Embodiments of the present invention prevent the occurrence of rapid or intense self-ignition of fuel in an internal combustion engine that performs diesel combustion using a fuel having a relatively high self-ignition temperature. Pre-combustion is brought about by spark ignition during the compression stroke. Thereafter, main injection by an in-cylinder injection valve is performed before the top dead center of the compression stroke. In consequence, combustion of the fuel injected by the main injection is started by flame generated by the pre-combustion, and self-ignition and diffusion combustion of fuel occurs subsequently. Moreover, in at least a part of the operation range of the internal combustion engine, middle injection is performed at a time after the spark ignition of the pre-injected fuel and before the main injection. The fuel injected by the middle injection is burned by propagation of flame.