World Cup drives economic boom, inspires future American soccer talent
Brian Kilmeade presents data on the World Cup boom, showing record viewing figures and significant economic increases in the host cities. Alan Rothenberg, founder of Major League Soccer, emphasizes the success of the tournament and the new young talent in American soccer. Rothenberg believes that this momentum will inspire a new generation of players, fueling the sport’s growth and competitive future in the United States.
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In the heart of Texas, two countries will fight for a place in the World Cup final on Tuesday afternoon.
France and Spain, two premier programs that have dominated their way through the competition, will meet in the FIFA World Cup semifinals at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington in hopes of punching their ticket to play at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
These are two of the most successful teams in World Cup history and it almost seems a shame that they won’t be competing for the World Cup trophy. But such has been the competition as these two European rivals go head-to-head in the penultimate stage for glory.
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France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal will square off in the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas to decide which country has a chance to lift the World Cup trophy on 19 July. (GETTY)
For Spain, it did very little to concede their first goal of the entire tournament – yes, you read that right – in the quarter-finals. Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere was able to find the back of Unai Simón’s net to become the only player to do so so far at the World Cup, but Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute goal was decisive in this 2-1 win for Spain.
It has been impressive what the Spaniards have done since their Group H opener against Cabo Verde turned heads after a 0-0 draw. But they have cruised through their competition ever since, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on their way to the last 16, where a decisive 3-0 win over Austria pushed them through.
WATCH SEMI-FINALS OF FRANCE VS SPAIN
From there it was a 1-0 victory over Portugal, with Merino’s stoppage-time goal ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup run. Then it was on to Belgium, who took down Team USA in the Round of 16, where they once again controlled the pace of play and got the goals they needed to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates after the match in Arlington, Texas. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Spain want to return to the World Cup finals, where they won it all in 2010. But their opponents have some unfinished business from 2022 and they look almost unstoppable in recent tournaments.
France, who fell to Argentina in the World Cup final four years ago, look set to reach their third consecutive final after doing so in 2018, a win over Croatia and in 2022. And head coach Didier Deschamps knows he has the squad to beat the likes of Spain.
WATCH THE WC FINAL ON FOX ONE
Led by Golden Boot front-runner Kylian Mbappé, France have shown why many believe they are the favourites, even before the tournament began. They controlled the entire game against Morocco and sent them home with a 2-0 quarter-final win, and the others before that simply tried to hang on.
However, it is not just Mbappé who deserves all the praise. Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and more have simply tormented country after country, possessing the ball well and finding all types of angles to hit on goal.
Could they do it against a Spanish side who also thrive in possession and stifle any attack? It’s going to be a great start to the semifinals at the World Cup, and it’s all on FOX.
How to watch the game, including kick-off time, TV information and streaming options.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring his team’s 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 14 July at 15 A.M
Where: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: FOX
Stream : Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports
