Dramatic Quarterfinal Round Sets Up Blockbuster Semifinals
The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered one of the most entertaining quarterfinal rounds in memory, as France, Spain, England, and defending champions Argentina all booked their places in the semifinals. A total of 11 goals were scored across four knockout matches, with two games needing extra time to separate the sides.
With the semifinal matchups now set, football fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable climax to a tournament that has already delivered moments of sheer magic.
Jude Bellingham the Hero Again as England Edge Past Norway
In the most dramatic match of the round, England secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, in front of a sell-out crowd of 64,478.
The match was played in brutal conditions, with a kickoff temperature of 90°F and a heat index of 108°F. Both teams struggled with the oppressive humidity, but the quality on display was undeniable. Norway struck first through Andreas Schjelderup, whose blistering left-footed strike beat Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute, sending the Norwegian supporters into raptures.
But England’s talisman Jude Bellingham had other ideas. Just before half-time, the Real Madrid superstar produced another moment of brilliance, driving into the box and firing a clinical finish into the corner to level the scores at 1-1. It was the fifth time in the tournament that Norway had scored first, and the fifth time they failed to hold the lead.
Norway thought they had regained the advantage in the second half when Torbjørn Heggem prodded home from a corner, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review showed Erling Haaland had pushed an English defender in the build-up. The tournament’s top scorer, Haaland, was largely kept quiet by England’s defense, managing just one header on target in the entire 120 minutes.
With penalties looming, Bellingham struck again. In the 93rd minute of extra time, a long-range effort from substitute Morgan Rogers was spilled by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, and Bellingham was quickest to react, slotting home his sixth goal of the tournament. Controversy surrounded the first equalizer, with Norway protesting that Nyland’s goal kick had struck an overhead camera cable before falling to an England player, but FIFA confirmed that the ball’s electronic sensor showed no contact was made.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will now face Argentina in the semifinals, a rematch of the 2022 final in Qatar.
Argentina Survive Switzerland Scare in Extra-Time Epic
Defending champions Argentina needed extra time once again to overcome a resilient Switzerland side, eventually prevailing 3-1 in Kansas City. The match followed a familiar pattern for Lionel Scaloni’s team — slow start, dramatic finish.
Switzerland took a shock lead through a well-worked set-piece in the first half, but Argentina grew into the game as it wore on. Lionel Messi, playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, scored his eighth goal of the tournament to bring the scores level, continuing his remarkable run as the tournament’s leading scorer alongside his heir apparent, Julian Alvarez.
Switzerland were reduced to 10 men in the second half after a second yellow card, and Argentina made the numerical advantage count. Two goals in extra time, including a stunning strike from Alexis Mac Allister, sealed the victory and sent the Albiceleste through to their fourth consecutive World Cup semifinal.
France Cruise Past Morocco; Spain Edge Belgium in Classic
France became the first team to book their semifinal place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé continued his outstanding form, scoring and assisting as Les Bleus controlled the match from start to finish. Morocco, the darlings of the 2022 tournament, fought valiantly but could not replicate their semi-final heroics of four years ago.
In the other quarterfinal, Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling encounter in Inglewood, California. Mikel Merino scored his sixth goal of the tournament with a second-half header to break Belgian hearts, after a match that swung back and forth. Spain’s possession-based game eventually wore down a stubborn Belgian side, setting up a fascinating semifinal clash with France.
Semifinal Previews: Two Heavyweight Clashes Await
France vs Spain — Tuesday, July 14, Dallas
In a battle between two of the most technically gifted teams in the world, France and Spain will meet in Dallas for a place in the final. France boast the tournament’s most lethal attack, led by the irrepressible Mbappé, while Spain’s midfield mastery, orchestrated by Pedri and Rodri, has been the cornerstone of their run. It is a clash of styles — France’s explosive counter-attacking versus Spain’s patient possession.
England vs Argentina — Wednesday, July 15, Atlanta
A rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, this semifinal promises to be the most emotionally charged match of the tournament. Argentina defeated England on penalties in Qatar, but this England side, galvanized by the extraordinary form of Jude Bellingham, looks a different proposition entirely. Lionel Messi’s quest to end his World Cup journey with back-to-back titles faces its sternest test yet against a Three Lions squad that has shown remarkable resilience in knockout football.
For the first time in World Cup history, the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all reached the semifinals — a testament to the quality of football on display at this 2026 edition.
Where to Watch and Bet on the World Cup 2026 Semifinals
With the biggest matches of the tournament just days away, fans are already placing their bets and making their predictions. At MK Sports, we offer the most competitive odds on every World Cup 2026 match, including live in-play betting, enhanced accumulators, and exclusive tournament promotions.
Whether you fancy England to finally end 60 years of hurt, Argentina to defend their crown, France to claim a third star, or Spain to return to the summit of world football, MK Sports has the markets and the odds to make every moment even more thrilling.
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