World Cup drives economic boom, inspires future US Soccer talent
Brian Kilmeade presents data on the World Cup boom, showcasing record viewership and significant economic surges in host cities. Alan Rothenberg, founder of Major League Soccer, emphasizes the tournament’s success and the emerging young talent in U.S. Soccer. Rothenberg believes this momentum will inspire a new generation of players, solidifying the sport’s growth and competitive future in the United States.
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In the heart of Texas, two countries will battle for a spot in the World Cup Final on Tuesday afternoon.
France and Spain, two premier programs who have been dominating their way through competition, meet in the FIFA World Cup semifinals at Dallas Stadium in Arlington hoping to punch their ticket to play at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
It’s two of the most successful squads in World Cup history, and it seems almost a shame they won’t be competing for the World Cup trophy. But that’s how great the competition has been, as these two European rivals go head-to-head in the penultimate step to glory.
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France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal will square off in the World Cup semifinals in Dallas to determine which country will have a shot at hoisting the World Cup trophy on July 19. (GETTY)
For Spain, conceding their first goal of the entire tournament – yes, you’re reading that correctly – did little to faze them in the quarterfinals. Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere was able to find the back of Unai Simón’s net to become the only player to do so thus far in the World Cup, but Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute goal was the decider in this 2-1 victory for Spain.
It has been impressive what the Spanish have done since their start in Group H against Cabo Verde turned heads following a 0-0 draw. But they’ve run through their competition ever since, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on the way to the round of 32, where a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria pushed them on.
WATCH FRANCE VS SPAIN SEMIFINAL
From there, it was a 1-0 win over Portugal, where Merino’s goal in stoppage time ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup run. Then, it was on to Belgium, which took down Team USA in the round of 16, where they once again controlled pace of play and got the timely goals necessary to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates after the match in Arlington, Texas. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Spain wants to get back to the World Cup Final, where they won it all in 2010. But their opponent has some unfinished business from 2022, and they look virtually unstoppable in recent tournaments.
France, which fell to Argentina in the World Cup Final four years ago, is looking to reach its third straight final after doing so in 2018, a win over Croatia, and in 2022. And head coach Didier Deschamps knows he has the team to beat someone like Spain.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
Led by Golden Boot frontrunner Kylian Mbappé, France has been showing why many believe them to be the favorite even before the tournament began. They controlled the entire match against Morocco, sending them home with a 2-0 quarterfinal win, and the others before that were simply trying to hang on.
It isn’t just Mbappé who deserves all the praise, though. Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and more have simply pestered country after country, possessing the ball well and finding all types of angles to strike on goal.
Could they do it against a Spanish squad that also thrives with possession and suffocates any attack? It’ll be quite the start to the semifinals at the World Cup, and it’s all on FOX.
Here’s how to watch the game, including start time, TV information and streaming options.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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How to watch France vs Spain:
When: Tuesday, July 14 at 3 p.m. ET
Where : Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: FOX
Stream : Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports
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