors: Blue, white, red FIFA World Ranking: 1 World Cup appearances: 17 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) Best finish: Champion (1998, 2018) Population: 66.8 million Click here to read more on this report from our partners at The Dallas Morning News. Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles Friday to seal their spot in the semis. Substitute Arsenal striker Mikel Merino scored late in the game to give them the lead. Friday was Spain’s first goal conceded of the tournament; Merino also scored a late winner against Portugal. Yamal only has one goal this tournament, but he’s often been guarded with two or three defenders, and his teammates and coaches say they’re quite satisfied with his overall tournament performance, which began with limited playing time in the group matches while he returned from a hamstring injury incurred in April with Barcelona. Spain won its only World Cup in 2010. They’ve only reached the last four twice: 1950 and 2010. This is their first time past the Round of 16 since winning the tournament. The only previous World Cup meeting between Spain and France was the Round of 16 in Germany 2006; France won 3-1, before eventually falling to Italy in the final. The winner of this game heads to the final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. The loser will head to the third-place game in Miami on Saturday. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less