France vs. Spain: It promises to be epic, and heartbreaking for whoever loses. But at least one eminently likable star will find his way to Sunday's final as a result.
France vs. Spain. Kylian Mbappé vs. Yamine Lamal. The tournament's best front four vs. the tournament's best-possessing team.
After two days of no soccer, the 2026 World Cup resumes Tuesday afternoon with a semifinal match that could be a final (and might have been had the brackets been arranged differently, though this is what the organizers had in mind opposite Argentina-England on Wednesday).
While I'm still forecasting France to advance, I'm openly worried for Les Blues. Spain has let in just a single goal all tournament, and they're getting clutch late goals to advance. It should be tense and amazing.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Canada 1, South Africa 0
Monday, June 29
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Paraguay 1(4), Germany 1(3)
Morocco 1(3), Netherlands 1(2)
Tuesday, June 30
Norway 2, Côte d'Ivoire1
France 3, Sweden 0
Mexico 2, Ecuador 0
Wednesday, July 1
England 2, DR Congo 1
Belgium 3, Senegal 2
United States2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Thursday, July 2
Spain 3, Austria 0
Portugal 2, Croatia 1
Switzerland 2, Algeria 0
Friday, July 3
Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2
Colombia 1, Ghana 0
Egypt 1(4), Australia 1(2)
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0
Sunday, July 5
Norway 2, Brazil 1
England 3, Mexico 2
Monday, July 6
Spain 1, Portugal 0
Belgium 4, United States 1
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina 3, Egypt 2
Switzerland 0(4), Colombia 0(3)
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
France 2, Morocco 0
Friday, July 10
Spain 2, Belgium 1
Saturday, July 11
England 2, Norway 1
Argentina 3, Switzerland 1
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Francevs. Spain, 2 pm, Jerryworld
Wednesday, July 15
England vs. Argentina, 2 pm, Atlanta
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
France-Spain loser vs. Argentina-England loser, 4 pm, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Final
Sunday, July 19
France-Spain winner vs. Argentina-England winner, 2 pm, East Rutherford, N.J.
Where to watch
I'm just going to keep promoting Justine's (4710 E. 5th) for France games. It's a singularly fun and elevated experience even if you're not rooting for France. (But don't come there in Spain gear to soil the mood. Spain fans have Lou's on Barton Springs, 1608 Barton Springs Road, as its watch headquarters.) Also, if you're thinking about Inn Cahoots (1221 E. 6th) or any other outdoor watch party set-up, check the weather first — flood watches are in effect this morning, as it's expected to rain through the first half.
What to read
"Lamine Yamal turned 19 on Monday with diamonds around his neck, mischief in the family and the biggest match of his life ahead but the Spain forward's clearest message before the World Cup semi-final against France was not about goals, gifts or fame." That's quite the start for this Reuters profile; you can't help but like the young Spanish star.
That said, here's a more sobering read on Mbappé and the racism he and other players on the wonderfully diverse French team face from less enlightened pockets of L'Hexagone.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
France vs. Spain. Kylian Mbappé vs. Yamine Lamal. The tournament's best front four vs. the tournament's best-possessing team.
After two days of no soccer, the 2026 World Cup resumes Tuesday afternoon with a semifinal match that could be a final (and might have been had the brackets been arranged differently, though this is what the organizers had in mind opposite Argentina-England on Wednesday).
While I'm still forecasting France to advance, I'm openly worried for Les Blues. Spain has let in just a single goal all tournament, and they're getting clutch late goals to advance. It should be tense and amazing.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Sunday, July 5
Monday, July 6
Tuesday, July 7
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
Final
Sunday, July 19
Where to watch
I'm just going to keep promoting Justine's (4710 E. 5th) for France games. It's a singularly fun and elevated experience even if you're not rooting for France. (But don't come there in Spain gear to soil the mood. Spain fans have Lou's on Barton Springs, 1608 Barton Springs Road, as its watch headquarters.) Also, if you're thinking about Inn Cahoots (1221 E. 6th) or any other outdoor watch party set-up, check the weather first — flood watches are in effect this morning, as it's expected to rain through the first half.
What to read
"Lamine Yamal turned 19 on Monday with diamonds around his neck, mischief in the family and the biggest match of his life ahead but the Spain forward's clearest message before the World Cup semi-final against France was not about goals, gifts or fame." That's quite the start for this Reuters profile; you can't help but like the young Spanish star.
That said, here's a more sobering read on Mbappé and the racism he and other players on the wonderfully diverse French team face from less enlightened pockets of L'Hexagone.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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