France Book Semi-Final Spot With Clinical Display Against Morocco
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals delivered edge-of-the-seat drama as France became the first team to secure a semi-final berth with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco on July 9 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the show once again, scoring one goal and setting up another for Ousmane Dembélé as Les Bleus demonstrated why they remain the team to beat in this tournament.
France controlled the tempo from the opening whistle. Despite missing an early penalty, Mbappé redeemed himself with a moment of brilliance, slotting home a composed finish before turning provider for Dembélé’s clinical strike. The result eliminates the final African nation from the competition and keeps France on track for what would be their third consecutive World Cup final appearance — a record that would cement this generation’s place in football history.
Spain vs Belgium: A Quarterfinal for the Ages
All eyes were on Los Angeles Stadium on July 10 as European champions Spain squared off against a resilient Belgium side in what promised to be the most tactically intriguing match of the quarterfinal round. Spain, featuring teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, came into the match as narrow favorites, but Belgium — buoyed by millions of new supporters following their dramatic round-of-16 victory over the United States — had momentum and belief on their side.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to the Belgium starting lineup alongside Jeremy Doku, giving the Red Devils a potent attacking threat on the counter. Spain, meanwhile, looked to their trademark possession game to break down a well-organized Belgian defense. The winner would earn the right to face France in the semi-finals — a mouthwatering prospect for neutrals and a daunting challenge for whichever team advanced.
England Face Norwegian Test in Miami
Saturday July 11 sees England take on Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in what promises to be one of the most open quarterfinal clashes of the tournament. England, making their 11th World Cup quarterfinal appearance, are the statistically favored side — Opta’s supercomputer gives them a 50.4% win probability across 25,000 simulations. But Norway, led by the formidable Erling Haaland, represent a genuine step into new territory for a nation that has never progressed this far in the competition.
Harry Kane leads the line for England, with Jude Bellingham pulling the strings in midfield. The Three Lions have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament but have also struggled with consistency. Norway will look to exploit any defensive lapses through Haaland’s devastating pace and power. The winner books a semi-final date with either Argentina or Switzerland.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Defending Champions Face Resilient Opponents
The final quarterfinal sees defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City on July 12. Switzerland advanced past Colombia on penalties in a dramatic round-of-16 encounter and will be full of confidence. Argentina, ranked first in the FIFA World Rankings, remain the tournament favorites alongside France, but have shown vulnerabilities that Switzerland will be eager to exploit.
Lionel Messi may have passed the torch to a new generation of Argentine talent, but the Albiceleste’s tournament experience and tactical discipline make them a formidable opponent for any side. Switzerland’s organized defense and set-piece threat could cause problems, but Argentina’s quality in the final third should see them through if they perform to their potential.
What’s at Stake: Semi-Final Showdowns Loom
The four quarterfinal winners will advance to face each other in the semi-finals, with France already waiting in the wings. The tournament has already produced memorable moments — from the USA’s dramatic exit at Belgium’s hands to France’s clinical dismantling of Morocco. With three more quarterfinals to be decided, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining editions in history.
The expanded 48-team format has delivered drama across every round, with underdogs pushing traditional powerhouses to their limits. As the competition narrows to the final four, every match carries enormous weight. One slip, one moment of brilliance, one refereeing decision — and a nation’s World Cup dream could be over.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Schedule:
July 11 — Norway vs England (Miami, 5:00 PM ET)
July 12 — Argentina vs Switzerland (Kansas City, 9:00 AM ET)
The semi-finals are set to be played mid-week, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With France already through, the race for the remaining three semi-final spots promises edge-of-the-seat entertainment for football fans worldwide.
Stay tuned to MK Sports for comprehensive World Cup 2026 coverage, expert analysis, and the latest betting odds on every match. Whether you’re backing France to complete their dynasty, England to end decades of hurt, or an outsider to shock the world, MK Sports has the markets and insights you need.