The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final line-up was finalised on Wednesday after the last quarter-final matches concluded across North American host cities. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, now moves toward its climax.

The knockout rounds have already produced marquee ties, including a round-of-16 meeting between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium. FIFA confirmed record attendances through the earlier stages, with the expanded 48-team format drawing large crowds to venues across the three host nations.

Organisers said the semi-finals would be staged at flagship stadiums in the coming days, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly described the 2026 edition as the most-attended World Cup in history.

The surviving nations now face a compressed schedule and the challenge of managing player fatigue during North America's summer heat. Team medical staff and coaches have raised concerns about midday kick-off times, according to statements from several national football federations.

A FIFA spokesperson said the governing body would continue to monitor conditions and player welfare throughout the remaining fixtures, adding that scheduling decisions balanced broadcast demands with competitive fairness.