World Cup spurs economic growth and inspires future American soccer talent
Brian Kilmeade presents data on the World Cup boom, highlighting record viewership and significant economic boosts in host cities. Alan Rothenberg, founder of Major League Soccer, highlights the success of the tournament and the emergence of young talent in American soccer. Rothenberg believes this momentum will inspire a new generation of players, solidifying the growth and competitive future of the sport in the United States.
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In the heart of Texas, two countries will face off Tuesday afternoon for a place in the World Cup final.
France and Spain, two top programs that have dominated the competition, meet in the FIFA World Cup semifinals at Dallas Stadium in Arlington in hopes of punching their ticket to play at 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 that’s how great the competition was, as these two European rivals face off in the penultimate stage towards glory.
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France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal will face off in the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas to determine which country has a chance of lifting the World Cup trophy on July 19. (GETTY)
For Spain, conceding their first goal of the entire tournament – yes, you read that correctly – did little to deter them in the quarter-finals. Belgian Charles De Ketelaere managed to find the back of Unai Simón’s net and became the only player to do so so far in the World Cup, but Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute goal was decisive in Spain’s 2-1 victory.
What the Spaniards have done since their Group H debut against Cape Verde has been impressive and has turned heads after a 0-0 draw. But since then they have cruised through their competition, beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before reaching the last 16, where a decisive 3-0 win over Austria pushed them through.
WATCH FRANCE VS SPAIN SEMI-FINAL
From there, it was a 1-0 win over Portugal, where Merino’s stoppage-time goal ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup run. Next it was Belgium, who defeated the American team in the round of 16, where they once again controlled the pace of the game and scored the timely goals needed to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates after the match in Arlington, Texas. (Jérôme Miron/Imagn Images)
Spain wants to return to the World Cup final, where it won everything in 2010. But its opponent still has tasks to complete in 2022 and has seemed virtually unstoppable in recent tournaments.
France, who fell to Argentina in the World Cup final four years ago, are looking to reach their third consecutive final after doing so in 2018, a victory 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 favorite Kylian Mbappé, France showed why many considered them the favorites before the tournament even began. They controlled the entire match against Morocco, sending them home with a 2-0 win in the quarter-final, while the others before that were just trying to hang on.
But Mbappé is not the only one to deserve all this praise. Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and many others simply harassed country after country, possessing the ball well and finding all types of angles to strike at goal.
Could they do it against a Spanish side who also thrive on possession and stifle any attack? It’ll be quite a start to the World Cup semi-finals, 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 team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal 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
Television: FOX
Stream: Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports
