2026 World Cup Quarterfinals: Spain Edge Belgium, France Power Through as Semifinals Beckon
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its knockout crescendo, with two blockbuster quarterfinal matchdays delivering drama, quality, and unforgettable moments across North America. As of July 12, four teams have punched their tickets to the semifinals, while the remaining two spots will be decided in Saturday’s mouthwatering clashes between Norway and England, and Argentina against Switzerland.
With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first 48-team World Cup in history — the expanded format has produced a knockout stage that feels both fresh and fiercely competitive. Here is your complete breakdown of where things stand.
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Merino the Hero Again
In one of the tournament’s finest matches to date, Spain edged past a dangerous Belgium side 2-1 in the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box, becoming the youngest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history.
Belgium responded through Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning equalizer just after the hour mark, but substitute Mikel Merino — who scored a crucial late winner for Spain at Euro 2024 — repeated the trick on the biggest stage. His 82nd-minute header from a Dani Olmo cross sent the Spanish fans into delirium and ended Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten run.
Spain, who have now gone an astonishing 37 matches without defeat since March 2023, will face France in a mouthwatering semifinal on Tuesday, July 14 at the Dallas Stadium.
France 2-0 Morocco: Les Bleus March On
Defending champions France showed their class with a composed 2-0 victory over Morocco, setting up a blockbuster semifinal against Spain. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a trademark burst of pace in the 28th minute, latching onto a through ball from Antoine Griezmann before slotting past the goalkeeper.
Marcus Thuram doubled the lead early in the second half, and despite Morocco pushing forward in search of a way back, France’s defensive unit — marshalled by the experienced Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté — held firm. The result extends France’s incredible record in World Cup knockout matches under head coach Didier Deschamps.
Quarterfinal Saturday: England vs Norway & Argentina vs Switzerland
Saturday, July 11, sees two fascinating quarterfinal matchups that will complete the semifinal lineup. England enter their clash with Norway as favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, but Erling Haaland’s Norway have been the surprise package of the tournament. Haaland has scored five goals so far and looks every bit the world-class striker who terrorised Premier League defences.
The England camp has injury concerns, with Harry Kane carrying a minor knock and Bukayo Saka’s fitness being managed carefully. Gareth Southgate’s side have shown resilience but have yet to hit full flow in the knockout rounds.
Later on Saturday, defending champions Argentina face a stern test against Switzerland. Lionel Messi, playing in what could be his final World Cup, has been at his playmaking best, while Julián Álvarez has provided the goals. Switzerland, however, have been disciplined and dangerous on the counter — they eliminated Germany in the Round of 32 and will not be intimidated.
Semifinal Lineup Taking Shape
The confirmed semifinal matches so far:
France vs Spain — Tuesday, July 14, 19:00 GMT — Dallas Stadium
Norway/England vs Argentina/Switzerland — Wednesday, July 15, 19:00 GMT — Atlanta Stadium
The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — home of the 2026 FIFA World Cup showpiece event.
Betting Insights: Where the Value Lies
France are the bookmakers’ narrow favourites at this stage, but Spain’s 37-match unbeaten run makes them extremely difficult to oppose. England remain popular with punters given their deep squad, while Argentina’s tournament experience cannot be discounted.
For bettors looking at the semifinal matchups, Spain vs France offers fascinating angles — both teams possess world-class midfielders and clinical finishers. The value may lie in backing Spain to continue their remarkable run, or in the over/under markets given the attacking talent on display.
Norway vs England is an intriguing clash of styles. Haaland’s goal-scoring form makes Norway a dangerous opponent, while England’s depth across the pitch gives them multiple pathways to victory. The both-teams-to-score market looks appealing here.
Broadcast and Viewing Information
All remaining World Cup matches are being broadcast globally through official FIFA broadcast partners. In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo have comprehensive coverage. UK viewers can watch on the BBC and ITV, while Canadian fans are covered by CTV and TSN.
With four matches remaining in the tournament — two semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the final — the 2026 World Cup is building toward a spectacular conclusion. Whether you are backing France’s efficiency, Spain’s unbeaten streak, or hoping for a fairy-tale Argentina farewell, the next week promises unmissable football.
Stay tuned to MK Sports for the latest World Cup 2026 news, expert predictions, and in-depth match analysis throughout the knockout stages.